Why McIntosh

[onehole150]

Thanks guys for the info. I'm listening to my stuff now and it sounds great. So for now I'm going to hold off on trying to upgrade. I plan on going to THE AUDIO SHOW Sept. in Newport CA. There I'll search out Mc stuff and ask a bunch of questions. However, thinking back on last years show, I don't remember seeing any Mc stuff. Perhaps I just didn't make it to the right rooms.

[Grasshopper]

Good luck! Enjoy your journey.

[Pampero]

Originally Posted by onehole150

On Ebay there is a MA5200 at $3500; any thoughts? I'm using a moon neo IA at 100wts/channel. The Ma5200 looks interesting as I currently use Tidal via a optic cable and it looks like I could do the same with the 5200.

You never err by being cautious....or happy with what you have so this late breaking comment is just for the record.

The 5200 is the one integrated in Mc's line that does not appeal to me. No autoformers for starters and relatively low output. I'd move up a notch from there if possible.

I have seen (and been offered) the 5200 discounted from new. That may or may not be possible from your local dealer, but I mention it because I think it is possible to shop the unit. But to repeat, I'd step up just a notch or two if possible when going with an IA from Mc. Look for one with all the traditional McIntosh features.

[62caddy]

Originally Posted by onehole150

Thanks guys for the info. I'm listening to my stuff now and it sounds great. So for now I'm going to hold off on trying to upgrade. I plan on going to THE AUDIO SHOW Sept. in Newport CA. There I'll search out Mc stuff and ask a bunch of questions. However, thinking back on last years show, I don't remember seeing any Mc stuff. Perhaps I just didn't make it to the right rooms.

If looking to get your feet wet with little downside, I'd recommend a MAC4300, MAC4200 or MAC4100 without reservation. Equally worthy of consideration is the MA6200 if the relative simplicity of an integrated is preferred.

All are equipped with Power Guard and other genuinely purposeful features.

[BuffaloBill]

Originally Posted by 62caddy

If looking to get your feet wet with little downside, I'd recommend a MAC4300, MAC4200 or MAC4100 without reservation. Equally worthy of consideration is the MA6200 if the relative simplicity of an integrated is preferred.

Modern McIntosh integrated amplifiers have significant engineering design and parts-quality improvements over older models.

[62caddy]

Originally Posted by BuffaloBill

Modern McIntosh integrated amplifiers have significant engineering design and parts-quality improvements over older models.

Quality improvement - debatable; technological refinement - agreed.

[W9TR]

Gary,
You've gotten some great recommendations. I know you're satisfied with what you have, but I'll throw another log on the fire.
MA7000 - My top choice for value. They show up used under $5k.
MA8000 - TOTL current production. One of the finest integrated's out there. May be hard to find something reasonably priced .
MA7900 - predecessor to the 8000. All the performance for much less.
Next I'd go for the MA6900 series, stopping at the MA6600.
All these have output autoformers, the classic McIntosh amplifier circuit.

[onehole150]

Thanks W9TR. I'll keep an eye out for those. I sorta lean towards new tech as I really like using my computer with Tidal. It seems the Optic link works well with the Moon Neo, that connection works well. I don't want a separate Dac and I'm never going to vinyl.

[ejr1953]

I have lusted after and occasionally owned McIntosh equipment since the late 1960's.

I did a major audio system relocation and upgrade over the last 18 months or so, replacing all my components, including a long, arduous search for a new pair of speakers. I found some speakers "yell at you" when driven by other (great quality) amplifiers, but the McIntosh amps seemed more "musical", even with those hard to drive models.

When I replaced my MAC6700 with a C50/MC452 I was simply amazed at how much the "sound stage" improved. I suspect the MC452 being a "quad balanced" design had something to do with that. Having said that, the MAC6700 had that great "musical" quality I've found in McIntosh over the years.

Enjoy!

[BuffaloBill]

Originally Posted by ejr1953

When I replaced my MAC6700 with a C50/MC452 I was simply amazed at how much the "sound stage" improved. I suspect the MC452 being a "quad balanced" design had something to do with that.

Enjoy!

Quad balanced helps to eliminate noise, if there is any. The final signal going to the speakers is the same.