MA9000 VS MA8900

@mtrot thanks for your comment & info in the thread posted.

Mavvrik, 
It all comes down to system synergy after all. You will need to demo different integrated amps with your speakers in your own listening room if you can take home demo that would be ideal, and go from there. Pick the one you think sounds best on your speakers. 

Re: Naim Unity, the Unity Nova is a step up sonically from the Unity Star. The Nova is Naim's top of line model in its Unity series. 
Speaking of Naim, I had a chance to hear the Naim Statement gears at my local dealer earlier this year. Naim Sttement consists of a linestage analog stereo preamp and monoblock amps. They retail for $270k. $90k for the preamp and $180k for the monoblock amps.
They sounded absolutely phenomenal. The best sounding gears I've ever heard. They were paired with the Wilson Audio Alexx speakers and those DCS Vivaldi full four stacks (Vivaldi master clock, Vivaldi upsampler, Vivaldi DAC, Vivaldi CD/SACD transport served as digital front end source components.

Audio Research Foundation series is entry level offerings from Audio Research. They are wonderful sounding gears. 

I’m late to the party here, but wanted to add my observations about the MA8900.  I bought one a year or so ago based upon reviews and frankly for the appearance.  I was so excited to bring it home and enjoy it.  I pulled out my existing Hegel h360 and turned it on.  To my disappointment, It sounded really dull and lifeless and I attributed that to a need to break in.  So I left it on playing in the background for a couple of days.  After waiting, it still sounded flat and lifeless to me.  It was a very noticeable difference. Long story short, I never took to the sound and returned it.  When I put the Hegel back in, the music returned.  To MY EARS, the Hegel sounds much more refined and natural.  It really broke my heart because the Mac looks fantastic and I believe it’s a well-made product, but I just didn’t care for the sound. I’ve since upgraded to the h390, and it’s just fantastic and a significant upgrade to the h360.  But we all listen with our eyes as well as our ears, and I understand that all of that plays into our enjoyment of our systems.  The Hegel certainly doesn’t look as nice as a Mac and I doubt it will last as long or retain its value as well. 
Like everything else, it’s all a matter of personal preference.  My suggestion is to disregard professional reviews or the opinions you read on forums like this (including mine).   Listen for yourself.  

Thanks for this @jeffp13 
I have since, acquired the MA8900 after auditioning several amps, I use an UltraRendu to feed its DAC - Tidal master, a very convenient and enjoyable setup for music.
The Macintosh has a magical midrange & tone and a laid back sound which is great match for Kef Refs and the kind of music I listen to.
I listen to 70s and 80s rock, jazz, progressive rock, pop, r&b and electronic. (I don't listen to classical or audiophile only music)

I did audition the Hegel several times, but didn't take a liking to its sound. i guess it comes down to system synergy & personal preferences.

@beyondarkness your comparison with the Primaluma is insightful indeed.

I auditioned the Line Magnetic LM150 recently and was impressed with what it could do -  punchy, ultra transparent, fast. (and less warm than the MA8900)
I am a tube novice and the audition was a revelation for me, i had always imagined that tubes have a syrupy sound.