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

[o0OBillO0o]

Originally Posted by lakesailor

I would not rule out the Musical Fidelity A1008 integrated amplifier.. As far as integration it has a very good onboard DAC that works with USB,Coax and toslink and it also has a very impressive phono stage onboard that can handle mm AND mc carts. Has tons of power and is very musical. I found an NIB from a local dealer for a fair bit less then the original $5K list price. Just a suggestion……

Nope. Not balanced. Great power supply features tho!

[kfr01]

The HK is an amazing value and should not be discounted, in my opinion.

The W4S doesn't include nearly as many features as either the MA6600 or the Harman.

The MA6600 is an amazing integrated but is simply in a different price class than the other two. If you decide to go with the higher price class, I think the decision is pretty easy!

The MA6600 is a beautiful looking and sounding amplifier with a great user interface. How good and how user friendly? My wife won't let me sell it. I'm moving it to a system for her in the living room while I experiment with separates in the man cave.

[o0OBillO0o]

Originally Posted by kfr01

The HK is an amazing value and should not be discounted, in my opinion.

The W4S doesn't include nearly as many features as either the MA6600 or the Harman.

The MA6600 is an amazing integrated but is simply in a different price class than the other two. If you decide to go with the higher price class, I think the decision is pretty easy!

The MA6600 is a beautiful looking and sounding amplifier with a great user interface. How good and how user friendly? My wife won't let me sell it. I'm moving it to a system for her in the living room while I experiment with separates in the man cave.

That is a good assessment.

Do you feel that removing price from the equation, it "levels the bubble"?

[dteam702]

I would say MA6600 + W4S DAC2 =

[o0OBillO0o]

I've got the equivalent DAC in the MCD500 plus I can play SACDs.

What I want is well integrated audio system. That's why I started with these great integrated amplifiers. However, for the cost of the MA6600 I can purchase a W4S STP-SE and 1000wpc ST-1000 amp. The W4S combo comes fully balanced with two balanced out connections for the amp and my JL Audio Subwoofers. I don't listen to analog radio, I just stream the audio to my Apple TV and the digital out is processed by the MCD500.

I could can the whole idea of using Vinyl and purchase a McIntosh amp and connect direct from the MCD500?

[Haurock]

You could do that......but having a preamp just keeps your options open... That's why the 6600 makes so much sense....

Check with AudioClassics, they just might have one that's looking for a good home...

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by o0OBillO0o

I've got the equivalent DAC in the MCD500 plus I can play SACDs.

What I want is well integrated audio system. That's why I started with these great integrated amplifiers. However, for the cost of the MA6600 I can purchase a W4S STP-SE and 1000wpc ST-1000 amp. The W4S combo comes fully balanced with two balanced out connections for the amp and my JL Audio Subwoofers. I don't listen to analog radio, I just stream the audio to my Apple TV and the digital out is processed by the MCD500.

I could can the whole idea of using Vinyl and purchase a McIntosh amp and connect direct from the MCD500?

Good idea . MS300 ----> MCD-500----->MC452


Jim

[o0OBillO0o]

Originally Posted by Still-One

Good idea . MS300 ----> MCD-500----->MC452

Jim

Unfortunately, this busts the budget. MA6600 is the limit. All need to do is get my hands on one for an in home trial.

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by o0OBillO0o

Unfortunately, this busts the budget. MA6600 is the limit. All need to do is get my hands on one for an in home trial.

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

I would think the two units should be about $700 apart new and a bit less less via A-gon.

Jim

[o0OBillO0o]

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