Which Mac Integrated?

[clpetersen]

Seeking any informed thoughts from the McIntosh Cognoscenti.

I have the opportunity to create a new, but modest, 2 channel system. Modest meaning the space is better suited for a good stand-mounted speaker or a smaller floor-stander TBD. Subwoofers likely, but TBD.

I have always admired McIntosh integrated amplifiers.

Candidates: MA 8950 and MA 352. Similar price range and output powers. Using an external DAC is not a significant issue.

Thoughts?

[miner]

My wife wanted a system for our living room. We had one until 2019 when I sold it. Our main system is upstairs.The budget was $12-13K. We decided on a Mc MA352 and a pair of Sonus faber Olympics Nova 1. Was pleased but a few months in we knew a sub was needed but floor space was lacking. My dealer had a 100% trade in value in the first year of ownership. Traded towards a pair of Wilson Audio Sabrina X - same footprint as the Nova1 but added the lows that were missing. Upstairs system is Mc C1100 tube pre, Mc MC1502 tube amp, Sonus faber Electa Amator III with a REL Carbon Special sub. Our premier setup. Media is vinyl and SACD. If/ when we downsize homes we will probably keep the MA352, Wilson Audio, turntable (VPI Aries 3x3) and Martin Levinson 5101 SACD. The hybrid MA352 (200w in 8ohms, 340w in 4 ohms) surprised me with its clarity and quietness. It drives the WA easily. The key with the WA is the setup, WASP. If you don’t need a built-in DAC I urge you to audition the MA352. JMHO.

[clpetersen]

Thank you Miner. The 352 is certainly a compelling visual look. As far as I see, it works with MM phono cartridges (only). Was this a concern for you?

[Formerly YB-2]

Am very pleased with my MA8950. It is driving my Magnepan 1.7i speakers with ease. I gave some serious consideration to a pair of the new Canton Ref 9 (not 9K) monitor speakers, but their lack of availability until well into 2024 put me off.
Like the MA352, the MA8950 is rated at 200wpc @ 8ohms.
However, the MA8950 has McIntosh's output autoformers while the MA352 does not. Also, the MA8950 includes the DA2 DAC while the MA352 has no provisions for a DAC. The MA8950 has both MM & MC inputs (both of which I use) while the MA352 has only MM. The MA352 has tubes on the input while the MA8950 is solid-state. The MA8950 has 6 RCA inputs & 1 XLR while the MA352 has 4 RCA & 2 XLR. The MA8950 has preamp out as well as a 2nd set of outputs that can be used to drive another amplifier or a sub.
The MA8950 is significantly quieter, likely due to the tubes in the MA352. The MA8950 also weighs a fair bit more (likely due to the autoformer).
Actually, I think you can go on the McIntosh website and compare up to 3 products and see directly all the differences.
I did down-size from separates to the MA8950 and feel I've lost nothing in doing so.

[clpetersen]

Thank you Glenn. Yes, the 8950 is compelling. It has the classic McIntosh look and is truly a one box solution. It is heavy! (but not that much heavier than the MA352) - I did do a compare on the website.
I think it may come down to if I want to take the tube plunge or not.

[audiogear]

What a great opportunity it is especially during the holidays! Each piece is very compelling. The MA8950 costs more but with added values of a DA2 module, more connectivity options, higher dynamic headroom, and Autoformer. On the other hand, the MA352 is no slouch with the draw of tube sweetness...the cost difference can go toward an external DAC as needed.

Couple thoughts:

-Try listening to both at local dealers with different combinations of monitors & small floodstanders

-Note potential speaker candidates as they can factor into selected integrated's synergy

-Are there other factors such as decor, space, significant other consideration, etc.?

Enjoy the hunt!

[Formerly YB-2]

Indeed. No wrong choice here.

[miner]

Originally Posted by clpetersen

Thank you Miner. The 352 is certainly a compelling visual look. As far as I see, it works with MM phono cartridges (only). Was this a concern for you?

No it wasn’t since it is used in a CDP and iTouch sourced environment. LPs are used in my other system. With that said there are some fine MM and HO MC cartridges out there plus some fine step up transformers to allow MC into MM.

[McMan]

If I were to build a modest system, I would use MA8950 with the Sonus Faber Nova II or III with dual subs.

If the speakers were too much, then I would probably go with the New Sonus Faber Lumina 5 Amator.

[clpetersen]

McMan - those are nice systems you have assembled. I need to give Sonus Faber a listen.