I own the MA12000. I like it a lot! Of course separates are perhaps a touch better, but only when connected with $$$ interconnects. I previously owned NAD separates, two amps, a preamp and of course my source. That is a lot of power cords and interconnects. I went with the integrated, because I reasoned I could now purchase just two power cords, ( source and MA12000) and just one interconnect. This freed me up to buy the top of the line in wires. One and done.
McIntosh MA8950 Upgrade to MA12000?
I’m running the MA8950 with my Wilson Audio Sabrina X speakers. The combination is incredible. I had been thinking about upgrading to the MA12000 which is the highest-end integrated amp McIntosh makes. It uses a tube pre-amp and solid state amp with 350W output via auto former. Both have the DA2. Would I notice anything? I was thinking this could then eventually power the Sasha V or whatever comes in the next gen.
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Thanks for all the opinions. I tested a few amps when i bought the MA8950 2 years ago. To my ear, the McIntosh with Transparent cables was superior. D Augustino sounded great but out of my price range and not necessarily better to my ear. I have a celebratory event soon and thought to spoil myself perhaps with the MA12000. Especially if Mc does a trade in trade up this year.
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I have a lot of love for this magnificent, heavy bastard. It runs remarkably cool, has classic Mac looks, and grips speakers like few others can. I replaced the stock tubes, but didn’t think there was much improvement. Don’t waste money there. If you’re looking to go integrated, I don’t think you can go wrong with the 12000. And, they won’t make it forever, so there’s some potential for collectibility. Meantime, sit back and enjoy the hell out of listening to it, looking at it, turning the lights down and looking at it some more. |
I have had my Mc12000 for three years....it is fantastic...does everything well & most exceptionally well. As an integrated feel it gives nothing away compared to separates. The tube preamp combined with the ss backend could not have been engineered better. It really is a complete package. I have tinkered around with it ...got a great deal on a PS Audio phono stage...after a A/B listening comparison at home felt the Mc12000 phono was at the same level or better than the separate stage. Even the HDMI thru the DA2 makes basic youtube music sound great! I have been streaming with a basic setup until last week thru the D2 module using a Bluesound 1st gen Node which sounded good. But I wanted an "end-game" streaming/digital set up to go with my analog side & Mc12000...went all in and got a Berkley Audio DAC with a Aurender N20 streamer. I thought the D2 board was good but the new digital path is a entirely different level. The best part about the D2 on the MC12000 is that the next gen D3 will be an easy DYI and at a reasonable cost. The Mc12000 is built for the long haul and likely passed down to my kids. The only real downside = it is a two person lift….very heavy! When the Mc12000 first came out Audio Excellence Canada did a great review:
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