Sorry, I read your post incorrectly and muddied the water: you have the MA352 integrated amp, not the MC352 stereo amp, which I'm more familiar with.
But I think my advice is pretty solid otherwise.
But I think my advice is pretty solid otherwise.
Thoughts/Advice on replacing a 20 year old system
Hello all,
I’ve finally decided to replace most (or all) of my existing 20+ year old system, and am hoping to not make a bad decision.
I’ve listened to, and liked, a McIntosh MA352, which has no digital inputs. This system will be 99% for CD and Tidal MQA music listening.
I’m leaning toward using a NAD C 658 with this integrated amp, although my single local audiophile dealer does not sell NAD. It supports BluOS, Roon, and MQA, and is reportedly far superior to the Blusound Node 2i.
My concerns are:
1. Will I run into any issues using the C 658, with it’s onboard pre-amp, with the McIntosh? I’ve never ventured into this realm of kit, and am unsure of the technology "gotchas" of mixing these two units. I almost wish that the C 638 didn’t have the pre-amp, since the MA352 has that, but I may be missing something obvious to experienced users.
2. Although I have no desire to use this system as a home theater setup, would I be "better off" with an McIntosh amp (MC152 or MC 312), and using the NAD as the DAC and pre-amp.
3. I lean toward the NAD C658 because of it’s support for BlusOS, Roon, MQA, and because of the availability of upgrade modules. With the way technologies are changing, I’m thinking the ability to upgrade is a desirable feature.
4. My budget for the amp and streaming unit is somewhere in the $8-12,000 range. I’d appreciate any advice/opinions on the items I’m considering, and any good alternatives that I have missed in my research.
Thanks in advance.
KB
I’ve finally decided to replace most (or all) of my existing 20+ year old system, and am hoping to not make a bad decision.
I’ve listened to, and liked, a McIntosh MA352, which has no digital inputs. This system will be 99% for CD and Tidal MQA music listening.
I’m leaning toward using a NAD C 658 with this integrated amp, although my single local audiophile dealer does not sell NAD. It supports BluOS, Roon, and MQA, and is reportedly far superior to the Blusound Node 2i.
My concerns are:
1. Will I run into any issues using the C 658, with it’s onboard pre-amp, with the McIntosh? I’ve never ventured into this realm of kit, and am unsure of the technology "gotchas" of mixing these two units. I almost wish that the C 638 didn’t have the pre-amp, since the MA352 has that, but I may be missing something obvious to experienced users.
2. Although I have no desire to use this system as a home theater setup, would I be "better off" with an McIntosh amp (MC152 or MC 312), and using the NAD as the DAC and pre-amp.
3. I lean toward the NAD C658 because of it’s support for BlusOS, Roon, MQA, and because of the availability of upgrade modules. With the way technologies are changing, I’m thinking the ability to upgrade is a desirable feature.
4. My budget for the amp and streaming unit is somewhere in the $8-12,000 range. I’d appreciate any advice/opinions on the items I’m considering, and any good alternatives that I have missed in my research.
Thanks in advance.
KB
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