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Atoll v McIntosh v Musical Fidelity v Rega

I am a newbie and the more I read and the more I look, the more indecisive I become. I am looking for an integrated for a primarily two channel system but will be part of a HT system as well. I will be using a Marantz HT receive to power the rears and center. I will be mainly listening to vinyl and some CD. I have or soon to have a Clearaudio Emotion TT and Kirksaeter Prisma 210 for speakers (fronts and rears). I would rather buy new but am not against used as long as it is in excellent shape. I want to stay around $3k. I leaning toward the MF, but the McIntosh MA-6300 looks like a great option as well. Then a friend mentioned looking at the Rega Elicit (not much power though). And yet another mentioned the Atoll. Reading about the Atoll really has me interested. It is hand made in France and has gained some great reviews. It looks good and has plenty of power. But I am more confused as I keep looking.

Please those with experience, offer your suggestions, recommendations, and input.

If anyone has heard the Atoll or really any of the above please offer up your opinions.
sebraasch
coffeey's avatar
coffeey
363 posts
 
also a review in 6 Moons awhile back on a Atoll int. amp and cd player,very through review.just go through archives and you can find it.
sebraasch OP
17 posts
 
I read the review in 6moons which is what turned me onto Atoll. My perception of the review is that it outperformed the MF. I really think I am going with the Atoll. With its features, price, and performance I think it is the right choice.
hasmarto's avatar
hasmarto
162 posts
 
Sebraasch, you won't regret your decision. I don't know what MF amp you have in mind (personally I think they are sterile), in any case Atoll 200 is a terrific peace, and it is very unfair that folks know about it so little. I was auditioning that peace with my friend (for him) and I was blown away by its musicality. After my friend bought it, I got for myself AM200 and PR300 separates :). But, I must say, it requires long break-in time, and it is cable-sensitive.
sebraasch OP
17 posts
 
Hasmarto, Finally someone with experience with the brand. The MF was the 5.5 but I was nervous about the Tiawan build. I also understand Atoll is better if it is isolated. Is that your experience? What cables did you use? Did you change the Power Control?

Thank you so much for taking the time to post.
hasmarto's avatar
hasmarto
162 posts
 
Sebraasch, please keep in mind, whatever I say is just my subjective opinion. The last MF amp I had was A5 integreted, and I hated it. I auditioned at the time Audio Aero, Plinius 9200, Unison Unico Se, and bought the latter. But that's another story. I use Ecosse Myth/Pro silver IC (used). It's expensive, but worth every penny. Try as many silver cables as you can find. My speaker cables are Kimber 8tc biwired, but I'm looking for new ones. Regarding the PC, yes I replaced the stock ones (to be honest they're pretty crappy), and bought Italian HiDimond White Extremo. I didn't play with other PCs. If you have time and options experiment with them, but I don't think it's the matter of importance at this stage.
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