Wyred 4 Sound STI-500,McIntosh MA6600 and Harman/Kardon 990

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by o0OBillO0o

New, MA6600 is $6000, MC452 is $7500, and for sh!ts the MA7000 is $7500.

Sorry, I was under the impression that the 6600 listed at $6500. Mea Culpa

Jim

[matciti]

I wanted a MA7000, went to audition it, and bought a MA6600. Just preferred the sound and looks. Both auditioned with various SF models - incl Cremona & Strads, as I was purchasing speakers also. I love my 6600, will never sell it.

[o0OBillO0o]

Originally Posted by matciti

I wanted a MA7000, went to audition it, and bought a MA6600. Just preferred the sound and looks. Both auditioned with various SF models - incl Cremona & Strads, as I was purchasing speakers also. I love my 6600, will never sell it.

This is good to know. I'm having second thoughts about gear. For example, and I haven't listened to it, but all of the Wyred 4 Sound products from server, dac, PRE, to amp are well reviewed, of high quality, filled with discerning features, and are a third of the cost of McIntosh Gear.

The only things going for Mcintosh is synergy between components (data link &remote), matching and gorgeous looks, and much better ROI should my "Emotional ROI" have a change of heart.

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

[frequentflyer]

Does the MA6600 have the McIntosh usual "warm" sound? The reason I ask, I have read some of their latest integrateds have a more neutral sound.

[Volks]

Ma6600

[ChipByrd]

Have you made your decision? I am in a similar situation. I am deciding between W4S or Mc.

[syd123]

These are such different integrateds, I'm curious to know why these two?

The MA6600 (which I own) has a full-featured pre-amp section replete with mono switch and tone controls (both are essential to me), wattage meters and the ability to volume match all inputs. Aesthetically, like all Macs, it's a beauty.

The STI500, by contrast, is a minimalist design with only a balance control to assist in contouring the sound and it looks like a very austere plain black box (though quite cool in it's own way). Functionally, it appears to well engineered and probably performs flawlessly. ..And, it's a ton less $$ which is certainly a good thing.

Soundwise, they probably are hard to tell apart. ..Though I have excellent hearing and a keen ear for musical nuance, I can't hear differences b/w two properly functioning modern-day amps.

[o0OBillO0o]

I had a chance to listen to the STI500 and it sounded great. In fact I couldn't tell the difference between it and the PS Audio GCC that is was compared to, but I think they are almost electronically identical.

Why the MA6600 vs? Well, it's half the price of the MA6600 and has the performance, on paper, to match. So you got that right.

Personally, I am really liking my McIntosh Labs gear, so I would not get the STI500, but for those who want an affordable audio component, it's really good.

[Formerly YB-2]

Check with Ivan and Audio Classics. Both will likely have a very nice 'gently used' MA6600 for well under $5K. I'm debating getting another MA6600 or MA6800/6850. Both are terrific integrated amps. That will leave you enough change for that D100 you are wanting.

[o0OBillO0o]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Check with Ivan and Audio Classics. Both will likely have a very nice 'gently used' MA6600 for well under $5K. I'm debating getting another MA6600 or MA6800/6850. Both are terrific integrated amps. That will leave you enough change for that D100 you are wanting.

MA6800/6850 details?