New to McIntosh... Advice is much appreciated...

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by miner

As others have stated - upgrade the source. The MAC6700 is a fine piece. I might add to get some form of decent current protection - the electronics are sensitive to surges.

A whole house Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor (TVSS) is hard to ignore for some security & peace of mind -- not guaranteed naturally for a direct strike in the back yard -- but you took appropriate defenses nevertheless & does protect against reasonable surges a house can be subjected to.

Bob

[kamiraa]

C2600 and a MC452 is calling your name

[ejr1953]

Originally Posted by Vince11281

About 6 weeks ago, I went to a McIntosh dealer with a friend to look around. I had no intentions of buying anything but I ended up leaving with a MAC6700. This is by far the best piece of audio equipment I've ever purchased. After 5-6 weeks of steady listening, as much as I love the 6700 it got me thinking what would a little more money get me. I spoke to my dealer and they would be more then fair about a couple upgrade options I inquired about. I was considering going up to the MA8000 integrated or a C47 and MC302 combo. With either upgrade would I notice any major difference? Is the pre section in the 6700 inferior to the C47 stand alone pre??? Any help or advice on the is much appreciated! Thank you in advance...

I too had a MAC6700, had the NAD Masters Series components before that, great sounding equipment, but the MAC6700 just sounded "smoother" and to me "more musical".

I moved down from our living room, to a much larger "man cave" last year and upgraded to a C2500 preamp and MC452 power amp. As soon as I installed the new separates, I immediately noticed an improved sound stage, same cabling and speakers. I'm not sure if the additional power or "quad balanced" design of the amp was making that improvement.

Having said that, no worries in sitting back and enjoying the MAC6700 for a long while, it's a great sounding unit and one thing about McIntosh equipment, if you keep your stuff in pristine condition and retain the box, manual, remote, etc. it will fetch better resale prices than most other brands.

Welcome to the world of McIntosh! Enjoy!

[Mamrak1]

You just have dipped your toes into the world of McIntosh equipment. Don't be in a rush to trade in so quickly. Enjoy what you have unless you have very deep pockets!

[JMAC]

Originally Posted by kamiraa

C2600 and a MC452 is calling your name

The 452 Power Guard leds don't light up until 900 watts per channel and the 452 peaks at 1800/channel. 452 isn't so pricey as the fine 601's. And there is only one 110lb amp to handle.

Do the new integrated Mc amps have the "new" sound of the 2 channel and mono amps?

I don't know about the comparative efficiences of the B&W 800's and my speakers below, but I crank it up and rarely see more than 50-200 watts.

Note 900 and 1.8k marks:


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[Vince11281]

I'd really like to thank everyone for their input and advice. I'm truly impressed with how helpful and knowledgeable everyone is on the forum. In the end, upgrade fever has gotten the best of me and I will be swapping out my 6700 for the MA8000. For where the set up is, and what it is used for the single box solution works best, as it's less intimidating for my wife. I'm holding off on separates till next year when I can go for the set up I truly want, and it will be in its own dedicated room. Again, thank you guys for all the knowledge and input

[Josep]

Originally Posted by Vince11281

I'd really like to thank everyone for their input and advice. I'm truly impressed with how helpful and knowledgeable everyone is on the forum. In the end, upgrade fever has gotten the best of me and I will be swapping out my 6700 for the MA8000. For where the set up is, and what it is used for the single box solution works best, as it's less intimidating for my wife. I'm holding off on separates till next year when I can go for the set up I truly want, and it will be in its own dedicated room. Again, thank you guys for all the knowledge and input

Let us know your impressions when you get the MA8000

[Questortapes74]

Congratulations on your choice to upgrade to the ma8000. It is an impressive piece of equipment. Remember to post some pictures once you get your system setup. Enjoy!!!