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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 1 response by georgehifi

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
gte357s OP yes, I hear good thing about the MC275. The only thing is I will need a preamp, which then increase the cost, and one more component to worry about having synergy.


Only decent Mac was the MC275.
Save your money, they don’t need anymore gain from an active preamp. Go direct if your source has volume control or go passive preamp.
They love a 10kohm passive preamp, as they are 90kohm input and have good low input sensitivity of only 1.2v in on the rca input for maximum output watts, most sources today give out more than 2v!! some even 4v!!



Cheers George
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