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Used McIntosh Amp or better new options out there? - Amplifier or Integrated

A little about me, I am in the process of building my next step up 2-channel system for a listening room that is 17’x13’x12’. Current gear: LS50 and Paradigm Studio 20 v5 + Rotel RA-12 + SB2000 
For me new speakers I’m thinking in the $3-4k price range floor standing speakers. Some of the speakers I’m considering: Dynaudio Evoke 50, KEF R7, Focal Aria 936, Salk Song3 tower and my stretch budget option is the 805 D3s. 
I mostly listen to Jazz, orchestra/instrumental, Pop, some trance/electronic and Classic rock. I’m a fan of a clean but less harsh highs, non shouty mids and tight controlled bass. 

Now back to the topic at hand. I came across a used MC152 at a local high end audio store. The sales guy indicated this was originally a demo amp from their store that one of their regulars bought and recently traded it in for a large Mac amp. He indicated its from 2017, but no way for me to know for sure (not sure if the serial number will let me look it up?). I auditioned this amp on speakers they had in store and I really liked the sound it produced on my usual music tracks. However the left VU meter needle on this amp was not working. Apart from that looked in mint condition, not scratches, no marks on the screws that would indicate tampering. The dealer said he’ll get it serviced from a local third party McIntosh repair shop and can then sell it to me once fixed and I’m satisfied with its condition. They are asking $2.8k for this amp, which is what attracted me to it given how expensive they are normally. 

Now my question is, should I bother taking the plunge? Now that I found out the VU meter is broken, I’m a little turned off since someone is now going to open this thing up (probably for the first time). I’ve heard Macs are bullet proof and last for ever, but does anyone see any red flags here or anything I should look for?

Given the $3k ish price range, is there something else I could consider in this range (I prefer Class AB or Tube or Tube Hybrid). Is paying close to retail for a new MC152 from a dealer worth the extra money (warranty and less anxiety)?  This is the first time I’m buying in this price range, so I want to make sure. I’m open to both a good stereo power amp or an integrated as long as its a sizeable upgrade from my RA-12. If its only an amp, I intend to us the RA-12 as a preamp for now till I can budget for a good tube preamp (Rogue Audio perhaps) 

I ideally wanted to stay at about $6k for speaker + amp and was leaning towards one of the Dynaudio towers + a parasound Halo or Rotel RA-1592 / 1582 MkII type amp. I always dreamed of owning a McIntosh or Luxman but couldn’t stomach to full retail price on those beauties. Any help to reduce my anxiety or providing some suggestions would be much appreciated :) 

Thank you! 
sr20022002

Showing 5 responses by stereo5

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,533 posts
 
@noromance , it’s a solid state amp, not tube.


@sr20022002, I bought a second hand McIntosh Mc152 from Audio Classics and both meters worked perfectly for $2500.00. Two years later, I traded it in on a used McIntosh MC302 amp and got $3000.00 on trade in from The Music Room. Shop around, there are many MC152 amps for sale out there.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,533 posts
 
@laaudionut,

Speak for yourself, I have 2 McIntosh based systems and I certainly did not buy them for their big blue meters, although they are pretty.  I happen to LOVE the McIntosh house sound and have finally gotten off the merry-go-round and am done.  You McIntosh haters are like pigeons, you strutt your stuff and then crap all over someone elses coveted components.  Enough already.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,533 posts
 
@laaudionut,

I have probably had over 100 different pieces of equipment since 1970, especially since I worked in an audio store for 15+ years. I purchased my last 2 systems in 2017-2019. I chose the McIntosh because it sounds the way I always wanted my system to sound and I wonder what took me so long to take the plunge. As I am retired, I have no intentions of buying any more equipment. The only things I want at this point are better preamp jumper cables for my McIntosh MA6600 Integrated and a better tone arm cable for my Technics SL1200G. I will be speaking to Chris Van Haus @VH Audio and have him build the preamp jumpers first and late this year or early next year a better tonearm cable for me. Other than that, I am done and enjoying the music.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,533 posts
 
@sr20022002,

You can call the McIntosh factory and they can give you the date of manufacture.  I owned that amp for 2 years and it was a powerhouse.  Don't be surprised that the amp looks brand new, most McIntosh guys keep their units in pristine condition because the resale value is much higher.  That mdf is there for a reason, it keeps the amp from shifting in the box and keeps the glass safe.  I would not plug that amp into a Panamax, it will degrade the sound.  Either plug directly into the wall or get a passive noise conditioner just for the amp.  That way, you won't limit the power of the amp.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,533 posts
 
@laaudionut,

Thank you and you do the same.
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