Mac MA 352 vs Pass INT-60


I've had an order in for the Mac MA 352 for 3 months and supposedly it's coming shortly.   I wanted the tube front end but now I've got an option since I no longer think I need a balance control and I just found a really good deal for a new Pass INT-60. I'm running these, hopefully, into KEF R7 Metas at 88 dB.  I figure the Pass is adequate into those 4 ohm speakers in my 25x14 space. I also figure the Pass has as much tube-like quality with likely a better high end than the Mac. If price is not a factor, what do you think?  The Pass is a beast, but I can deal with that, and my first real amp was a Threshold 400A.  I have some worry about current delays in Mac serviceability also.  :)

howardlee

Showing 1 response by avanti1960

@howardlee 

you may like the Pass better but neither are ultimate destinations.  mac makes incredible amplifiers but their preamp and preamp sections are not so great and imho gives people the impressions they have have about the brand.  put a clean, refined, neutral, transparent non mac preamp in front of a mac power amp and you have an exceptional system. 

the pass amps are simply too colored for my preferences and it imprints their sound on every bit of music.