I have the MA12000, but haven’t heard MA8950, or the Krell.
@ghdprentice +1 on adding Pass and Boulder. However the X or XA series are not integrated amps. 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. |
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. |
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. |
@ghdprentice That must have been fun comparing those 3 integrated amps! |
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.
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Just throw another option out there, consider this one. Plenty of power, connections for anything and room correction.
https://www.anthemav.com/products-current/model=str-integrated-amplifier/page=overview |