I might give up on FM radio and focus entirely on CD. My MCD301 can be connected directly to a power amplifier. I have now a choice between a MA6900 integrated and a MC252 power amplifier.

Which one should I go for and why? What is your opinion?

And will the MA6900 be discontinued soon?

__________________
McIntosh MCD301, C220 (GL tubes), MC252 Straight Wire Crescendo II Kondo KSL-SPz Sonus Faber Cremona

The MA6900 will give you a preamp section with tone controls, balance, multiple inputs, etc. The MC252 is a better amp, but what comes out of the 301 is what you'll hear. The question is which of the above is more important for your listening pleasure. Good choices either way.

Why not run the signal path directly?
Unless you need the features that the MA6900 provides why would you even consider it?

I'd go with the MA6900, but that's because I found I like and need what a preamp can do (tone controls, balance, headphone amp, etc.) I believe that the 6900 has already been replaced by the MA7000, but I could be wrong.

Alberto

__________________
Sources: Thorens TD125 ii + SME 3009 + Clearaudio Maestro, McIntosh MDA1000 + MCD201, Sonos, Wadia 170i
[Pre]Amplification: Shindo Monbrison->Cortese & Auriges->Montille, McIntosh C34V
Speakers: Tannoy Sandringham

Alberto,

It is still on the McIntosh website. But its companion (the MA6500) seems to be gone.

Thomas

__________________
McIntosh MCD301, C220 (GL tubes), MC252 Straight Wire Crescendo II Kondo KSL-SPz Sonus Faber Cremona

Hi,
When I had my MCD201, I loved much more the sound coming from the fixed outputs to the preamp ( C220) and then the amp (275).
To me the variable outputs of the 201 were not at the level of the fixed, and this has been stated in some reviews.
If the same is true for the 301, then I would certainly choose the MA6900 over the 252.
But the best thing would be to try both options and hear by yourself.
Best wishes,
Jérôme

__________________
Jérôme

They have convinced themselves that man, the worst transgressor of all the species, is the crown of creation. All other creatures were created merely to provide him with food, pelts, to be tormented, exterminated. In relation to them, all people are Nazis; for the animals, it is an eternal Treblinka. Isaac Bashevis Singer

Jérôme,

The A/B comparison is, unfortunately, not an option. But your input concerning the outputs is highly appreciated.

Thomas

__________________
McIntosh MCD301, C220 (GL tubes), MC252 Straight Wire Crescendo II Kondo KSL-SPz Sonus Faber Cremona

The MA6900 has been discontinued. Going with the MC252 will give you more upgrade options down the road and it is a better amp. . I had a MC252 and loved mine. Hook your MCD301 up to the MC252 and when funds are available buy a pre amp. I think the MC252 will hold its value better since it is a current model if you decide to trade up in a year.

The 6900 is discontinued? For sure? Demo unit blow-out?

What you write about the 252 is exactly what I think about it. But the 6900´s tone controls would be helpful in taming my listening room and enhancing my poorly recorded rock CDs.

And can someone confirm Jérôme´s assumption concerning the variable outputs of the MCD301?

Thanks!

__________________
McIntosh MCD301, C220 (GL tubes), MC252 Straight Wire Crescendo II Kondo KSL-SPz Sonus Faber Cremona

I always try to get the best equipment for my budget As it turns out, I initially wanted to replace a old pre amp that had a blown channel. I subsequently upgraded everything (2 different pairs of speakers, 2 different amps, 2 different sources, different cables etc) a few times in the last year because I had a mental budget which made me compromise. I would have been better off just going to what I have now, but I did not realize it at the time; hindsite is 20:20. In other words get the amp and add the pre amp later and and use the 301 as your source/pre amp for now. The MA6900 is a nice rig and you seem to have made up your mind, so get it. I was just trying to talk you into the MC252 because it will allow you to upgrade and improve your system over time; a separate pre amp in the future and dedicated amp. will be a upgrade over the integrated. Let us know what you decide.