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

I, too, as a thoroughly satisfied owner of a MAC integrated would love to know what transgression(s) the OP alludes to. Maybe he (or she) could point us in the right direction? They certainly treat their employees well!

This MAC intrigue notwithstanding, I tend not to recommend components I haven't actually spent a lot of serious seat-time with. The MAC integrateds are truly hard to beat for the sound signature sought here. However, admittedly, one really pays a premium for that level of performance, build-quality, longevity and resale value. I think Simaudio Moon, Luxman and Musical Fidelity are 3 options I would seriously consider as alternatives to MAC. Only the OP's ears will know what they want when they hear it in scheduled, well-orchestrated auditions. Curious to know what the OP will choose!

You would be hard pressed to find a better Integrated that combines pedigree, build quality, reliability and exceptional sound quality and power!

 

USED

PASS INT 250 or GRYPHON 120

NEW 

CODA CSIB V1 or UNISON RESEARCH UNICO 150

 

 

 

curiousjim’s avatar

curiousjim

2,096 posts

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

Hmmm

Digging deeper…McIntosh Laboratory was acquired by Highlander Partners in Dallas TX. I looked at their 2022 contributions. Without sparking a political discussion, if that’s what sways you away from owning a McIntosh product @vladedelman, then it’s your personal choice, but it’s sad to see this become a selection criteria when shopping for an integrated amp.