McIntosh MA8900 vs MA352 Integrated Amps. Solid State or Hybrid?

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The 3 Audio Stooges decide to compare the 2 most popular McIntosh Integrated amps. The Ma352 is a hybrid design, rated at 200w/ch @ 8ohms, 320w/ch @ 4ohms. It uses tubes for the preamp section while the power amp is a Class AB Direct Coupled design without McIntosh's venerable Autoformers
The MA8900 is rated at 200w/ch into 2,4 or 8ohms, designed using the famous McIntosh Autoformers.
The system we used was the Lumin T2 streaming Tidal using Roon. Speakers were Sonus faber Serafino. All cables were Nordost Valhalla V2
List of recordings:
Jay:
Flight of the cosmic hippo - bela fleck
Jean pierre by markus miller
Gaia by James Taylor
Liberty by anette askvik
Bass I love you by bassotronics
Vilip:
Yazoo - Ode to Boy
Tish Hinojosa - Poquita Fe
Ella and Louis - The Nearness of You
Adrian:
For a small list of what I used, please watch this video
• We share our secret de...
I also mention a lot more of the songs I normally use in other recent videos.
If you liked the video, please share and subscribe and turn on the notification so you will know when we upload a new video.This helps us reach more audio fans. Thanks!
As always, we would love to hear from you, so please leave your comments and feedback below Audio Excellence Inc. is a high end audio/video store in Markham, Ontario, Canada, a suburb of Toronto. We've been in business since 1991.
Check out our interviews with designers like Daryl Wilson of Wilson Audio, Paul McGowan of PS Audio, Paolo Tezzon of Sonus faber, Wendell Diller of Magnepan and others.
Our website is www.audioexcellence.ca
Contacts:
Adrian@audioexcellence.ca
Vilip@audioexcellence.ca
Jay@audioexcellence.ca

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Опубликовано:

17 янв 2020

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Комментарии : 104

@mikewinburn 3 года назад

I really loved this presentation. I felt like I was listening to an engaged, serious, professional panel present facts, figures, and feelings. Outstanding work, gents.

@estebanmedaglia4506 4 года назад

Please keep these videos coming. Great work!

@InPursuitOfLiberty Год назад

I had to watch this review again. Lots of great info from you guys always!

@steveboyer8089 3 года назад

Gentlemen, Loved this video. It’s been a long time since I visited a “audiophile” store where people know what they are doing and love the hobby! Obvious that you fall into that category. The great thing is your not “snobs” in your delivery of information. Thank you for sharing review!

@hi-fihaven2257 4 года назад

Guys these discussion type videos absolutely rock!

@sambourre9539 4 года назад

You guys make me laugh, while delivering good information. Life events forced me to sell my system 10yrs ago. I look forward to building a new system in the future. Once life returns to normal i will be in contact to setup an appointment. Cheers

@SamsonSlayer 4 года назад

I'll have to add the 352 to my audition list! Thanks for the vid!

@jan-uwehilger8073 Год назад

Nostalgia with Jay and Vilip ❤

@robvandendolder3157 2 года назад

Very enjoyable review. Thanks guys😎👍

@naikrosh 4 года назад

Jay.. that was very good articulation.. with the specifics of the tracks and the nature of the notes you heard. wish more reviewers did that... it helps people try to understand and even reproduce what the reviewer is talking about.

@CS-bz9lk 4 года назад

Fantastic series of videos! I appreciate the lack of scripting - more believable that way. Thanks!

@user-sq5ne6lb1i 3 года назад

@emanon321 2 года назад

Great video, guys. I will have my 8900 in few days. Gonna sell all my other amps along with a closet full of spare tubes, cables, cords, etc and get off the audio roller-coaster and simply listen to the music. Thanks Audio Excellence.

@djcordes4352 2 года назад

I’m in the same boat. I just bought a new pair of Klipsch RF 7iii.s What do you think of it and what did it replace?

@nicoquebec 3 года назад

Thank for the smart arguments and song's tracks to illustrate your saying . congrat

@adart2496 4 года назад

I have the MA8900 is my favorite piece of home audio gear ever. Warm and powerful and does everything. I was a separate components snob before this.

@marcusaurelius2988 Год назад

Can you see any benefits to having separates instead of an integrated MA8900 ?

@mrk8212 6 месяцев назад

@@marcusaurelius2988 Upgrade options is one reason. You can upgrade to more power without paying for a new preamp section, or upgrade the preamp without paying for a new amplifier. Quality of components is another. Those reasons are not in play for all enthusiasts but they are a couple of legit reasons for others. No doubt those big McIntosh integrated amps are outstanding pieces that folks could be happy with for life, not knocking them at all.

@estebanmedaglia4506 4 года назад

I really enjoy these discussions! (MA8900 owner here... I use it with a pair of Sonus Faber Elipsa SE and love the combination).

@1999zrx1100 4 года назад

Did you audition the 352? Or just wanted the 8900. My buddy has the 8900. He bought it based on my MA6600. I’m thinking about tubes. Mistake or not?🤔

@oscillatingdailyaudio 4 года назад

@@1999zrx1100 have you compared the 8900 with 6600 since your buddy has one now?

@f.troiani5937 3 года назад

@@oscillatingdailyaudio would be interested too as I own a 6600 and might be toying with the idea of...

@oscillatingdailyaudio 3 года назад

@@f.troiani5937 Do you use internal phono? I think I'm going to stick to my orignal plan and get C2600 once I get some funds saved up and use the power amp section of the MA6600 until I can get a separate power amp. Each time I think of trading it in, I get the sense I'm going to be disappointed

@f.troiani5937 3 года назад

@@oscillatingdailyaudio yes the MA6600's internal phono. OK it's MM only, but don't be misled into that phono stage not being very good -seriously it is! My rig is modest (Clearaudio Emotion SE w/Nagaoka MP500 cart) and the phono stage champions it.

@jamesepler7156 4 года назад

Love you guys. Who doesn't love Macintosh, pure magic. I like each of your takes on music and gear. Building a new home and Mac is on the list...

@AUDIO.and.SCOTCH 4 года назад

Great video 👍

@77rand 4 года назад

Thank you for a very interesting presentation. You certainly made me interested in looking in to buy one of the two amps! Which of these two amps would you personally choose with Kef Reference 5 and why? Would you rather choose the Hegel h590 over any of the two Mac’s and what’s your take on the Hegel together with the Kef Ref.5?

@louisperlman8030 4 года назад

Excellent video, as always. Years ago, Stereophile magazine often used the term 'euphonic colorations'. Would you say that applies to the 352? For what it's worth, I auditioned my Vienna Acoustics speakers with McIntosh electronics in late 2018. The first time was with separates, but I didn't catch the model numbers. Second time was the MA5300 integrated amp. A bit shy on low end heft compared to my Proceed amp, but very nice otherwise.

@harrytrattner2287 4 года назад

Jay ,when I close my eyes you sound just like "Bruce Lee " bro !! Great channel love your stuff !!

@richardpeters2193 4 года назад

I saw you are a Peachtree dealer on your website. Would love to see a comparison/review of the Nova 500, maybe with Hegel H190 specifically with Magnepans because Peachtree has not done well in the past with Magnepans and Hegel has done very well. I listen to a lot of classical music. Thank you guys you are great!

@emanon321 3 года назад

I can''t speak about Hegel, but the Peachtree Nova 150 I foolishly bought was dreadful no matter what speakers I hooked it up to, especially my Maggie .7's.

@pupwizard3888 4 года назад

Could you review the MAC 7200? How well does the AM/FM tuner work? Do you prefer having the tone controls like on the 8900 and MA352?

@saquibhussain6000 4 года назад

Would you have the same opinion for MA252, if I didn't need the power?

@gregorytrane7828 4 года назад

The Mac's overall seem to be more forgiving with a variety of speakers. The autoformers probably play a large role in this and I'm sure the engineers work harder to produce amps that are great in sound and detail, to accommodate many varieties of music and associated equiptment that are imputted with these beautiful amps. Good review.

@RearEntry 4 года назад

could you guys please do a review on the Mcintosh D150, I just got one and really wonder how it stacks up to the other DACs. Great channel BTW

@RearEntry 4 года назад

@@adrianlow2114 Thanks alot for the info

@demetrij7120 4 года назад

i have a C2200 (tube pre) with a MC402 (SS power amp) and looking to downsize & save some $$ as I use B&W 805s speakers with them. Would you think I would notice much difference or lose sound quality in going to a MA352? I do love the hybrid sound I currently have

@ajayr8781 3 года назад

have LINN Klimax 350 passive speakers. What McIntosh amplifier do you recommend to go along with those speakers?

@BottomFragSneer 3 года назад

How would you compare these 2 amps with the Accuphase or Pass Labs??

@KOUKOS74 3 года назад

Do you recommend analog interonnect rather than ballanced cables for these amps?

@Grooverski 4 года назад

Don’t “tone controls” alter the signal path and engage opamps in the circuit? If so, from purist point of view, sound quality should suffer slightly. Am I wrong?

@stevenburdick424 Год назад

I miss Villip

@baronofgreymatter14 3 года назад

so which one with klipsch cornwall 3s

@ricosplace1 3 года назад

The Mac dac2 vs a quality R2R dac comparison would be cool.

@williamstrickland579 3 года назад

I have a MAC6700. How would you say that it stacks up against the 8900?

@kevinl6231 3 года назад

Hello fellows😃. Chiming in late but thanks for your informational videos. Personally, just me, I’m pretty disgruntled about the McIntosh product. The first of many things is reliability and product support. I’ve owned a couple of their products. Ask me if you see this. I have switched over to Anthem - a Canadian product no less. I have their STR Integrated. What do you think of their products? Can you maybe do a review? Also, the separates are cool but are too much power for my setup. Any insights on their separates? I also have their AVM60 for my home theatre. It is connected to a McIntosh MC205, which is the last remaining McIntosh I will own. Sincerely, Kevin

@paulbielen9233 4 года назад

Start a discussion about how often Mcintosh equipment has to be serviced shortly after warranty has expired. My 601’s, 452, MC8207, MC121 all had to go in for repair.

@jastrel 3 года назад

This is a wonderful chat . I’ve just bought a pair of klipshorn and need to upgrade my am. I am doubting between the 2 amps you are discussing in this video . I do not have the chance to have a listen so I must choose blind . My bigger concern in controlling the bass and get a right one . Please , could you advice me ? Many thanks from France

@brandoncabusas9343 3 года назад

Hello, I bought the MA8900 and have it paired with the JBL L100 Classics. I cannot comment on the other amp presented in this video. I used to play bass in bands and can tell you that the bass presentation of the MA8900 is beautiful. And, I don't mean that as just bass guitar. Every bass note from skins to brass to strings are just perfect. There is proper heft and weight behind all of it. Of course my speakers having 12 inch woofers might play a part in that, so take it as you will.

@seangray3730 3 года назад

I wish McIntosh would do more direct coupled amps in a standard chassis. a 200 watt MA5300 would be awesome.

@zeram01 3 года назад

Why aren’t their tube hybrids moving coil stylus compatible?

@ricosplace1 3 года назад

Still waiting for the c53 vs c2700 comparison. 😉.

@paulrs2975 4 года назад

Great discussion. I find it funny when I hear McIntosh described as "your daddy's stereo"

@sudarshandeuskar2241 4 года назад

I haven't heard 352 but owned couple of Macs w Autoformer and in spite of power, always found them to be lacking transparency and boring no matter which speakers I used . Guess I need to audition MA352 next

@dawaniali Год назад

so who is the winner ?

@Meedav Год назад

So which amp is more 'true to the source'??

@djhighhorse 3 года назад

First of all, thanks to you guys for some very nice videos-this one included. I will say, however, that (with the possible exception of Adrian) you really did a disservice to the MA8900. The basic review summary was, “we know how it sounds, it’s powerful, it has the Mac sound.” Fine for you guys, but many of us out here have never heard either of these amps and the discussion of the 8900 was not very illuminating. My impression, based on having recently auditioned these amps head to head myself, is that the 8900 is discounted in this review-the novelty and difference of the 352 is probably given too much weight. I would highly encourage anyone reading to do their own head to head audition, if at possible. Based on this video-and other reading-I went into the audition believing that I would much prefer the 352. This was not the case. I happened to think the 352 sounded lovely by the way, and your review of it does do a good job of describing its sound. What was surprising was that I did not like the way it looked-in contrast to the 8900, the 352 looked worse in person than in photos (where it looks stunning). It still looks good, but... I don’t know, it’s a bit much. Again, based on this video, I halfway expected the 8900 to be good, but perhaps boring. It is not. For me, it bested the 352 in almost every way, sonically, while also being more handsome and capable (in terms of inputs and capacity to drive a range of speakers). Just my .02. Thanks again!

@christinearmington 3 года назад

Paragraphs, bruh 😎

@jackprick9797 2 года назад

I agree with your opening critique of this video regarding the Mac sound, but your description of why the 8900 is also general, you said it was sonically better but don’t give any detail. Regarding the Mac sound, what does that mean exactly? In another review of the 8900 the person alluded that the old Mac sound was syrupy in contrast to a seemingly new direction that Mac is taking with solid state, indicating that the voicing (to them) was fairly neutral and accurate.

@marcusaurelius2988 Год назад

Everyone is different. I love the hybrid sound.

@oscillatingdailyaudio 4 года назад

I currently run the MA6600 and use a turntable often and want to go the tube route...I either want the 2600 or the MA352...This MA352 looks awesome

@1999zrx1100 4 года назад

Jimmy Stabler I’m in the same boat, running a 6600 for about a year and love it but would love to try out a tube amp. Did you get one yet?

@oscillatingdailyaudio 4 года назад

Derek Dranfield I haven’t made a decision and will prolly wait till next year. I’m more so leaning towards c2600 and hooking it up to 6600 while I save up for a 3-400 watt amp. what speakers do you use?

@1999zrx1100 4 года назад

Jimmy Stabler Harbeth 3.1’s listen to a lot of Jazz with an Oracle Alexandria table. SME arm with a Grado cart. Sounds great but always loved Tube Guitar amps so figured I should try it on my audio set up. The Shindo Labs looks interesting but way too overpriced. Chow

@oscillatingdailyaudio 4 года назад

@@1999zrx1100 Nice. I run a Rega P8 with Ania cart with a Yaqin Ms33b phono pre. It's really nice so far, still getting used to it. Speakers are B&W 702S2

@1999zrx1100 4 года назад

Must sound sweet, love the BMW line. 90% of my listening is vinyl. Can’t beat it. 😎

@V00ify 4 года назад

thumbs up

@cacophonix1984 2 года назад

Could you do a review of the MA252? It seems to be great value.

@mrk8212 6 месяцев назад

I am trying to decide between these two pieces right now. The local dealer has the 352, I heard it yesterday and really liked it. They had no solid state McIntosh integrated amps "because autoformers!". The only listening options at the "biggest McIntosh dealer in Kansas City" were tube front ends. Nice guys, cool place, but they are limiting a customer's options (and perhaps their sales) with their own bias. Dude said "no dynamic range with autoformers". Say what now?

@christinearmington 3 года назад

1.25 - 1.50 speed from now on. 😆 Rosy bloom. 🌷🌹🌺🥰

@audiophileuk1341 2 года назад

Loooool them two are definitely married

@Stephenwongdirectimaging Год назад

Both model I have tried listen at local showroom 8900 and 352 . I still prefer old mcintosh 6900 , 7000 just sound better 😊

@deepsoulfulsounds 3 года назад

Cho-co-la-ty with notes of ta-ma-rind.

@TheChianello 4 года назад

RELENTLESS MONOBLOCK AMPLIFIER

@elderinmoi1571 Год назад

Being Canadian Jay at least tried to pronounce it correctly. Just a few km (or miles) south they don’t even care.

@RealHIFIHelp 4 года назад

Abyssound is much better, sounds like a mcintosh without the hand brake on.

@gregmartinez5836 3 года назад

Some us haven't heard all the "cliche" terms to describe the mcintosh sound. I've never heard one. And I'm debating on Parasound or Mcintosh. Mcintosh looks better so far. So it's ok Jay, ha!

@christinearmington 3 года назад

That would be a useful comparison. I’m interested in both.

@BottomFragSneer 3 года назад

what is a typical Mcintosh sound??

@FJBx100 2 года назад

If crap had a sound...

@Sloimer 2 года назад

@@FJBx100 wrong

@1999zrx1100 Год назад

No clue

@Sloimer Год назад

Clean and undistorted, like every high quality amp is. Indistinguishable from amps costing 5 times as much. Anyone who claims otherwise is full of crap.

@RealRonin1982 4 года назад

Greetings from Germany. Love your videos. I have the B&W 804D3 and plan to buy a McIntosh. Still not sure if I should biamp and use a preamp or go for an integrated solution from McIntosh. Hope that a McIntosh can give a warmer and less analytical characteristic to my B&W. Maybe the 352 could be a winner, but it doesn’t have autoformers.

@travisylvania6730 4 года назад

What is the significance of having autoformers? What does that do that is special? Thanks

@RealRonin1982 4 года назад

I finally have a 352 at home for testing and it sounds very full and rich compared to my Lyngdorf TDAI 3400 (don’t know how to add a picture). I always thought that I need a sub, but now I don’t miss one. Therefore, next test steps are a C2700 with a MC275 and also a MA8900 or 7200 cause I don’t need the tone control.

@RealRonin1982 4 года назад

@Travis Morrison-Mckell Sorry for my late response. Just check out what Adrian argues at the end of the video. Think this describes it well (starts at 22:20).

@bagrubmeister4973 3 года назад

@@RealRonin1982 Hi Daniel So what did you end up with? did you keep the 352. I am looking at at Mac

@RealRonin1982 3 года назад

@@bagrubmeister4973 Hello! In the end I have sold my Amp and the 804D3 and bought PMC twenty5 24 Speakers, a Naim Supernait3 Amp and a ND5 XS2 Streamer.