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 1 response by millercarbon

No, its not overkill. And no, you can do better. For less even. Because your speakers are 90dB sensitivity, which is a bit low by my standards but still fine for one of these https://www.ravenaudio.com/product/nighthawk-mk3-tube-amplifier/ A Nighthawk will satisfy far more than any Mac at any price, and yes its enough power for your speakers.  

Its also the kind of quality that will have you happy for years and years. You'll be upgrading everything else long before you will feel the need for more amp. If indeed you ever do! It is in other words the sort of foundation stone on which a great system can be built.  

What does he mean by that? I can hear you saying. Well let me show you exactly what I mean by that. This is my system, and the Melody amp in it is not the caliber of the Nighthawk. Your amp will be better than mine. Upgrade everything around it, one day here you are: https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/8367