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McIntosh vs Accuphase?

Right now I'm using a Marantz PM-11S1 w/ Monitor Audio Gold floor standers. I'm a big fan of Marantz reference gear and their smooth yet detailed warmth. That said, I'm looking to get an integrated for my bedroom setup with a built-in DAC (no room for separates), which nixes something like the PM-KI Ruby. Looks to me like the McIntosh MA5300 / 7200 or Accuphase E-280 / E-380 fit the bill. I'm not really interested in Hegel or Rotel based on their aesthetics. I kind of like the idea of VU meters as well. So the question is, between the two McIntosh integrated or the Accuphase, what's my play? I'm located in the US so that's two points for Mc (pricing and service). But the Accuphase stuff looks to have much higher quality components, design, and build quality. Though for the price of the E-280 w/ option boards I could get a MA7200 and have spare change. Hmm...
lostark
mammothguy54's avatar
mammothguy54
934 posts
 
To this day I regret selling my stack of Accuphase to my nephew.  I have a wonderful system now.  It really sounds fantastic and I am satisfied in every way.  My Accuphase stack was from the late 1970s and consisted of a T-100 tuner, C-200 preamp, and two of the P-300 power amps.  Using an outboard active dividing network and running some big Infinity speakers and that system was spectacular.  It looked great and sounded even better.  Build quality is as good as it gets.  I never had a problem with any of the components.  I wish I had never sold it.  
No matter what you settle on you will enjoy it as those are both good choices.  But for me, and based on my experience, I can say the Accuphase is the way to go.
jaulbrich's avatar
jaulbrich
22 posts
 
Listen to the Moon (Simaudio) gear before you buy. Maybe a little more money, but...
mrklas
441 posts
 
I own McIntosh amp/preamp. Haven’t really spent time with Accuphase gear. 
Here’s my view Mac has a string secondary market. 
And I have listened to Moon integrated amps and I have a moon DAC. I agree with jaulbrich as far as quality but not meters
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
Accuphase is mostly all solid state.  If you like the dry sound of solid state, go with the accuphase.  


decathlon1991
212 posts
 
Not sure what other components these customers use with Accuphase and what cheaper version of the McIntosh amplifiers you are comparing too. I have the McIntosh MC2301 Monoblock amplifiers. I seriously doubt that Accuphase will top that in sound quality. If you think so, please provide proof. As far as Moon gear is concerned, it’s really good gear when it’s working (kinda like Mark Levinson and Krell). Reliability has always been problematic. This is why I don’t invest in their gear anymore. Every company has good and bad gear and some have stellar. McIntosh has definitely done something right, which will explain the companies longevity. It’s your money, spend it how you want to.
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