I had a complete Mac separates setup in the 80's. Amp, preamp & receiver. For whatever reason, I moved on to a Nakamichi integrated receiver when I went to CD's. I kept the CS's over the years and they went into storage in a closet. Now in retirement I decided to dive back in and plunged in with Mac again. C2600 tube preamp, MC462 amp, MCD600 CD, SACD player. Also have Mac speakers. Could not be happier with the sound. I know there are a lot of Mac haters on the forum but we all have varied taste and ears.
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)?
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)?