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

@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? 

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.

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.

@jastralfu @oddiofyl - thank you both! I think I'm leaning towards the 8950 right now :) 

My Dad has a MA8950.  It's an awesome Amp.  Sounds great driving Sonus Electa Amator III from the 4 Ohm taps it barely gets warm.  I ran his REL speaker level and it integrates seamlessly 

In the US the 7200 is the MAC 7200 and it's a receiver.   I would go for the 8950, doubt you'd regret it.  Benefits from the newer DA2 card, which is a very good sounding DAC

I have an 8900 and really enjoy it.  Ive not spent anytime with a direct coupled McIntosh amp so I can’t tell you how they compare.  I find my 8900 to be very musical to my ears and plays the music I listen to most often extremely well (classic rock, jazz, alternative rock).  Honestly I think it plays pretty much everything well.  The 252 and 7200 would be a reasonable comparison to get an idea of what the differences are so I would go demo them both.