McIntosh MA8950 Upgrade to MA12000?

My Dad has a 8950.  It's a great amp no doubt.   50% more power and tube preamp stage?  Yes please.   

For the cost of the MA12000 I’d seriously consider the MC462 and the C2800 for not too much more money.  Or just get monoblocks  and get the MC611 with the C2800.  If cost is an issue then you could use the 8950 pre with either the 462 or 611 and replace it with the C2800 when you can.  I dont know how far above the cost of the MA12000 your budget goes, but unless space is an issue or you just like the convenience of a one box solution, if you want to future proof your system power wise I’d go for separates.  As far as noticing a difference, from what I understand, yes you would, particularly with separates.  I have an 8900 so I can’t speak from experience of ownership wrt separates but I’ve heard Mc systems and read enough to make me believe you certainly would hear the difference.

FWIW I have heard the MA 12000 multiple times(4 or 5) with different Sonus Faber speakers and the results were outstanding. Whether or not the synergy(Wilson) would equal SF is unknown to me. The idea of the 462 amp is another option but I would mate it with the C 22 the extra power won’t hurt but the SQ could be a sideways move. What the MA 12000 offers is an outstanding organic flow(non mechanical) that is very difficult to achieve with any SS gear. The added bonus is not needing another quality Power Cord or IC. IMO the MA 12000 is the "Star" component in the entire McIntosh line.

I run my wilson audio maxx with mcintosh 12000 tube preamp into  the 1.2kw mono  and I like it. Some audiophile don't like macintosh and wilson combo. I've rotated hegel h30a monoblocks,bryston 28 b3, michi m8, ps bhk 600, ps 1200 and others. Always go back to macintosh.american made with great customer service.would be nice if had brick and morter close by to let you listen.i like monoblocks due to higher ability to handle transients. Enjoy the search.