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Separates over time, or Integrated now?

I started an earlier post debating between a MA9000/MA12000, both integrated choices.  You all gave great feedback and I appreciate it! (https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/mcintosh-ma9000-ma12000)

 

As I’ve thought more about it, if I decide to go the separates route my goal is the C2800 & MC462.  My question is: If I need to buy these over a year due to budget constraints, would it be just fine buying the C2800 now and pairing with my Michi X5 and then getting the MC462 next year?  Is that a terrible idea?

 

Better off getting an integrated now?  I just didn’t know if the above setup was dumb given the sonic differences of Michi and McIntosh and for a year I would have muddy/unmatched sound.

 

Maybe I’m thinking too much into, that’s why I need some advice.  Thank you!

From my other post: 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 10/Athelion 2 (arrives tomorrow!)  

bound4h
kennymacc
736 posts
 

Whether or not you should go with separates now or later vs an integrated amp (or whatever combination) now or later, all simply broils down to you’re needs, desires and budget, which only you can figure that out for yourself.  However, I would suggest that if you have a larger space and larger speakers, I would definitely work toward getting separates.  Otherwise, there are several extremely high quality, high-end, very powerful, extremely dynamic, exquisite sounding, integrated amps out there that have the ability to make you forget all about the fact that you’re not using separates, even when used to drive large speakers in large spaces.  It’s your choice.  A few years ago, I moved my audio system to a smaller room, so I went from separates to an excellent integrated, and didn't miss a beat.  Happy listening.       

bound4h OP
27 posts
 
lanx0003

1,990 posts

 

X5 does not have Main-In. If you're instead feeding the C2800 into one of the X5's regular line inputs, you'll be cascading two preamps, which is generally not ideal because it adds unnecessary gain stages and another volume control.  Nothing and no one would stop you from doing that but it is just not ideal.  Synergy between them might be another concern.

You might consider a 1-2 year used MC462.  Fair price in the market is around $7,500 - $8,500 based on what I have seen.

Yes, believe Michi X5 has what it calls "HT Bypass" which bypasses the volume/circuitry entirely and passes signal to amp.  Great idea on the used MC462--going to check them out!

bound4h OP
27 posts
 

Decision update:  I am buying the C2800 now or the MC462 now, the other component in 12 months. 

 

Really just deciding which to buy first that will be most impactful.  From what I’ve read, replacing the pre-amp functionality with a quality separate is a better choice..

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onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,448 posts
 

Get the integrated amp now and sell the Rotel.  If you go piecemeal with the separates you'll mentally be in limbo for the next year and be dissatisfied with your system, regardless of how it sounds.  The big McIntosh integrateds are very fine and you may end up thinking that you don't even need to go with separates.  And even if you do decide after enjoying the integrated to switch to separates, you'll probably not lose any money because of how McIntosh retains resale value.

Buying one separate now is a half-step.  Don't do half-steps.

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