Via a bunch of web research I am narrowing it down to a Mcintosh MA252 or Arcam A49, does anyone have any advice or ideas?I’ve had the MA252 for 10 months, and I also own the Arcam A39 which it replaced. I’m surprised to hear that some feel there is no "tube" signature. It was obvious to me the moment I switched over. I’m using some 10 guage, stranded speaker cables from the old days and it sounds just lovely. Just enough slam but also the solid state smoothness and control. It is not a Line Magnetic which I also demoed. That had incredible sonic tube brilliance, but I felt maybe just a bit much for me every day.
New McIntosh MA252
Wondering if anyone has listened to the new MA252. I have an MA6500 pushing 200 watts into my SF Olympica llls which I think sound great. Question - would the tube preamp on the new MA252 add noticeable warmth, richness, sound stage presence? Thanks.