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McIntosh decisions

Hi everyone,

I’ve decided to go the McIntosh route for amplification in my system. Nova IIIs, combo of streaming and vinyl listening. 
 

I loved both the MA12000, and the C2800 with MC462 power amp combo. 
 

While I could hear very little difference between the two in the testing, I do like the app functionality with the C2800. Outside of that, I’m not sure if I should be going separates for that kind of additional spend. 
 

Is the C2800/MC462 separate combo really that much better than the MA1200 integrated? 
What do you think?

stephenwerner
incorrigable
203 posts
 

Not great service when they break.

vmfire1
1 posts
 

I stayed solid state.  C55 with MC452. I like the app versatility.  I had the c53 and swapped it for the 55.  456/462 has plenty of ass to drive about anything.  
 

I ran B&W 803D speakers for a while.  Loved the setup.  But now the amp and pre are in my man cave powering MCXR100’s which I had in my living room.  Too much speaker for the room. They do well in the cave.  But honestly I like the B&W voicing so much.  I got a set of 805D4 Signatures for in there driven by a MA8900 with a DA2 board.  They are delightful.  
 

That’s my only integrated.  Small space. It’s great. Big space I have the separates and considered the MA12000 but just did not want to deal with my perceived hassle of Tubes etc.  

 

not sure if my thoughts help, but in the caliber of what you are considering, my humble opinion is you can’t go wrong.  It’s all about the space you are trying to fill.  
And of course your subjective feelings.  

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,723 posts
 

I have both a McIntosh MA6600 integrated amp and a McIntosh C2500 tube preamp and a McIntosh  MC 302 power amp.  The separates sound better. Lower noise floor and better “ease” to the music. 

mark200mph
860 posts
 

I have the mcintosh c 12000 driving  several monoblock mcintosh with a xlr splitter with out any problems. Mcintosh has powergaurd as mentioned that protects it on bad voltages and sometimes puts it in limp mode. Also it has clip protection that won't let the amplifier clip. You can get on mcintosh  website and they list certified repair shops and there are plenty. I do also have the mi502 that is 4 hypex modules class d 500 watts in 8 1kw in 4 ohm. I have several brands but love my mcintosh  blue meters the best,well built and heavy stable to at least 2 ohms.enjoy the hunt and the music

avanti1960
1,745 posts
 

@stephenwerner 

My experience with preamplifier / amplifier combinations vs. integrated amplifiers is that the separate chassis systems sound lower in noise because of the individually isolated power supplies but the big plus to my ears is the life like excitement of 0 to 60 off the charts speed and dynamics.  

Once I went to separate chassis systems I stayed that way.  

Currently running a newer mint C22 MKIV retro look tube preamp and a new MC312 solid state power amp and loving the sound.  

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