Looking at MAC7200 and MA8900
 

Looking at MAC7200 and MA8900. Any reason to pick one over the other?

MAC7200 has a built in tuner, but I never listen to AM/FM. Will having a tuner make it more ressellable later on?

MA8900 has the 5 band EQ and costs 500 more. Is this useful? I like to keep things flat as I try not to color the music, but perhaps I can turn the treble down a little if I'm fatiguing.

Anything else I'm missing? These seem to be nearly identical otherwise. I don't mind spending extra if the 5 band EQ is useful. Is that EQ worth 500? The 7200 has a built in bass/treble adjustment but I didn't play with that. My dealer has the 7200 on the showroom floor, 8900 is a leap of faith.

Sounds like the feature set of the 8900 better suits you ...

The MA8900 has a proven track record so I doubt there would be much of a leap of faith. I do like units that have a built in equalizer. You don’t have to be heavy handed in using them.

Looking at MAC7200 and MA8900
 

More knobs = more fun. I’d go with the MA8900. My kid’s generation only streams and never listens to the radio so I wouldn’t worry about future resale.

I had a MAC6700 and traded for the MA8900 for two reasons: 1) I did not use the tuner very often and 2) the MA8900 had a more robust DAC that I could use my MT450 with and enjoy SACD

If you have a TT no matter how great and an excellent cartridge you are going to want the graphic tone controls. The sound captured in the grooves of older LP's is very inconsistent. In that respect digital is better. But once you learn to use the controls with a bit of addition here and maybe a little less there you will learn to love graphic tone controls with digital sources. Especially having a large collection with digital discs recorded in the 80's. They are almost as inconsistent as LP'sin the 60's 70's and 80's.

You've pretty much already outlined the similarities and differences. I listen to a lot of older LPs and 45s, but rarely fiddle with the bass/treble. I'll tame the bass on some records because I'm in a condo, but otherwise, I use the tone bypass feature. I'd be surprised if there is any sonic difference between the two and who knows, maybe with a tuner you'd play with it every now and again and discover a station or two you like. I suppose it comes down to will you fiddle with the graphic EQ or listen to the tuner more? I don't think you can go wrong with either model.

I bought the MA8900. Still waiting on delivery. Thanks!

I am waiting for mine too!!! looks like they are going to have the units ready until the end of the month :tears:

Congratulations Mouse. The 8900 is an excellent choice.