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Which McIntosh Integrated Amp for Rock music?

McIntosh MA2275 or MA6900 for Rock music?

  • MA2275

    Votes: 1 16.7%

  • MA6900

    Votes: 5 83.3%
  • Total voters
    6
D

Dr. Pseudo

New Member
Dear McIntosh fans,

I am considering buying my first McIntosh amplifier and looking at the second hand market. I am currently using Marantz Pearl Lite with B&W 804 Nautilus speakers. Although I like listening to vinyl, the primary source I use is my CD collection. I have been an experienced listener and I have some experience in music studios as well. Therefore, I am a little too analytical yet I enjoy a warm and moving sound character with preferably a 3D soundstage. I listen to mostly Rock music, expanding from Modern to Progressive and Grunge to Jazz Rock.

My question is, would you choose a McIntosh MA6900 (Solid State) or an MA2275 (Tube) if you were in my shoes. I have no previous experience with tubes. I am not considering buying separates because of my budget, but I am open to any other suggestions as well. Comments from users with experience of both amps will be highly appreciated. I am most curious about the sound characteristics of these amps and unfortunately, I don't have a chance to test them.

I see people driving B&W 802's with MC275 which has the same power output with MA2275; that is somewhat confusing. On the contrary, I do read that 804's as well as the rest of the 800 series have low impedance curves and require a sufficient amount of power to put out its best. Although they did not end up in my shortlist, I remember reading that a direct coupled MA6300 or MA6500 could also suit better for Rock music because of the faster dynamics. All comments are appreciated, thank you.
 
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Although not written in stone, SS is generally considered preferable to tubes for meeting the current demands of lower impedance speakers.

That said, I would suggest the MA6900 or even an MA7000 and not look back.
 
According to the dictionary, integrated means combing two or more items to become a whole. So is it space that defines your definition of whole? You didn't say which speakers, but my first choice would be a C-40 with a pair of MC 501's because of their peak rating and high damping factor. If the space won't allow that then a MC 500 in place of the 501's. Remember once they are connected together they are integrated. Other wise a MC 8000 or if space is really tight a MA 6900. Is digital important to you, do you like moving coil cartridges, C2500 and a MC602. What about a MEN220?. Remember if its connected together properly then its integrated. How about A C1100 T, Men 220, and a pair of 1.2K's ? Connected properly they are integrated. Isn't this fun? With everything Mac you become totally integrated.
 
Lord have mercy twiii. In the car business, you've done the equivalent of putting the customer into a 2015 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD when the guy came in on the 75,000 mile 2009 Liberty. :D

I think the speakers will be his B&W 804 Nautiluses (Nautili?)
 
Don't let anyone confuse you. Either one of your listed choices will work. The MA6500 on up the line of SS Mac integrated amplifiers will be sure to make you happy and will drive your speakers with ease.
 
My 2275 to me sounds just as good with Van Halen as Van Cliburn. They're also kind of rare. I would put it above my 6500 which is no slouch when playing loud and clear.
 
The biggest thing you need for good Rock music is power and a hefty power supply. The MA6600. MA6900, MA7000 or MA7900 are great candidates for this. The MA2275 will run out of steam if you want concert levels. Getting one with an EQ is even better, gives you flexibility!
 
Thank you very much for all your answers and comments; you've all been very helpful.

I have one more question to owners of B&W speakers.
Some say that B&W (especially the 800 series) are not made for tubes and need plenty of solid state watts (such as MA6900) while other say that they can drive even a B&W 802 with a modest tube amp (such as MA2275).
Anyone with such an experience?
Thank you.
 
Your speakers are rated at 90db efficiency. I would follow audioclassics1 recommendation and the SS amps. The 2275 doesn't have the power to reach concert levels with those speakers' efficiency. I use mine with horn loaded speakers and higher efficiency and they play plenty loud with the 2275. Speakers make a huge difference in pairing the right amp.
 
:lurk:
Just along for the ride seeing what I can learn. FWIW I run MC60s into 90,91,&92 db speakers and I've never felt they ran out of gas. They weren't a good match driving AR9s (I didn't think they would be, but hey , it didn't cost me anything to try.)
 
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