Choose between McIntosh MA9000 used vs MA8950 new


I really need some input! I am trying to upgrade from my starter kit. I just found a used 4-5 years old MA9000, fine condition (except cosmetics), and is comparing to buying a new MA8950. Ma9000 has generous leg room (300 W) with more tone controls, bigger everything, but that was older 2017 technology and already discontinued. Ma8950 is less powerful (200W), but is the latest design, bit better DAC, more dynamic headroom (filter capacity). Now I cannot decide which one to go for. Btw I used streamer as my source most of the time, and driving a b&w 805 d4. Thanks for your help.

randywong

Showing 1 response by bigtex22

Echoing the comments above, I’d get the MA8950:

  • 200 watts plenty
  • Don’t buy cosmetically damaged equipment; difficult to resell
  • 8950 has HDMI input
  • DAC 2 is excellent and replaceable

I own the MA8900 paired with SonusFaber Nova 5s and the setup is excellent in a large room. The DAC 1 is excellent too - just missing the HDMI but I may buy the newer DAC for $1k.