Tough amp decision


Hi everyone. Much appreciate the forum’s help in the past and have a tough amp decision coming up. I will make a big investment in electronics soon. My system has Qutest DAC, ARC LS25 II tube preamp, Adcom GSA 555 II amp. Speakers are Celestion 750se or B&W 803 matrix series II ($35 Habitat for Humanity!).Also getting into and really enjoying vinyl, Old Kenwood turntable and Bellari 129 phono preamp. I have my old record collection of about 2K albums so in the long run this will matter. The question: To upgrade I will audition two Mac integrateds: MA 8950, MA 352. Should I instead buy an amp (eg MC312, MC462 or Parasound JC5)? MA 8950 hits a lot of birds, with phonostage and DAC it would free up a lot of components for a second system, but top priority should be one with great sound. Tunes have helped the sharp, “hot” nature of the B and W. If I wait to audition amps I lose a chance to get the 8950 for 6.5K.  A lot of variables to ask you about, but that is the decision. Thanks a lot for you help!

arhgef

Showing 3 responses by grislybutter

the more I read from the pros here, the more I want separates! I am posting my ad today for my much loved integrated Amp! Baby steps...

@ghdprentice 

I guess integrated amps are cheaper, than an amp and a preamp (and separate phono stage) so I wonder what the best value is for x, for the sake of argument ~$1500, total. Seems that it will only buy the lowest end of the separates while somewhat of a mid-tier of integrated solid state amps.

thanks @ghdprentice 

I guess that will be a while, I will tweak other parts until my mono block phase arrives.