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Old 03-19-2023, 02:01 PM
Xtraheadroom Xtraheadroom is offline
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I’m considering an amplifier change at some point. Can someone speak to the differences I might experience going from an MA8950 to the MA12000? I don’t need a DAC so would I better off going with a separate amp and preamp this time out? As always I really appreciate all points of view here.
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Old 03-25-2023, 10:08 AM
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Maks Maks is offline
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Many of us here prefer the separate amp and preamp route because you have more flexibility if you want to swap around to a tube amp vs SS, or even "upgrade" the pre. I think the MA12000 is a pretty nice all in one option, especially since you can switch between tubes or SS on the preamp side. Your choices are pretty limited on the preamp side in Mc's current lineup if you don't want a DAC included.
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Old 03-26-2023, 09:01 AM
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Fbgbill Fbgbill is offline
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When I changed from integrated to separates, my dealer at the time advised to go with a tube preamp and SS amps. I could not be happier and currently have the C2700 and MC611's. Yes the C2700 comes with their current DAC. If you want to save some money you can always get the C2600. It still has a DAC but an earlier version.
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My System: Amp-McIntosh MC611(2) :Pre-McIntosh C2700, MP1100 :CD/SACD-McIntosh MCD600 :Speakers-McIntosh XR100 :Power Controller-McIntosh MPC1500 :Turntable-VPI HW40 Ortofon Cadenza Black :Cables-Morrow PH5,MA5 and Elite Speaker Cables :Headphones-McIntosh MPH1000 :Record Cleaner Klaudio KD-CLN-LP200T
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Old 03-26-2023, 09:33 AM
McMain McMain is offline
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Xtraheadroom, would the pre-amp & amp be used for music only or multi-duty (movies / TV)?
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Old 03-27-2023, 08:17 AM
PeterMusic PeterMusic is online now
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Like the other guys, I prefer separates. It was the only way I could get an all-tube configuration. I went with a C22 because I preferred my separate DAC. The guts of a C22 are very similar to C2700.

On all tubes vs tube pre and SS power, you really need to listen for yourself
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Old 03-27-2023, 05:55 PM
McMain McMain is offline
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Personally, for me, it's all tubes for music.

But, for home theater, I love McIntosh solid-state, especially the quad-balanced amplifiers.
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Old 03-27-2023, 08:23 PM
Xtraheadroom Xtraheadroom is offline
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McMan- It would be for music only. I’m going to further explore the separates option before moving forward. Thanks all.
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Old 04-08-2023, 11:33 PM
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If you find a C1100 pre on resell take it! It has a very good phono and no DAC. Once you change tubes to Gold Lion, it will really sing. It also matches very well with MC611. Good luck.
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Aurender A30 -> Mac C1100 -> 2 x Mac MC611 > Franco Serblin Accordo Essence + Pair of REL Carbon Special

Aurender A10 -> Mac C1100 -> 2 x Mac MC611 > Joseph Audio PERSPECTIVE2 Graphene

VPI 40th. Anniversary Direct Drive -> Audio Research Ref. 3 Phono

Aurender A10 -> Ref 6 -> GS150 > PMC Fact 12

McIntosh MCD500 -> C1100 - >MC452 > PMC Fact 12

Aurender A10 -> -> E470 > PMC Fact 12

Speakers: Monitor Audio PL200 , , Monitor Audio GX200
PMC Fact 12

Tidal -> Aurender S10 -> Accuphase DC-37 -> Accuphase E-470 -> Monitor Audio GX200

Tidal -> Aurender S10 -> MD108T Signature DAC -> Mcintosh C1100 ->McIntosh MC452 -> JBL 4344
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