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Am I dreaming?


Ok, I have been building great sounding systems for about 40 years.  Some were modest cost a few were built with some very expensive exclusuve high end brands but all of them were very musical  and enjoyable to listen to.  I have just retired this January and I would like simplfy my system so I am looking for a quality integrated.  However this integrated must have a quality mc phono section and a very high quality built in headphone amp. SS or tube doesn't really matter.  Budget will be determined if there is a acceptable product.  Does this product exist? 
bobheinatz
glupson
7,842 posts
 
Seeing "once you have mac, you never go back" mentioned a few times in one thread, one cannot but wonder if it is better never to have one. It leaves the door open instead of closing it forever.

It does not say why people do not leave McIntosh. Sound must be acceptable, but so are many many more and it is hard to imagine that none of them is ever worth switching to. Maybe something along the lines of the other MacIntosh fan-club. Looks? Coolness factor?

Be it what it is, it seems like a candidate for your requirements.
leemaze
330 posts
 
How about this piece of gear:
http://www.avm-audio.com/products/inspiration/inspiration-cs-22.html

Music Direct has it so you could try it in home.
sdmbdad71
13 posts
 
I own the McIntosh MAC6700, which I believe checks off all of your boxes, and has a decent built in DAC as well. It was just discontinued and was replaced by the MAC7200. 

I find the MC Phono stage to be quite nice and the High Drive headphone section will drive any cans you can think of.

The 6700 typically goes used around $4500, although there is one currently listed here on A'gon for $3700. A new 7200 will set you back $7k.

I'm sure that there are also a few other fine choices as mentioned in this thread.
donvito101
278 posts
 
Check out Yamaha!
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/yamaha-a-s3000-integrated-amplifier/

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-xXMMARHOgn7/shopsearch/yamaha_amplifier.html?XVINQ=SX2&XVVer=YJQ&a...
hedgehog's avatar
hedgehog
185 posts
 
Overall, the McIntosh integrated amps and receivers will give you good sound. The built in DACs and headphone jacks are quite good, but I find the phono stage to be strictly OK. As previously stated, be sure to buy one with the autoformers if you go Mac. 
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