I compared the MA6500, the MA6900 and the C42/MC352. There was a definite improvement in sound quality between the MA6500 and the MA6900, but I was hard pressed to find much difference between the MA6900 integrated and the separates. Bottom line, the 6900 is an incredible integrated! Plus, as has been mentioned, you save on a pair of interconnects and a power cord!
Mcintosh MA6900 compared to Mcintosh separates?
I like the relatively small size of the Mcintosh MA6900 when compared to the Mc separates, but thinking long term are the separates a better option given music abilities and flexibility? In other words, how much of a sonic tradeoff is the MA6900? 200 watts is more power than I would ever need so I'd be looking at Mc amps as an upgrade in sound quality, not power and of course being able to switch out an amp or preamp separately. What about the preamp section of the MA6900 as compared to Mc preamps? Would I be perfectly happy with the MA6900 given all things? Thanks for your input.