2. amps-preamps
  3. 192206-196882

current and ex-Sonus faber & McIntosh integrated amp (combo) owners - question for you

Do you drive your sonus faber speakers with a steady-state integrated amp with autoformers or with the direct-coupled integrated amps?

I'd like to buy either the MA8950 or MA352 and while the specifications are available online, to compare, I don't really know what that entails in terms of sound quality :-) 

I'd like to drive the Sonetto VIII G2 with them. My dealer has the MA252 and MA7200 to compare and drove the Sonetto III G2 with them. He doesn't have the other models. For my room, the larger speakers make sense and so I'd like to make an informed decision. I already placed the order for MA352 but I am doubting myself; I do have the option to cancel that and order the MA8950, though. 

I know there are tons of arguments out there on autoformers vs direct-coupled but I really wanted to hear directly from the owners. Thank you. 

nathandfwacoustics
jastralfu's avatar
jastralfu
420 posts
 

I don’t know what your budget is but given the power handling range of the speakers you’re looking at you might consider the MA9500 @ 300 watts.  It also has autoformers like the 8950.  The 352 @ 320 watts @ 4 ohms might be a better match power wise if you can’t swing the 9500.  I have no doubt the 8950 will drive those speakers well but matching or exceeding the max power range of your speaker is a good thing.

fplopes
4 posts
 

I would strongly suggest going for the autoformers one. Search and you will see a lot of negtive feedback on MA352. MA8950 is another ball game. you won’t regret.

nathandfwacoustics OP
7 posts
 

@jastralfu - I hear you about the MA9500 @ 300 watts. $12K is within my budget BUT I am weary about spending so much without first seeing it or hearing it. I'm on the hunt for more dealers now and am awaiting some call-backs to see if they have the MA9500 in-stock for me to demo. It really seems to be a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. Even if I upgrade my speakers in the future, this powerhouse of a unit will light them up, I think. 

@fplopes - I've heard elsewhere that tube-amps and even hybrids, with tubes in the pre-amp section, give out a humming sound - which apparently, isn't a new thing! And people are OK with it :) So, I am sold on the autoformers, I think :)

@oddiofyl MA8950 @200 watts for EA-III is a bit much, isn't it? The website recommends an amp in the 35-125W range. Or are you also saying what @jastralfu is saying - you have more meat up-front to drive your speakers -- the more power, the better ability of the speakers to drive --- music? 

 

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