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McIntosh MA8900 - Worth Upgrading To? (From tube integrated)…

I know there are already a couple other threads on the amp but they are over a couple years old. That said - I wanted to see if I could get any recent insight/impressions of the MA8900.

I am thinking of “upgrading” from a Willsenton R8 tube amp. Really enjoying that amp and the tube sound but getting an itch to get into something more long-term/end game. I can find an 8900 for a good price so I am thinking of making the move.

Can anyone chime in on the sonic differences/improvements that I might hear between these two amps? Or just going from an all tube integrated to a Mc integrated with autoformers? Would love to keep the sonic characteristics of the tube sense of space, depth and holographic, 3D sound (or even maybe improve it?)

I listen to 75% vinyl and the rest is streaming.

My current gear:

Willsenton R8 with KT-77’s

EAR 834p Phono Stage

Bluesound Node 2

Denon DL-103r MC cart

Klipsch Forte IV’s

 

 

 

spooky73

Showing 1 response by mattmiller

mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,527 posts
 

Have you heard the MA8900? The MAC sound is quite different than most amplifiers out there, very detailed and neutral very good across all frequencies. The sound is not hard and not harsh ever, this allows you too really listen at loud levels for long periods without fatigue. Also, McIntosh amps provide a wealth of features most amps just dont have, not to mention youll be living with it for a really long time because these things rarely have any problems. MAC is the MAYTAG of audio. Im not saying this of all their products (god knows they make a lot) but MAC amps are very good indeed.

 

 

Matt M

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