I really loved this presentation. I felt like I was listening to an engaged, serious, professional panel present facts, figures, and feelings. Outstanding work, gents.
@@marcusaurelius2988 Upgrade options is one reason. You can upgrade to more power without paying for a new preamp section, or upgrade the preamp without paying for a new amplifier. Quality of components is another. Those reasons are not in play for all enthusiasts but they are a couple of legit reasons for others. No doubt those big McIntosh integrated amps are outstanding pieces that folks could be happy with for life, not knocking them at all.
You guys make me laugh, while delivering good information. Life events forced me to sell my system 10yrs ago. I look forward to building a new system in the future. Once life returns to normal i will be in contact to setup an appointment. Cheers
@@f.troiani5937 Do you use internal phono? I think I'm going to stick to my orignal plan and get C2600 once I get some funds saved up and use the power amp section of the MA6600 until I can get a separate power amp. Each time I think of trading it in, I get the sense I'm going to be disappointed
@@oscillatingdailyaudio yes the MA6600's internal phono. OK it's MM only, but don't be misled into that phono stage not being very good -seriously it is! My rig is modest (Clearaudio Emotion SE w/Nagaoka MP500 cart) and the phono stage champions it.
Gentlemen, Loved this video. It’s been a long time since I visited a “audiophile” store where people know what they are doing and love the hobby! Obvious that you fall into that category. The great thing is your not “snobs” in your delivery of information. Thank you for sharing review!
Jay.. that was very good articulation.. with the specifics of the tracks and the nature of the notes you heard. wish more reviewers did that... it helps people try to understand and even reproduce what the reviewer is talking about.
First of all, thanks to you guys for some very nice videos-this one included. I will say, however, that (with the possible exception of Adrian) you really did a disservice to the MA8900. The basic review summary was, “we know how it sounds, it’s powerful, it has the Mac sound.” Fine for you guys, but many of us out here have never heard either of these amps and the discussion of the 8900 was not very illuminating. My impression, based on having recently auditioned these amps head to head myself, is that the 8900 is discounted in this review-the novelty and difference of the 352 is probably given too much weight. I would highly encourage anyone reading to do their own head to head audition, if at possible. Based on this video-and other reading-I went into the audition believing that I would much prefer the 352. This was not the case. I happened to think the 352 sounded lovely by the way, and your review of it does do a good job of describing its sound. What was surprising was that I did not like the way it looked-in contrast to the 8900, the 352 looked worse in person than in photos (where it looks stunning). It still looks good, but... I don’t know, it’s a bit much. Again, based on this video, I halfway expected the 8900 to be good, but perhaps boring. It is not. For me, it bested the 352 in almost every way, sonically, while also being more handsome and capable (in terms of inputs and capacity to drive a range of speakers). Just my .02. Thanks again!
I agree with your opening critique of this video regarding the Mac sound, but your description of why the 8900 is also general, you said it was sonically better but don’t give any detail. Regarding the Mac sound, what does that mean exactly? In another review of the 8900 the person alluded that the old Mac sound was syrupy in contrast to a seemingly new direction that Mac is taking with solid state, indicating that the voicing (to them) was fairly neutral and accurate.
Start a discussion about how often Mcintosh equipment has to be serviced shortly after warranty has expired. My 601’s, 452, MC8207, MC121 all had to go in for repair.
The Mac's overall seem to be more forgiving with a variety of speakers. The autoformers probably play a large role in this and I'm sure the engineers work harder to produce amps that are great in sound and detail, to accommodate many varieties of music and associated equiptment that are imputted with these beautiful amps. Good review.
I am trying to decide between these two pieces right now. The local dealer has the 352, I heard it yesterday and really liked it. They had no solid state McIntosh integrated amps "because autoformers!". The only listening options at the "biggest McIntosh dealer in Kansas City" were tube front ends. Nice guys, cool place, but they are limiting a customer's options (and perhaps their sales) with their own bias. Dude said "no dynamic range with autoformers". Say what now?
Thank you for a very interesting presentation. You certainly made me interested in looking in to buy one of the two amps! Which of these two amps would you personally choose with Kef Reference 5 and why? Would you rather choose the Hegel h590 over any of the two Mac’s and what’s your take on the Hegel together with the Kef Ref.5?
Excellent video, as always. Years ago, Stereophile magazine often used the term 'euphonic colorations'. Would you say that applies to the 352? For what it's worth, I auditioned my Vienna Acoustics speakers with McIntosh electronics in late 2018. The first time was with separates, but I didn't catch the model numbers. Second time was the MA5300 integrated amp. A bit shy on low end heft compared to my Proceed amp, but very nice otherwise.
I saw you are a Peachtree dealer on your website. Would love to see a comparison/review of the Nova 500, maybe with Hegel H190 specifically with Magnepans because Peachtree has not done well in the past with Magnepans and Hegel has done very well. I listen to a lot of classical music. Thank you guys you are great!
I can''t speak about Hegel, but the Peachtree Nova 150 I foolishly bought was dreadful no matter what speakers I hooked it up to, especially my Maggie .7's.
Don’t “tone controls” alter the signal path and engage opamps in the circuit? If so, from purist point of view, sound quality should suffer slightly. Am I wrong?
Derek Dranfield I haven’t made a decision and will prolly wait till next year. I’m more so leaning towards c2600 and hooking it up to 6600 while I save up for a 3-400 watt amp. what speakers do you use?
Jimmy Stabler Harbeth 3.1’s listen to a lot of Jazz with an Oracle Alexandria table. SME arm with a Grado cart. Sounds great but always loved Tube Guitar amps so figured I should try it on my audio set up. The Shindo Labs looks interesting but way too overpriced. Chow
@@1999zrx1100 Nice. I run a Rega P8 with Ania cart with a Yaqin Ms33b phono pre. It's really nice so far, still getting used to it. Speakers are B&W 702S2
This is a wonderful chat . I’ve just bought a pair of klipshorn and need to upgrade my am. I am doubting between the 2 amps you are discussing in this video . I do not have the chance to have a listen so I must choose blind . My bigger concern in controlling the bass and get a right one . Please , could you advice me ? Many thanks from France
Hello, I bought the MA8900 and have it paired with the JBL L100 Classics. I cannot comment on the other amp presented in this video. I used to play bass in bands and can tell you that the bass presentation of the MA8900 is beautiful. And, I don't mean that as just bass guitar. Every bass note from skins to brass to strings are just perfect. There is proper heft and weight behind all of it. Of course my speakers having 12 inch woofers might play a part in that, so take it as you will.
i have a C2200 (tube pre) with a MC402 (SS power amp) and looking to downsize & save some $$ as I use B&W 805s speakers with them. Would you think I would notice much difference or lose sound quality in going to a MA352? I do love the hybrid sound I currently have
I haven't heard 352 but owned couple of Macs w Autoformer and in spite of power, always found them to be lacking transparency and boring no matter which speakers I used . Guess I need to audition MA352 next
Hello fellows😃. Chiming in late but thanks for your informational videos. Personally, just me, I’m pretty disgruntled about the McIntosh product. The first of many things is reliability and product support. I’ve owned a couple of their products. Ask me if you see this. I have switched over to Anthem - a Canadian product no less. I have their STR Integrated. What do you think of their products? Can you maybe do a review? Also, the separates are cool but are too much power for my setup. Any insights on their separates? I also have their AVM60 for my home theatre. It is connected to a McIntosh MC205, which is the last remaining McIntosh I will own. Sincerely, Kevin
Some us haven't heard all the "cliche" terms to describe the mcintosh sound. I've never heard one. And I'm debating on Parasound or Mcintosh. Mcintosh looks better so far. So it's ok Jay, ha!
Clean and undistorted, like every high quality amp is. Indistinguishable from amps costing 5 times as much. Anyone who claims otherwise is full of crap.
Greetings from Germany. Love your videos. I have the B&W 804D3 and plan to buy a McIntosh. Still not sure if I should biamp and use a preamp or go for an integrated solution from McIntosh. Hope that a McIntosh can give a warmer and less analytical characteristic to my B&W. Maybe the 352 could be a winner, but it doesn’t have autoformers.
I finally have a 352 at home for testing and it sounds very full and rich compared to my Lyngdorf TDAI 3400 (don’t know how to add a picture). I always thought that I need a sub, but now I don’t miss one. Therefore, next test steps are a C2700 with a MC275 and also a MA8900 or 7200 cause I don’t need the tone control.
@Travis Morrison-Mckell Sorry for my late response. Just check out what Adrian argues at the end of the video. Think this describes it well (starts at 22:20).
@@bagrubmeister4973 Hello! In the end I have sold my Amp and the 804D3 and bought PMC twenty5 24 Speakers, a Naim Supernait3 Amp and a ND5 XS2 Streamer.
I really loved this presentation. I felt like I was listening to an engaged, serious, professional panel present facts, figures, and feelings. Outstanding work, gents.
I have the MA8900 is my favorite piece of home audio gear ever. Warm and powerful and does everything. I was a separate components snob before this.
Can you see any benefits to having separates instead of an integrated MA8900 ?
@@marcusaurelius2988 Upgrade options is one reason. You can upgrade to more power without paying for a new preamp section, or upgrade the preamp without paying for a new amplifier. Quality of components is another. Those reasons are not in play for all enthusiasts but they are a couple of legit reasons for others. No doubt those big McIntosh integrated amps are outstanding pieces that folks could be happy with for life, not knocking them at all.
You guys make me laugh, while delivering good information. Life events forced me to sell my system 10yrs ago. I look forward to building a new system in the future. Once life returns to normal i will be in contact to setup an appointment. Cheers
I really enjoy these discussions! (MA8900 owner here... I use it with a pair of Sonus Faber Elipsa SE and love the combination).
Did you audition the 352? Or just wanted the 8900. My buddy has
the 8900. He bought it based on
my MA6600. I’m thinking about tubes.
Mistake or not?🤔
@@1999zrx1100 have you compared the 8900 with 6600 since your buddy has one now?
@@oscillatingdailyaudio would be interested too as I own a 6600 and might be toying with the idea of...
@@f.troiani5937 Do you use internal phono? I think I'm going to stick to my orignal plan and get C2600 once I get some funds saved up and use the power amp section of the MA6600 until I can get a separate power amp. Each time I think of trading it in, I get the sense I'm going to be disappointed
@@oscillatingdailyaudio yes the MA6600's internal phono. OK it's MM only, but don't be misled into that phono stage not being very good -seriously it is! My rig is modest (Clearaudio Emotion SE w/Nagaoka MP500 cart) and the phono stage champions it.
Nostalgia with Jay and Vilip ❤
Guys these discussion type videos absolutely rock!
Gentlemen,
Loved this video. It’s been a long time since I visited a “audiophile” store where people know what they are doing and love the hobby! Obvious that you fall into that category. The great thing is your not “snobs” in your delivery of information. Thank you for sharing review!
Please keep these videos coming. Great work!
I had to watch this review again. Lots of great info from you guys always!
Jay.. that was very good articulation.. with the specifics of the tracks and the nature of the notes you heard. wish more reviewers did that... it helps people try to understand and even reproduce what the reviewer is talking about.
I'll have to add the 352 to my audition list! Thanks for the vid!
Fantastic series of videos! I appreciate the lack of scripting - more believable that way. Thanks!
dn
First of all, thanks to you guys for some very nice videos-this one included. I will say, however, that (with the possible exception of Adrian) you really did a disservice to the MA8900. The basic review summary was, “we know how it sounds, it’s powerful, it has the Mac sound.” Fine for you guys, but many of us out here have never heard either of these amps and the discussion of the 8900 was not very illuminating. My impression, based on having recently auditioned these amps head to head myself, is that the 8900 is discounted in this review-the novelty and difference of the 352 is probably given too much weight. I would highly encourage anyone reading to do their own head to head audition, if at possible. Based on this video-and other reading-I went into the audition believing that I would much prefer the 352. This was not the case. I happened to think the 352 sounded lovely by the way, and your review of it does do a good job of describing its sound. What was surprising was that I did not like the way it looked-in contrast to the 8900, the 352 looked worse in person than in photos (where it looks stunning). It still looks good, but... I don’t know, it’s a bit much. Again, based on this video, I halfway expected the 8900 to be good, but perhaps boring. It is not. For me, it bested the 352 in almost every way, sonically, while also being more handsome and capable (in terms of inputs and capacity to drive a range of speakers). Just my .02. Thanks again!
Paragraphs, bruh 😎
I agree with your opening critique of this video regarding the Mac sound, but your description of why the 8900 is also general, you said it was sonically better but don’t give any detail.
Regarding the Mac sound, what does that mean exactly? In another review of the 8900 the person alluded that the old Mac sound was syrupy in contrast to a seemingly new direction that Mac is taking with solid state, indicating that the voicing (to them) was fairly neutral and accurate.
Everyone is different. I love the hybrid sound.
Would you have the same opinion for MA252, if I didn't need the power?
Start a discussion about how often Mcintosh equipment has to be serviced shortly after warranty has expired. My 601’s, 452, MC8207, MC121 all had to go in for repair.
Jay ,when I close my eyes you sound just like "Bruce Lee " bro !! Great channel love your stuff !!
we thought Jay sounds more like Marlyn Monroe, no?
I miss Villip
Very enjoyable review. Thanks guys😎👍
The Mac dac2 vs a quality R2R dac comparison would be cool.
Love you guys. Who doesn't love Macintosh, pure magic. I like each of your takes on music and gear. Building a new home and Mac is on the list...
Thank for the smart arguments and song's tracks to illustrate your saying . congrat
The Mac's overall seem to be more forgiving with a variety of speakers. The autoformers probably play a large role in this and I'm sure the engineers work harder to produce amps that are great in sound and detail, to accommodate many varieties of music and associated equiptment that are imputted with these beautiful amps. Good review.
Is the tone EQ on the MA8900 useful? If so, how did you guys find
it useful? Did you actually use it alot?
Thanks!
Di-
so which one with klipsch cornwall 3s
How would you compare these 2 amps with the Accuphase or Pass Labs??
have LINN Klimax 350 passive speakers. What McIntosh amplifier do you recommend to go along with those speakers?
Could you review the MAC 7200? How well does the AM/FM tuner work? Do you prefer having the tone controls like on the 8900 and MA352?
I am trying to decide between these two pieces right now. The local dealer has the 352, I heard it yesterday and really liked it. They had no solid state McIntosh integrated amps "because autoformers!". The only listening options at the "biggest McIntosh dealer in Kansas City" were tube front ends. Nice guys, cool place, but they are limiting a customer's options (and perhaps their sales) with their own bias. Dude said "no dynamic range with autoformers". Say what now?
Thank you for a very interesting presentation. You certainly made me interested in looking in to buy one of the two amps!
Which of these two amps would you personally choose with Kef Reference 5 and why? Would you rather choose the Hegel h590 over any of the two Mac’s and what’s your take on the Hegel together with the Kef Ref.5?
Excellent video, as always. Years ago, Stereophile magazine often used the term 'euphonic colorations'. Would you say that applies to the 352?
For what it's worth, I auditioned my Vienna Acoustics speakers with McIntosh electronics in late 2018. The first time was with separates, but I didn't catch the model numbers. Second time was the MA5300 integrated amp. A bit shy on low end heft compared to my Proceed amp, but very nice otherwise.
I saw you are a Peachtree dealer on your website. Would love to see a comparison/review of the Nova 500, maybe with Hegel H190 specifically with Magnepans because Peachtree has not done well in the past with Magnepans and Hegel has done very well. I listen to a lot of classical music. Thank you guys you are great!
I can''t speak about Hegel, but the Peachtree Nova 150 I foolishly bought was dreadful no matter what speakers I hooked it up to, especially my Maggie .7's.
Don’t “tone controls” alter the signal path and engage opamps in the circuit? If so, from purist point of view, sound quality should suffer slightly. Am I wrong?
I currently run the MA6600 and use a turntable often and want to go the tube route...I either want the 2600 or the MA352...This MA352 looks awesome
Jimmy Stabler I’m in the same boat, running a 6600 for about a year and love it but would love to try out a tube amp.
Did you get one yet?
Derek Dranfield I haven’t made a decision and will prolly wait till next year. I’m more so leaning towards c2600 and hooking it up to 6600 while I save up for a 3-400 watt amp. what speakers do you use?
Jimmy Stabler Harbeth 3.1’s listen to a lot of Jazz with an Oracle Alexandria
table. SME arm with a Grado cart.
Sounds great but always loved Tube
Guitar amps so figured I should try
it on my audio set up. The Shindo Labs looks interesting but way too overpriced. Chow
@@1999zrx1100 Nice. I run a Rega P8 with Ania cart with a Yaqin Ms33b phono pre. It's really nice so far, still getting used to it. Speakers are B&W 702S2
Must sound sweet, love the BMW line.
90% of my listening is vinyl.
Can’t beat it. 😎
This is a wonderful chat . I’ve just bought a pair of klipshorn and need to upgrade my am. I am doubting between the 2 amps you are discussing in this video . I do not have the chance to have a listen so I must choose blind . My bigger concern in controlling the bass and get a right one . Please , could you advice me ? Many thanks from France
Hello, I bought the MA8900 and have it paired with the JBL L100 Classics. I cannot comment on the other amp presented in this video. I
used to play bass in bands and can tell you that the bass presentation of the MA8900 is beautiful. And, I don't mean that as just bass guitar. Every bass note from skins to brass to strings are just perfect. There is proper heft and weight behind all of it.
Of course my speakers having 12 inch woofers might play a part in that, so take it as you will.
i have a C2200 (tube pre) with a MC402 (SS power amp) and looking to downsize & save some $$ as I use B&W 805s speakers with them. Would you think I would notice much difference or lose sound quality in going to a MA352? I do love the hybrid sound I currently have
Great discussion. I find it funny when I hear McIntosh described as "your daddy's stereo"
I wish McIntosh would do more direct coupled amps in a standard chassis. a 200 watt MA5300 would be awesome.
So which amp is more 'true to the source'??
I haven't heard 352 but owned couple of Macs w Autoformer and in spite of power, always found them to be lacking transparency and boring no matter which speakers I used . Guess I need to audition MA352 next
could you guys please do a review on the Mcintosh D150, I just got one and really wonder how it stacks up to the other DACs. Great channel BTW
@@adrianlow2114 Thanks alot for the info
Do you recommend analog interonnect rather than ballanced cables for these amps?
I have a MAC6700. How would you say that it stacks up against the 8900?
Why aren’t their tube hybrids moving coil stylus compatible?
Could you do a review of the MA252? It seems to be great value.
Hello fellows😃. Chiming in late but thanks for your informational videos. Personally, just me, I’m pretty disgruntled about the McIntosh product. The first of many things is reliability and product support. I’ve owned a couple of their products. Ask me if you see this.
I have switched over to Anthem - a Canadian product no less. I have their STR Integrated. What do you think of their products? Can you maybe do a review? Also, the separates are cool but are too much power for my setup. Any insights on their separates?
I also have their AVM60 for my home theatre. It is connected to a McIntosh MC205, which is the last remaining McIntosh I will own.
Sincerely,
Kevin
so who is the winner ?
Great video 👍
Still waiting for the c53 vs c2700 comparison. 😉.
Being Canadian Jay at least tried to pronounce it correctly. Just a few km (or miles) south they don’t even care.
Both model I have tried listen at local showroom 8900 and 352
. I still prefer old mcintosh 6900 , 7000 just sound better 😊
oh well
Loooool them two are definitely married
Cho-co-la-ty with notes of ta-ma-rind.
1.25 - 1.50 speed from now on. 😆
Rosy bloom. 🌷🌹🌺🥰
Some us haven't heard all the "cliche" terms to describe the mcintosh sound. I've never heard one. And I'm debating on Parasound or Mcintosh. Mcintosh looks better so far. So it's ok Jay, ha!
That would be a useful comparison. I’m interested in both.
30 years from the purchase of either, the McIntosh will go way up in value - Parasound, nah.
Abyssound is much better, sounds like a mcintosh without the hand brake on.
what is a typical Mcintosh sound??
If crap had a sound...
@@NeverKamabla wrong
No clue
Clean and undistorted, like every high quality amp is. Indistinguishable from amps costing 5 times as much. Anyone who claims otherwise is full of crap.
a typical Mcintosh sound is what all other amp manufacturers strives to achieve
RELENTLESS MONOBLOCK AMPLIFIER
thumbs up
Greetings from Germany. Love your videos. I have the B&W 804D3 and plan to buy a McIntosh. Still not sure if I should biamp and use a preamp or go for an integrated solution from McIntosh. Hope that a McIntosh can give a warmer and less analytical characteristic to my B&W. Maybe the 352 could be a winner, but it doesn’t have autoformers.
What is the significance of having autoformers? What does that do that is special? Thanks
I finally have a 352 at home for testing and it sounds very full and rich compared to my Lyngdorf TDAI 3400 (don’t know how to add a picture). I always thought that I need a sub, but now I don’t miss one. Therefore, next test steps are a C2700 with a MC275 and also a MA8900 or 7200 cause I don’t need the tone control.
@Travis Morrison-Mckell Sorry for my late response. Just check out what Adrian argues at the end of the video. Think this describes it well (starts at 22:20).
@@RealRonin1982 Hi Daniel So what did you end up with? did you keep the 352. I am looking at at Mac
@@bagrubmeister4973 Hello! In the end I have sold my Amp and the 804D3 and bought PMC twenty5 24 Speakers, a Naim Supernait3 Amp and a ND5 XS2 Streamer.
Why did the fat man kept interrupting the young man when he talk, very annoying 😅
now you know what great friendship experience is really like
McIntosh is an old brand. There’s newer companies that are producing far better Sind for far less
name them
@@jearley22 Literally anything.
I don’t think so, my friend I am a Mac fan boy after having only one of their products and having a bunch of other products from other manufacturers