integrated amp for Wilson Sabrina X


Has anyone heard the McIntosh MA8950 or the Krell K 300i with the Sabrina X 's ?

I'm thinking about purchasing one of these amps, or recommendation any other solid state amp

128x128iuliucra

You have to add Pass and Boulder to the list. I would definitely consider Pass. Listen to both the X series and XA. The XA is much warmer and more natural sounding.

@ghdprentice +1 on adding Pass and Boulder. However the X or XA series are not integrated amps. 
That being said, Pass Int250 or Boulder 866 should definitely be added to the list as well as Gryphon Diablo 300. 

 

I own Wilson Sabrina (original) driven by Pass Labs XA30.8 amplifier. I heard the MA8950 in my system next to the Pass and prefer Pass. But that’s just a matter of taste. If you like McIntosh sound, go for it. 

Just keep in mind member “ghdprentice” has no love for McIntosh equipment. I have heard McIntosh electronics paired many times with Wilson speakers and the sound was always wonderful. 

If you go Mac try the 2ohm taps. The impedance is pretty low at 1.6 ohms. Similar to the dip on my old theils and the 2 ohm tap really helped soften the highs. 
 

also keep in mind if you use the 2ohm taps you might want the model up to get more power as it will lower the output by a 1/3rd I think. Don’t quote me on that. I would have to look it up. 

@audphile1

Oops, you’re right. I missed the integrated part. The OP should definitely listen to the Pass INT-250. I spent a couple hours with its little brother the INT-60 last week. It is very impressive. Well balanced sound, natural, refined, great power. An excellent integrated… I was comparing with Luxman 509 and Audio Research I-50.

@audphile1

 

It was. They were like a continuum of discreetness of sounds / detail of the Luxman to more midrange bloom and musicality (really good rhythm and pace for a solid state) and authority (Pass), and finally warm , rich and natural The ARC). I would just fall into the ARC, close my eyes and get lost in the music. But I was trying to help a friend that was still to have a system with great authority and I felt that was best for him.