McIntosh MA12000 is it worth upgrading to.

I am posting a new note specifically regarding the DAC in the MA12000. I did indeed purchase an Eversolo A8 and originally thought the ESolo DAC was better than the MA2 in the MA12000 but I was wrong..very wrong. While the ESolo A8 DAC is good it doesn’t hold a candle to the MA2..egads..the soundstage and low end coming from the MA2 is simply incredible. I’m listening to Bela Fleck "The Star Spangled Banner" and it’s amazing using this set up (McIntosh MA12000 w/internal DAC, Eversolo A8 (streamer only), Klipsch La Scala’s w/ a pair of Focal SubOne’s).

MA12000 is a stellar unit, best of both worlds! But forget McIntosh onboard DACs as many point out here. A simple RME-ADI2fs gets you into the right ballpark with the exceptional quality of the amp & preamp.

I have the C2800 and the DA2 DAC it comes with is really quite good. 

I am  also about to take advantage of the Mac upgrade program, and am looking at trading in my MA352 for either the MA12000 vs the combo MA462 and I think the C2800 tube preamp.  I don't care about the DAC because I already have a Weiss 405.  My speakers are Revel Studio 2 and 2 SVS subs.  

I'm looking for better sound and want to see if the higher watts produce better sound.  I'd live to get the MA12000, not only because it looks awesome, as mentioned above, but is also thousands less than the separates.

So, Do I need the extra 100 watts from the MC462, and is it worth an extra $10 grand?  Or will the MA12000 give me the boost I'm looking for?

@mojo771 - which Mac upgrade program are you referring to?  The original post is from 3 years ago, so just curious what's new in 2026..

Also, I've auditioned both - the MA12000 and the C2800 + MC462 combo.  Also the MA9500, which sounded pretty bad compared to the other two options. 

I went with the MA12000, but the MC462 + C2800 combo was outstanding as well.