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McIntosh MA9000/MA12000

I have a pair of Focal Sopra No3s paired with (originally) a Cambridge Audio CXA81 integrated, then upgraded to the Michi X5 integrated.  I usually listen to vinyl on a Rega Planar 6/Ania Pro.  

 

I want a warmer sound, and have long wanted separates.  I am considering the MA12000 knowing it combines both Tube and SS, but am I better off getting separates still staying around $15-20k combined for both?  I need to DEMO whatever I buy, but wanted any input before making a decision.   I also have two REL s812's for bottom end.  I typically listen to rock, classical & pop (Cowboy Junkies, Radiohead, Miles Davis, etc).

 

Thank you!!

bound4h
mark200mph
876 posts
 

I certainly enjoy the blue meters and the house sound that goes with them. I have alot of separates and think you can get more wattage,separation of power transformers autoformers .most of the high end gear has the power suppply for the pre amp in separate chassis for a reason ,less interfearance. 12000 mcintosh. The other plus if you buy used like I do Mac has the best resale value even decades old. Would be nice if you could find an audio club to listen. Enjoy the hunt.

vvvvvv6's avatar
vvvvvv6
101 posts
 

If I had more money, I would go for the C55 + MC462 combo.  I demoed the C2800 + MC462 combo also, and it sounded better than the MC12000, but with much more expensive speakers, so difference could've been due to that.  Either way, both are fantastic

elliottbnewcombjr
7,869 posts
 

I heard some 3 way Focals a long time ago, I loved them, one of the few speakers I might consider if my existing died.

I have recently read, here, that some find the Focals ’bright’, and you are asking for more warmth.

I prefer tubes, both preamp and amp; separates or integrated (I chose my vintage preamp to get a full featured preamp, and only use my integrated Cayin as an amp, (sometimes to run something direct, to check/rule a problem out).

I get remote volume/mute/balance for my vintage McIntosh mx110z tube tuner/preamp (any preamp without remote) from a remote line controller. IOW, I am not ’straight wire with gain’ (tried it, no advantage I or my friends could hear).

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So, your speakers, 91.5 db sensitivity, you could use tubes for both preamp and amp. A tube preamp and A single mc275 (75 wpc x 2) would be wonderful and I think enough power, your speakers are nominal 8 ohm, they have a dip to 3.1 ohms. You always have the option of getting a second one, running them Mono, 150 wpc as hydca does.

Now, is that warm ’enough’? or are the Focals just to ’bright’ for you? Not the preamp/amp, thus it’s the characteristic of the Focal sound.

IF so, you are all set with ’warm’ tube preamp and 75 wpc or 150 wpc tube amp, sell the Focals, or trade them in.

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