Looking for advise with selecting next integrated amp


Hello! I'm looking for advice on selecting the next integrated amp.

Lately, I have been going through audiophile burnout and got tired of spending more and more on isolation, cables, tweaks, power regenerators etc. I sold most of my gear and wanted to settle for a nice integrated and spend time on listening to music rather than tweaking. (streamer, DAC, and phono pre are not required)

I narrowed my search to McIntosh MA352 or MA7200, but recently I learned some things about the company that make it impossible for me to support them. So I'm starting the search from scratch. 

Considerations: Room is 15 by 17. Speakers are an old variation of the pure audio project trio15 with tang band w8 driver - sensitive, but getting the best bottom end requires some power. Tone controls are strongly preferred.

Sound preference - smoothness in the upper midrange and lower treble is a requirement. I would prefer a non-fatiguing presentation over dynamic fireworks. Have a strong preference for a full-bodied midrange with well-controlled/textured bass.

 

Additional context:

Yamaha sound is a no-go for me - too thin in the midrange.

Rotel products - too high audible noise floor and struggling to present a developed sound stage.

PS Audio M700 monoblocks - Great 98% of the time, but on some notes in low treble, the texture of string instruments becomes "ringing" or "whistling." The only amp that ever did that and prompts me to avoid any class D amps from that point on.

I like the smooth tonality of Cary Audio separates but let them go because of the lack of tone controls and lack of excitement in the presentation.

I really like the treble and mids presentation in amps like Willsenton R8 with upgraded tubes, but it cannot get the most out of the low end and requires significant time to warm up before listening to get the best sound.

I tried Lokius tone controls with Audioquest Mackenzie balanced cables before and after, and it negatively impacted the clarity and sound stage.

 

To summarize: looking for an integrated with smooth treble and mids, and control of the bass, with tone controls for additional tweaking. Not class D. Preferably solid state or at least with solid state power section. Under $8k MSRP.

 

Thank you!

 

vladedelman

If you can take a listen to the Synthesis A40 or A100. Both are amazing integrated amps with a fantastic DAC component. You can find the A40 new in your price range, 40 watts per channel, the A100, 100 watts per channel, you can find used in  your budget. I used the A40 to drive a pair of Audio Note ANE-LX and they just sang. 

I have a Parasound Halo Hint 6.  Was going to go for the Mcintosh 5300 but could not see the money difference.  I have owned and used my amp for two years with no issues just smooth class A 160WPC.  You like to tweak you say.....?  This one has sub woofer control on the front for level to dial it in after you tweak the one in back for frequency.  There are full controls for tone and a really nice remote.  Lots of inputs including balanced, a fairly decent DAC with digital inputs, and a phono input. You want an all-in-one that does it all? Check out Parasound.  Look at Hegel too!

Out of curiosity, I just googled McIntosh and politics and got nothing.

Hmmm

If it were me, McIntosh all day. I don’t know what you heard or want to hear what you heard but the company has been in business for over 70 years. Their build quality, sound quality,  customer service, and resale value are all phenomenal. That’s my recommendation. Good luck and I hope you find yourself an amp that fits your needs, all the way around.