Macintosh MA352 vs PrimaLuna 300 EVO Hybrid
I know the 352 has been discussed previously. I was about to pull the trigger on the PrimaLuna when the MAC came to my attention. I think there's not much price differential here. Obviously what I'm looking for is a tube front end driving solid state amplification. I've always sworn off of Macintosh stuff because of the cachet (for right or wrong). Both will drive my KEP R7 Metas with the Mac more than I require. However, all I care about here is that it also has a couple balanced inputs and, of all things, a balance control. I have a small hearing loss in one ear. All these things become less significant in regard to the sound. PrimaLuna is a tube outfit, and the front end is likely most important here. I don't care about the phono as I'm fixed there. As far as service, I've got a PrimaLuna dealer right next to me and I figure the Mac dealers are all over. Reliability does matter, however, as dragging these weighty items about is not an attractive option. Any ideas would be appreciated.
It depends on how much you like to "fiddle" with your stuff and how much flexibility you want to drive various speakers. If you're a "tube guy" then get the tube amp. You don't mind (even like) fiddling with your stuff. But - if you just want a bit of tube sound and don't want the hassle of messing with tubes, and want the flexibility to drive less efficient speakers (say you want to try Harbeths - which are great) - then you will want the MA352! Which would be my choice... |
One thing to consider is mac's will hold thier value forever, the Prima luna not so much. The new mac's are quite good and are much more flexable then the prima luna. "I've always sworn off of Macintosh stuff because of the cachet (for right or wrong)." I know what your are saying i felt tthe same untill i bought a C2700 tube preamp and now SS mono blocks. I'm really liking the new mac sound. Also made in NA not China like Prima Luna. |
PrimLuna's website sure doesn't say anything about China. Lots of stuff about point-to-point wiring and Swiss-made wire plus the Dutch company and the European designers. Not to say that Chinese construction can't be excellent....I have a Jay's CD transport, but it does seem like the unit is priced high for something made over there, when it is close in price to the Mac (which I haven't seen on any "best of" lists). One other thing, though, is that the Mac is about 20 inches deep, a bit long for my shelf setup. Are there any other worthy tube/solid state hybrids out there worth looking at that I'm not aware of? I need at least 100 watts on this thing.... |
Lets see: |
I'm only interested in what they sound like. I know Dick Olsher likes the PrimaLuna but there are not many reviews of the MA352. There's also the MA252 though I have some write-ups comparing the two Macs and noting a significant difference between them. Resale is always important but maybe not so much for someone in my age group :) . The VU meters are a pretty sales pitch, that's it, and the tone controls don't mean much for me beyond excess circuitry. I would like a balanced input on the PL but there you go.... |
^^^ well P/L does not have a balance control OR Balanced Input so if you can live with no balance control,1 Balanced input,based on best sound, I would take a Made in Italy, Pathos Logos(110wpc.@ 8 ohms), Classic Remix Mk.II or Classic One Mk.III(both 70/130wpc.@ 8/4 ohms) over ANY Hybrid available from any manufacturer..Oh & at least $2000.00 or more savings on the cost of the Mac or P/L! |
I own equipment from both PrimaLuna and McIntosh. (Evo 300 Power amp, McIntosh C2300, and MCD-1100.) As for reliability, I’d consider the Evo Floyd and McIntosh to be a draw. The PL gear is built to a very high standard as is most McIntosh gear. I really enjoy my Evo 300, but in this case the MA352 is probably the safer bet. Not because the Floyd is bad, but I’ve read reviews on that unit that read as if it was just “fair”. PrimaLuna’s wheelhouse is tube-based equipment. Also, the EQ on the 352 may be of more help to you with your stated hearing imbalance, potentially helping with any future hearing issues that occur as we all age.
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@howardlee , I’m not sure where you saw the 352’s dimensions, but according to the McIntosh’s own literature, the 352 is roughly 17.5” deep:
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@yakbob, cannot thank you enough. Amazing diagram on the owner's manual, even showing inter-feet distance (no one does that). In a later section of the manual, the depth is given as 20 1/2 inches, with cabling! My rack is a separate heavy bookcase, so moving out no problem. The manual also gives dimensions for the enclosure, which might make me add a fan, but not a big deal there. Now have more to consider......looking on more input on actual unit's sonics. Haven't found many reviews so far. My experience of doing eval at a dealer isn't too helpful except in extreme cases! Thank you again! |
@howardlee You asked about any other integrated to consider? This one: https://coda.cc/coda-csib-integrated-amplifier |
