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 oldhvymec

The only thing I didn't see is a budget. You have a limit? Mcintosh can be spendy if your not careful.  I've owned Mac for 50 years, you know my position. Not to say there aren't better components out there. I will say the overall brand "Mcintosh" is pretty darn good. 

I like tone control, simple... I like a balance option and A/B/Tape out, options. All of my units do. C11,20,22,2500,MX110,MX120s all have tone control. ALL work very well.. SS power amps.. Different and expensive..

The 252 your speaking of is a good example of the "new" Mac sound.
Is it good?... Very clinical, precise, accurate, dark background, no floor noise, silky smooth especially with CD......I called the MA252 a CDs dream. With an ES Sony the playback was just magical.  The unit was made for CDs simple... These words explain how it sounds to me on a round speaker system... They can put out some good sound... I heard it with B&W. 

MC275 has a few models there. The early ones, look out, they can get very close to 90 watts per rail.  They can also be used in series, paralleled or STRAPPED. You can stack Macs. They are stable @ 2 ohms. You can fry eggs on them too..HOT!!!! They can blast my friend. The later models like the GG, SE (SS), with ICs have a different sound for sure,,, quite different..They are A different AB class of amp..Different transformers too.

There is one thing they surpass all others on, SERVICE. You can get your Mac fixed in Antarctica... really...Half the stuff made today you can't even get a schematic for, Cary Audio is a great example of that.. ....Mac... Good service everywhere, in the world...

Regards