2. amps-preamps
  3. 182500-170624

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
ghdprentice
6,469 posts
 

I would say this is important decision sonically. I would not be in a hurry. MACs have a very distinctive sound. Make sure that is what you want. MacIntosh is frequently paired with B&W… because Mac is very midrange and bass heavy. Great for rock. Lots of folks love them. But there is more nuanced equipment.

You are talking about moving from ARC sound… granted 20 years old to Mac. Make sure you do extensive auditioning.

Also, putting multiple functions in one box normally means compromised sound quality. All the companies are getting better at it. But if sound quality is your top priority, the you want separates. More advances have been made in pre and amp. If space is a problem then this makes sense… depends on your long term strategy… continue improving sound quality of tidy things up.

 

Going from older equipment to newer is likely to sound better of course.

jeffreyw's avatar
jeffreyw
242 posts
 

MC462 is a better amp than the MC312. Don't rule out the MA12000. Best of Mac tubes/solid state in a single package. Probably the best value in the Mac lineup!

armstrod
602 posts
 

"I have made a life commitment to one woman but when it comes to hi-fi, I'm a slut."

Best Audiogon comment in years.

David

Fellow Hoosier

johnah5
228 posts
 

@armstrod ditto plus 10X!

arhgef OP
52 posts
 

Thanks much. Comments and discussion has me being more careful, rather than jumping on the deal for the used 8950. Reviews seem to indicate the included DAC is not as good as my Qutest, and that I can do better with a separate phono stage. The 8950 has a pre to power amp jumper so during audition should be able to try my tube LS25 pre with the power amp section of the 8950. Thanks for all the helpful discussion. 

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