MC452/C47 or MA9000 - Seeking Opinions on Upgrade

[brownbear]

I currently own an MC152 power amplifier and a C47 preamp. I am looking at two options:

1.Upgrade the MC152 to the MC452, leaving me with the MC452/C47 separates combo

2. Sell/trade both the MC152 and C47 and get the MA9000 Integrated Amp.

The MC452 has the extra power and the MA9000 has a better DAC than the C47 and it's possibly upgradeable down the road with the module. Also the MA9000 will require less Stillpoints and Damping Plates (that one's for you Ivan )

Speakers are Wilson Audio Sabrina's.

What do you guys think?

[djwhog]

Upgrade the MC152 to the MC452, leaving me with the MC452/C47 separates combo

I like option one and go with an out board DAC.

[GSOphile]

Originally Posted by djwhog

Upgrade the MC152 to the MC452, leaving me with the MC452/C47 separates combo

I like option one and go with an out board DAC.

+1

[For The Love of Music]

Originally Posted by djwhog

Upgrade the MC152 to the MC452, leaving me with the MC452/C47 separates combo

I like option one and go with an out board DAC.

+ 1, you will have options down the road when you are ready. The 452 is a great piece!

[JWJW]

I have the new 9000 and love it.
In your situation, I would go with the 452.

[Dr Tone]

I'm not sure the DAC in the MA9000 is better, just a modularized version of the C47 etc DAC. Go with the MC452 or 2 x MC301s. That way you can step up the game from the C47 down the road as well.

Lots of DACs will work with the C47 no need to wait for McIntosh to put out a new module.

[BuffaloBill]

Why not spend the money where it would count, speakers.

[robd2]

Great thread. I also own the c47 152 combo. Great combo by the way. I'm also on the upgrade path. Certainly stick with the seperates, and the Sabrina's. That 152 is a great amp. I'd look to upgrade the preamp next. Drop a c2600 into your system as a demo, you will be amazed. Or even better, up the ante and try a Luxman c900 preamp...

What ever you do, try before you buy.

[brownbear]

Thanks much to all that chimed in. The 452 was always my thought until the MA9000 was released and took me off track a bit. I am going to stay on my path to the 452, only question is by Thanksgiving, Christmas, Or my B-Day in February. Decisions, decisions!

[1KW]

Skip the 452 and wait untill you can afford MC601 amps. . What your looking at doing is another interim step that will cost you more in the end.