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Help! Buy McIntosh MA252?

Hello. Noobie audiophile here who would appreciate some advice.

I currently enjoy my digital audio music collection from PC --> Integra 20.3 --> B&W 683s.  No complaints but it's time to upgrade.  I'm intrigued by the McIntosh MA252 integrated amp.  Sounded pretty great at the store and the reviews seem to be unanimously positive.  I'd be using a EVGA Nu Pro audio card.  The MA252 will be worth more than my entire current setup, PC included, which begs the question, is it overkill in regards to 1. the speakers and 2. the digital audio source? Will the sound quality really be that much better or am I better off spending my hard earned money elsewhere (speakers, external DAC)?

Thanks in advance for your input and advice!

Daniel
dridel

Showing 6 responses by dridel

dridel OP
15 posts
 
That's a good idea, ejr, I'll ask my local dealer.  Otherwise it's so hard to imagine how each component will end up fitting with your existing setup and whether it makes enough of a difference to justify the cost.  Paying 7-15% restocking fee each time is just not realistic.

Skypunk, in what aspects was the 252 weaker than the Raven and the Pathos?
dridel OP
15 posts
 
Thanks! I will check them out!
dridel OP
15 posts
 
Interesting... Leaning towards getting the MA252. Worst case scenario the dealer has a 10% restocking fee. Thanks!
dridel OP
15 posts
 
Thanks for your input! Great to hear you're enjoying your MA252.  I hope you don't mind if I pick your brain some more.

Can you elaborate why the PC would not be up to par? I am listening to lossless files and would get an internal audio card/DAC (EVGA Nu Pro vs Sound Blaster AE-9).  It seems many people here use Tidal or other streaming services so not sure how a PC is worse than that.  I was more worried about my 683s not being good enough for the MA252.
dridel OP
15 posts
 
Thanks for sharing your experience.  I decided to pull the trigger on the MA252 as well, after borrowing one for a few days. Dramatic improvement describes my own impression too.  I just wrote a post about it here  My MA252 saga | Audiogon Discussion Forum

I'm glad you're enjoying your amp.  BTW are you having an issue with hissing at high volumes? I read somewhere that the newer units have addressed that problem.
dridel OP
15 posts
 

Hey @mervo ! Thanks for sharing your story.  You're not the first person that recommends upgrading to Gold Lions.  I just looked for them and it seems it's out of stock everywhere.

I enjoyed my MA252 for about a year before I had the opportunity to upgrade my 683s to the 702 Signatures.  Then I found out just how power hungry these speakers are.  After some research, I upgraded to a MA352, and boy they make the 702s sing... Then I got a REL S5/SHO (deal was too good to pass).  So now I am on "just enjoy the music" mode and trying to control my G.A.S.

BTW are you using the sub output or the high-level cable from REL?

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