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Tempted to buy a Macintosh

I am quite tempted to buy a Macintosh amp, and would like to learn more about it.

I have a Almarro 318B (18W) integrated and a Triode Lab 2A3 integrated.  For speakers, I have a set of Zu Omen Def I and Spatial Audio X5.  I haven’t heard a Masintosh in person.  I mainly like its retro look.  From reviews, I heard it has a very smooth sound, which may match with my listening preference.  I only listen to Jazz and Bossa Nova with low-medium volume.  And my questions are:

1) My speakers are efficient speakers and I listen in low volume.  So, I don’t need and want big power.  Is Macintosh a good match to my speakers?  I have no interest to change my speakers for now.

2) my budget is around $3000 for used equipment.  That is not a lot for a Mac.  So, it seems I would go for an integrated.  

3) I like tubes, but it seems Macintosh is more a SS brand.  And it seems there is no tube integrated.  The entry level MA252 is a hybrid with a tube preamp and SS amp.  I listen to some your tube video and it sounds great.  But of course, can’t draw any conclusion base on YouTube videos.  Is that a good choice to step into Macintosh world?  Or people would suggest to go different routes to get the full potential of Macintosh?  That is all SS, or separate tube pre amp (e.g. Coincident or Supratek) and power amp (MC275)?
gte357s

Showing 3 responses by aberyclark

aberyclark
1,355 posts
 
Beware of the MAC tube integrated amps with your Zu's. I have ZU Omen Defs myself. I wrote MAC and the total output gain is 44db. With the tubes you are looking at super loud tube hiss. I was running a tube pre with a ss, high gain amp with a total of 43db gain...the hiss was unbearable. I had to place a passive pre in between the pre and amp. I now have a tube pre and a low gain FirstWatt amp. 

I say with your speakers...stick with Solid State if you are looking at Mac Integrated amps.
aberyclark
1,355 posts
 
The Firstwatt, mentioned above, is fantastic. Much louder than you would think with 25 watts. Here's the kicker.........you can crank the J2 up super loud......the sound is as clear as normal listening volumes. I've never had an amp so clear near the top of its peak volume. It is really amzing once you hear the clarity in person. I've been told the Benchmark amp is super clear as well.
aberyclark
1,355 posts
 
I'm thinking of a McIntosh c53 or c2700 preamp to pair with my Firstwatt. I like the idea of tone controls since I listen to 78's and many vintage recordings. Plus, I like to bump the low end up a notch on RVG mastered albums.
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