The Battle of Top Integrated Amps: Accuphase E5000 vs McIntosh MA12000 |What's Better
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ม.ค. 2024
- We are very fortunate to have some of the best Integrated amps in the store. Now we compare the 2 giants in our store, the Accuphase E5000 vs the McIntosh MA12000, find out which is better for what and drop a comment below on what you think!
Links mentioned:
Hegel H600 vs Accuphase E-5000 Comparison:
• Integrated Amps Under ...
Accuphase E-5000 Review:
• Reviewing Accuphase E-...
Book an appointment with us to listen via either email or phone:
info@audioexcellence.ca
(905)881-7109
#highendaudio #hifi #audiophile
Social Media:
linktr.ee/audio_excellence
If you are interested in our playlists, here is how to get them:
Donate to your charity of choice and email the receipt to info@audioexcellence.ca, Adrian's playlist is $10.
We match and donate all the funds we receive from TH-cam for the videos, so please support us by watching, subscribing and liking them. Thank you very much for your support.
As always, we would love to hear from you, so please if you have any questions about hifi/audiophile or anything audio-related, leave your comments and feedback below. If you have suggestions for future topics, please let us know.
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 and audio luminaries like Daryl Wilson of Wilson Audio, Paul McGowan of PS Audio, Paolo Tezzon of Sonus Faber, Wendell Diller of Magnepan, John Atkinson of Stereophile, Dan D'Agostino of D'Agostino Master Audio Systems, Nelson Pass of Pass Labs and others.
Contacts:
Adrian@audioexcellence.ca
Mike@audioexcellence.ca
Lewis@audioexcellence.ca
Info@audioexcellence.ca
Audioexcellenceca@gmail.com
Edited by: Alison@audioexcellence.ca - บันเทิง
Wow!
Boy, am I glad I stumbled on this review.
I thought I was going to target Accuphase to replace my French amps and so I came here expecting to learn more about the Japanese amp.
Instead, your review has me thinking it's in fact the Mac I should actually be paying attention to.
Can't wait for my trial listening at my dealer of the two amps.
One of the best reviews I have seen. Spot on comments on the details, I fully agree.
Thanks!
The Accuphase looks like audio jewelry. It’s really beautiful.
Agreed but it looks like a champagne colored Pioneer Elite AV receiver at first glance with meters.
Yep, Accuphase is legendary.
Nice review! I know an individual here in the US who is currently, and has been an authorized Accuphase dealer (along with several other brands) for several decades. While discussing hi-end equipment recently, he mentioned that he never had a reported quality/reliability issue, nor a return, on any Accuphase unit that he has sold.
Good to know!
Thanks Adrian!! Great comparison as usual💪💪👍👍
Thanks!
Intelligent, honest, informed. Superb review.
Your honest, heartfelt reviews are so interesting to watch. This was one was of your best, even with the wrong headline. Thanks for all the hard work. I own a lot of those blue meters, but a favorite is my MC252 amps. Mac and Klipsch are the combo that tickled my fancy 30 years ago and I ain't never looked back.
Thanks
Super! Thank you for this review!
My pleasure
That was a pretty great review. Anyone debating one vs the other would be well informed
Another great video Adrian. I agree with an earlier commentor that it would be interesting to add the Daniel Hertz Maria 350 into this competition to see how it competes. It's certainly in the mix price wise. Thanks again for all the good work.
Thanks!
I was going to make this request as well!
@@fredericmorris2931 stay tuned ...
Hello Fellow Audiophiles And Friends: Thank you Adrian for this passionate review of these beautiful high-end ampliers. You really pulled out all the stops by even including 3 different sets of speakers. Based on your review it's basically a wash. For the customer to make a decision he would have to audition these test amplifiers for themselves, so its basicially personal preference. Thank you again sir, God Bless, stay safe & healthy. TMP from N.J.
Many thanks for the kind words
Great great Review! I hope that i was in Canada and could buy something from such an honest seller :)
As always, it’s a great video and informative. I owned Mac C53. Please do a video on the Mac equilizer how best to use it. Thanks 🙏🏽
Thanks Adrian, great comparison. I've had my eye on Accuphase for awhile, not much info out there, was glad to see your comparison. Thanks again.
My pleasure
Thank Adrian for the comprehensive comparison. As you mentioned the McIntosh’s dac can be upgraded, thought I’d point out that the Accuphase optional dac and phono stage boards can also be purchased and easily upgraded. They are excellent components too (obviously an add-on rather than the McIntosh, which is included). I own a Accuphase e308 that came with the dac-10 but able to still enjoy the most recent dac-60 board. Take the top off and look inside. It’s even more impressive than the facade.
Thanks
Really great descriptions of both of these amplifiers. It would be tough to choose between them.
yes they are both wonderful
Thank you for the review and comparison. I personally use Accuphase pre amp with McIntosh power amp. And it seems to me to be the best of both worlds.
My pleasure!
Would you please tell me what model number of pre-amplifier from Accu phase
@@stephencosta6814 I am using an old C2110.
Another liked video. I’ve been waiting for this one and you didn’t disappoint. Do you plan to carry the McIntosh MQ112? Curious about your thoughts on equalization.
Your experience with the MA12000 matches our family's experience, Adrian. We actually use the MA12000 in pass thru mode powering your most hated speakers...Carver Silver AL's 😉. It is magical for us though using a 7.2.6 spatial audio system for music with the our center channel powered by a McIntosh MC3500 MkII tube beast. We do prefer folk, jazz, light classical, and rock as well, so our music preference would lean more toward the strengths of the McIntosh. It's as if Norah Jones, Neil Young, or Natalie Merchant is right there singing in front of you with the band and instruments creating a massive sound stage...especially in Auro 3D. Gwen Stefani's voice in Hella Good with that configuration is mind blowing. Or the fairly recently (re)released spatial audio version of the Beatle's Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band album is a favorite demo of ours when friends are over.
Aesthetics and resale value is also very important to us and the McIntosh with those tubes and hybrid capability make our ribbon speakers sing while the meters are art in motion. The champagne front of the Accuphase immediately dates it for us but it is a heck of a product. Beautiful finish but just looks dated. Reminds me a little of the Technics look of the 70's. They should offer the product in both black or champagne for customers. Anyways, great review. And as I always say...enjoy the music powerfully, accurately...and loudly. 😁 🔉🎵🎶🎵🎶
Good for you! Enjoy the system in good health!
Outstanding post.
Thank you for that it was nice knowing I also favored McIntosh because it’s what I own right now so I guess I’m a little biased lol
Again I want to thank you for your honest review Adrian. Sound quality is truely on what the listener hears and likes. Remembering that everyone's
hearing range is different. Tubes do make a difference and from what I've
been told, try different types of FUSES?
Do they really make a difference???
By the way, I still have to buy lottery tickets$$$$$$
Thank you
Adrian, keep these videos coming! Your transparency and openness when comparing products is very educational. Would love to see a comparison on the Accuphase E-380. Any plans? 😊
Yes when we receive our shipment
For me, with good speakers matching, Hegel 600 is the one. The sound stage, the base and the 3D sound found in the Mac with the PRAT and energy of the accuphase. Least money on the outside board and more in the inside. It’s a no brainer one box solution.
I say it again. It would be great to see a video commenting or even better, reviewing the Accuphase Dac-60 and Ad-60 add on cards. 🙂 Thanks for great content!
Thanks
Adrian. Your videos are fantastic. Thank you for your wonderful insight. Question I have an anthem 1140, front left right paradigm founder 120h, 90c center and in ceiling paradigm e80A v2. I am in search of a very good amplifier to add to my set up. I’m also considering upgrading my 1140 to the AVM90. What amplifier between these two would you recommend for my set up? Thanks much.
Very well recorded!
Thanks
Good morning, Adrian. I really enjoy your videos. I find that they are the most informative. I am in the market to upgrade my preamp currently a McIntosh C2500 [no DAC needed] will ypu being doing a comparison of preamps in the $10,000 to $15000 range, if not can you make recommendations for me to consider? Thanks
I'm a tube lover and have tube preamps and power amps that I use exclusively, as I found I really like the "tube" sound over solid state (generally). The way you described the more prominent differences between the Mac and Accuphase sound to me like they are most likely due to the tube preamp section of the Mac...depth of soundstage, 3D presentation, laid back, romantic, etc. All are common characteristics of tubes. But I'm also considering a second system built around Magnepans or Martin Logan electrostatics, and I'd bet the Accuphase would be a better match to those, based on the strengths of it vs. the Mac. Both are obviously very nice amps that would be terrific to own, in any case.
No doubt!
none of that makes any sense. as an engineer, physicist, and MD, science rules my life... tubes merely add more distortion... they are fine for low volume listening with efficient speakers, but they hit high distortion very quickly... there is no "tube" sound. just the sound of distortion, sigh. In the pre-amp section, tube distortion cascades throughout the reproduction chain, but Mac is a solid designer and i HOPE they spec tubes that are not driven hard at all in the pre-amp.
@@annenominous7220 There is most definitely a tube sound. Yes, of course it's all distortion, but tubes distort in a way that adds euphonic qualities to the presentation. If you don't like it, that's fine, but millions of audiophiles love it, including me. I've been an audiophile since the age of 14 in 1978 when I bought my first "good" system, and have owned dozens of both tube and solid state components. My primary system right now is based around the 104dB-sensitive Klipsch La Scalas, which are a perfect match with flea-watt tube amps. Together they provide a more pleasing presentation than any of my solid-state amps have done with the La Scalas.
@@annenominous7220 Yes, it's distortion but, some people don't want to listen to a studio monitor sound for pleasure. Sometimes overly analytical amps are just not enjoyable and after all, the whole point of music is to enjoy it and use what equipment is most enjoyable for you. This is all so subjective really.
This makes me smile. “Frenzy” “tall soundstage” lol “romantic midrange.”
Please people, you cannot take this stuff seriously.
very nice comparison! How would you compare this Mc and Parasound JC5/JP2 combo? i am choosing between these 2. already own the accuphase E480. thanks
Excelente! Gracias!
Thank you
Accuphase too has the option of an interchangeable DAC module. Currently it's "DAC 60" which costs about €1200, to be added to the E-5000 amplifier's price of €14,000 in the Netherlands. The McIntosh MA12000 costs €19,000 there.
Mcintosh prices are always much higher in Europe than in USA. Accuphase is the opposite.
The title is misleading, but I do not mind Adrian lol I would have to go for the McIntosh the best they have to offer in terms of integrated someday someway I will have one😊 PS loving your videos lately good bad, ugly and comparisons between each other. Love love love.
Thanks. Title was a mistake, fixed now
Great review. Also, did you post the Stradivari G2 review yet? I can't seem to find it. Thanks!
The Strad video is next
The Strad video is next
Hello again, it is surprising that H600 was not mentioned in this review in comparison with MC and Accuphase, especially after the timbre comment about the H600 that was quite controversial,. Also it would be interesting to hear if such timbre problem was present in H590 and H390 that were previously very well appreciated in your reviews.
This was a comparison between the Accuphase and McIntosh, with my concluding remarks.
Why did you pick e5000? Do you think e800 is limited somehow?
Thank you, amazing content.
Great video ! Is the Lumin with McIntosh a good match ? And why choosing Lumin ? Thanks.
My speakers are 4ohms and I tried tapping into the 8ohms terminals on this integrated amp. There is a difference. 8ohms seems sharper(?) but I found that the 4ohms connection digs a deeper. And with 4ohms, acoustic instruments appear more natural sounding which is a plus for me! I spoke to a McIntosh engineer and was advised to be very careful due to the rating of my 4ohms speakers.
Love these comparative reviews even though my budget is a few notches down (Supernait 3). Just as a suggestion, you might include comparison of more practical issues, as with the size of the vu meters: things like weight, bulk,and heat load.
good feedback
If buying the Mac ? Would the integrated be as good and or better going for the separates such as the Mac 462 and c2700and/or C53 ?
Great stuff, but would have thought the comparison would be the MA9500 instead.
I would love to see a review on the Anthem STR Preamp and power amp duo😃. After all, its Canadian😁.
Can you do a video review of high-end amplifiers where you are blindfolded, and listening to the same speakers powered by different amps? I'm wondering if you can really tell the difference. Throw in a cheap box store amplifier, and a cheap tube amplifier to see how they compare to the products you sell. Sort of like a blind wine tasting, but for amps.
Hi Adrian, which would you say is better with classic rock?
I've yet to hear a Mac. I wish I knew someone who had one. It's beautiful.
Great video. I prefer the McIntosh
Dang - someone works really late .. ( or super early )
Happy Monday!!
I meant to come by to hear the Stradivari this past weekend ..but my nightshift is tough to change / sleep pattern.
Will they remain set up for the next while?
This title doesn't seem accurate either ... The review is between the integrated amps .. not the Sonus faber?
Email ahead re the Strads, speakers are always in rotation due to different appointments. Title corrected
Great reviews Adrian but you never made any comment of how you rated the Hegel H600 against the original H590? Better or worse? Do the criticisms you made of the timbre not being quite right on piano apply to the older amp? Is this criticism of the timbre applicable to the DAC or the preamp/amp stages?
Sold the H590 before I had a chance to compare.
I think it's difficult to go wrong with either unit. It will come down to preference.
Hi Adrian
Have you received the new Momentum MxV integrated from Dan D Agostino ?
I can´t wait to see you make a video with that.
Greetings from Espen :)
No not yet.
I heard both of these integrated amplifiers. Yes the Accuphase is gorgeous but soundwise it left me wanting more, a lot more. I found the McIntosh to be more dynamic, very musical and engaging, and having a larger soundstage. The Accuphase wasn't anywhere as engaging. If the McIntosh MA12000 sounds this good, imagine pairing it with the MEN 220 Perfect Room! I should mention, if the McIntosh MA12000 didn't exist, I'd have no problem purchasing this Accuphase.
so do you think mcintoch sounds darker/richer/thicker then?
@@MasterofPlay7 That has been my experience with McIntosh and Accuphase.
@@kimchee411 so do you feel accuphase is on the leaner side?
I have exactly that combo, MA12000 & MEN220. It’s something very special, truly amazing.
Really? Wow! I'd love to hear more about it.
First off- I enjoy your videos. Yes, there is a commercial interest but this does not seem to influence your ratings. Very nic.
I am looking to change my C22 and MC275 for a one box solution. This video appeared at the right time.
Thanks!
Now - how do they compare to the Daniel Hertz - based on your review of the Daniel Hertz - I would go with the Integrated plus the Speakers
Adrian, can you please look into Technics integrated amps like SU-R1000?
Here’s some food for thought, these amplifiers were all tested with different speakers in the same room/s with the same speaker placement.
Do you think that an amplifier has some affect on speaker placement too?
If you want a more live and realistic imaging try omni speakers as duevel, mbl, German physik. They will bring a huge soundstage and with a good and more realistic imaging.
I would be interested to know how you think these amps compare with the Daniel Hertz.
Yes, I'm with you! . . .I wonder about the same thing !
Great review Adrian. I appreciate your honest opinion on those integrated amplifier. I own the E5000 which was an significant upgrade from my Bryston Br20/4B3 combo. I've never owned tube but I assume that switching to a McInstosh from an Accuphase would be a similar qualitative difference than the switch I made from Bryston to Accuphase. I found that the Accuphase has a lot of the characteristics you used to describe the McInthosh. In my setup, I try to remain as neutral as possible (Rega p10 turntable, Revel Ultima Studio 2 speakers) hence my hesitation of tainting my sound with too much warmth. With the E5000, I also purchased the DAC60 and a AD50 cards. I sold them both a couple of months later as I found they were not up to par with the quality of the E5000. They were limiting it's potential. I decided to keep my Goldnote ph10/psu10 which was miles ahead of the AD50. I replaced the DAC60 with a the Eversolo DMP-A8 streamer DAC, again, no comparison to be made with the DAC60. I wish you and your family a healthy and Happy New Year!
What do you use the A8 for?
streamer only?
dac + streamer ?
@@karsiyakali6067 streamer and DAC
Hello, I have questions about Eversolo with E5000 amp:
- How did you connect the streamer to the E5000 ?
- When you start the application via the phone, the amp doesn't turn on at the same time you have to press the button to trigger it ?
- When you connect the TV on HDMI port of the eversolo to have the song of the TV, you have the sound with the amp ? And can you adjust the overall volume of the amplifier with the TV remote control ?
Thank you SO MUCH
Does McIntosh home theater processors mimic the feedback of this integrated?
great comparisons Adrian. I have a pair of MC601s and have played with the different taps. There is a noticeable difference in presentation between all taps. So its a nice extra feature to have when pairing speakers to get the sound you want. However when doing this one should note that there is a difference in gain between them... each tap has a difference of 3db up or down. must be worth noting
Yes I noted that I adjusted for volume
I feel that those differences come more from the amplifier parts than the processor as is… what can we expect if we go to separates?
I think the decision between those 2 amps will be musicality (McIntosh) vs speed and transient (Accuphase).
Looks will be a factor too.
Excellent review. Ive heard both, they are both beautiful and sound fantastic. At half the price , i do enjoy the Yamaha AS 3200. Not a Hegel fan, maybe it was a bad ear day. Keep up these reviews.
Thanks!
I would take a luxman over them both lovely sounding amp
The comparison is appreciated, however if you could do some simple iPhone recordings of the sound that would be very helpful. Yes, I know of all the pitfalls, but it's amazing what one can gather by such sound demos. Thanks
That's a horrible idea. Coloration to all hell by the phone mic, unwanted dynamic range compression from both the condensor mic and the audio processing, you'll have no clue how either one sounds in 3D space. Sorry, but no. Just no. I'll write this off to you having a sense of humor (and commend you for perfect execution of said humor - in a room full of AUDIOPHILES)
@@bradatherton9369 I agree wholeheartedly LOL iPhones are fine for picking up a conversation or to remember a voice message but to record audio? YIKES! And even GOOD and proper pro-mikes cannot do justice to what we will end up hearing at home anyway due to the limitations of TH-cam and the "character" of our own playback systems. Sure, we might hear differences between set ups but how could we in fact actually HEAR exactly what a Wilson or Rockport sounds like through OUR speakers at home? LOL I see this kind of comment almost every day where someone says "what a great sound" such and such a speaker has . . . and you are certainly right: I have an iPhone too and it's amazing but it emphatically NOT a bona fide recording device - got a good laugh out of THAT one too! LOL
@@bradatherton9369 While an iPhone makes things sound harder than reality, they really do wonders for what they are. I know I can find such recordings very helpful. I tried to upload links to my recordings but they get nuked here. So yes, it's an excellent idea to give iPhone recordings if done right.
Many words do not convey what these amps achieve in the hifi world. For the best amplifier (not only integrated) you have heard which scores a score 10, what scores would you give these two products? I ask because I want to know how much would I miss by buying these two beautiful looking products instead of buying the top end monoblocks and preamp which I don't like their looks.
Great video but since they are both beyond what most people can afford, how about a comparison of a McIntosh MA 5300 and an Accuphase E-280, the entry level offerings of these 2 companies that more people can realistically afford and are more likely to purchase?
Perhaps when we get our Accuphase order
yes please . I'm looking something to pair w my Sonetto V and these two could be great candidates.
@@adrianlow2114So you are now officially an Accuphase dealer as well ?
one important thing is that also HEGEL is made in China , but Accupahse is made in Japan . if you just open Hegel you will see the quality of PCB layout and parts not so good as Accupahse . HEGEL is very small company which make OEM , enclosure quality very poor compare to McIntosh and Accupahse
@Audio Excellence Canada: I own the Focal Lab 1028BE and i want to buy the Accuphase E-4000. Do you think that this is a good combination? Thank you if you reply on my question?
I changed my mind and did make an offer to buy the E-650 instead of the E-4000. Because of the introduction of the E-700, the E-650 was for sale and so I switched my choice from the E-4000. I am convinced that it is a good decision.
I've heard both of these fine integrated amps as well, and for my $$$, overall, I still love the Hegel H590/H600. The Hegel is full featured (although I use an external DAC), extremely powerful with a huge damping factor, and it sounds just incredible. I do believe that the Hegel H590/H600 are the absolute best value for the money of the big-time integrated amps on the market.
Not to my ears. Different strokes. @@abdulmokta6081
@@abdulmokta6081 You think the Hegel treble is rubbish? Not in my system.
I keep hearing great things about Hegel, but they are just so basic looking.
@@scottg.9516 I would buy the Amp for the sound, not the look..., I personally don't like view meters as they are essentially meaningless and distracting... But all three are excellent amps and would must likely be very happy with any one of them
Accuphase for me ,Because I have a E380! And love it
We need to make a shirt for you that says
*FRENETIC* 😂
Hey for the MSB glass (the pro isl) have you noticed if it sounds a touch thinner than MSB renderer with copper? I don’t know but wanted to find out so I am asking you. Or does it sound identical?
Have not compared, interesting thought though
I am a Mcintosh owner and obviously a bit biased but I totally agree with you that accuphase is higher class
Oh oh, I think this title is for the next video that’s coming out. Oops!
Yes, the title doesn't match the video.
The title doesn’t match, but I don’t mind lol
Fixed, apologies
Anyone have an opinion of the Naim Supernait 3 integrated amplifier or Kef Reference 3 Floor Standing speakers? Would the Naim and the Kef Reference 3 speakers work well together?
I hate that drop down drawer hiding it's controls. I had a couple of a/v receivers, hated them and stay with 2.1 stereo.
What one is better for rock/classic rock music ?
This test should have been done with the Accuphase E800…
Bullshit
This 2 in compare with the Luxman 595se would be nice .
Up early and watched the video. Maybe I should have made a cup of coffee first before watching.
I'm surprised that you discovered 8ohm vs 4ohm debate on McIntosh so late in the game. It is a rather widely discussed matter that many people believe 8 ohm for pretty most every speakers including Wilson.
I've talked about the impedance option in the past, I believe when we did the McIntosh Mc901 and then Mc451. Clients of ours have done so for years. Thanks
Well done. Small differences here. Very fine products at their respective price points.
McIntosh needs to bring back the best integrated amp they ever made the All-Tube MA2275.
why don't you pair tube input stage to the accuphase and see if can produce the same effect as mcintosh? Do you feel accuphase sound leaner compare to mcintosh?
Not really leaner per se. Accuphase has a dense midrange. McIntosh seems to be more relaxed.
@@adrianlow2114 so dose that mean the midrange sounds more forwarded and less spacious?
The remarks about setting the McIntosh to the 8-ohm tap, that is not a good idea unless you know the speakers are 8-ohm rated. Here is why: using a 4-ohm tap with 8-ohm speakers cuts the power in half. Using the 8-ohm tap with 4-ohm speakers DOUBLES the power to the load. His description of the 8-ohm tap experience was unsurprising, because damping factor is reduced and so bass control is less but also more 'lively'. The Accuphase has a damping factor of 1000, so i found that consistent with his description of it having tighter bass while the McIntosh more musical (because of lower damping factor, also associated with lower global negative feedback).
Is there a plan to do the same for IA above $20k? What would the group consist of? Any chance of a Dartzeel? Thank you for this comparison. How much does the EQ add to the Mac price? I think I would be endlessly tweaking this for every recording. It needs to add a memory setting for at least 5 configs. Preferably 15+.
Maybe in future re more expensive IA. No Dartzeel, we're not a dealer
Heard the MC12000 vs C2700/MA462 - the integrated was better for my taste.
in my country is
mcintosh ma12000 € 18.990,00
Accuphase E-5000 € 13.900,00
i like build of accuphase.
but i like the lowbass and soundstage on mcintosh.
but price difference.
made me go for accuphase
Prices are very different in Europe with the Accuphase (even with its optional DAC module) significantly cheaper than the Mc.
Funny, it's opposite in the US.
@@kimchee411 See what taxes, tariffs, shipping costs and different distributor margins do?
Waiting for the Strad G5 review
coming, sorry for the mix up
@@adrianlow2114 thanks Adrian!
Accuphase E5000 how much it cost this integrated ?
Accuphase hands down
ADRIAN! To quote you in the first few seconds of your presentation :"This is the CONCLUSION of the Integrated shoot out" Adrian? Whoa! The one I was looking forward to the most was how the Maria would fare in comparison to the "establishment" . . . is the new kid on the block Maria not under the 20K mark?
That's the kind of dilemma when you might want both of them......
In terms of musicality, Lavardin IX-20 will kill both with slightly less money.
So this is basically a shortlist, a comparison of what you sell. The Accuphase is a great product but I went with Esoteric Audio. Luxman was also in the audition, another great product.
I put a Hagel and pump against both of those units. And watch who comes out on top.
Accuphase is the Rolex in HiFi.
The Progression is $20K without the phone stage and without the DAC just like the Accuphase. Interesting that it didn’t make it.
McIntosh, finest products out there? Almost choked on that one 🤣
@meesmo4 . . . LOL same here ! Just about any McInstosh is SO passed its due date I've compared a Mc to my integrated (a France/Swiss affair) that cost a fraction of the Mc and it sounds LEAGUES better :-) And Accuphase? A little too retro looking for my taste and Hegel . . . much ado about . . well . . . not nothing but at least a little too hyped - Cheers and happy listening !
Here we go.
More Mcintosh haters who probably never had any higher end ones.
Anything above mc462 is very respectable.
I’m sure to some Cambridge audio is better….
@@ericszkoda8690 Here we go . . . a "there's nothing better than a Mc" lover! LOL Never said that Cambridge is better - I'd take a Mc over a Cambridge ANY day but please know that there are amps out there that are at least as good and sometimes better than a McIntosh! I know, I know . . . the glow of those blue V U meters is audio crack to some of us but to others blue light Mc's are from another age and believe me, in a blind test with levels perfectly even, I was in fact privileged to compare a top of the line Mc to the amp that I ended up with for a fraction of the $ of the Mc . . .but OH NO! Gawd dammit . . . I think I'll have to bring it back; It doesn't have the blue light level meters on it :-) All that said, I do have a sincere respect for the Mc brand that has made it through thick and thin throughout the years and continues to be a commercial success. And the sound is good too! :-)
@@ericszkoda8690 as an aside . . .come to think of it; we should not be audio elitists . . . although Cambridge Audio doesn't have the cachet of the McIntosh, it is nevertheless a decent product for those who don't have the Mc budget. At the end of the day there are only two determining factors to the sound we hear from an amp: power and sound "character" . . . of course there ARE parts quality differences that might make one amp last longer than another not to mention the lasting value on the market it may have but HEARING the amp in our system should be the only thing that I suggest, should count. I do give you that the LOOK of a product plays an important part in pride of ownership but that's the "cover on the book" just like a Honda will get you from A to B just as well as a BMW . . . just not in the same "style" that one might be "accustomed" too.
Understood . For the record I had about 30 plus amplifiers ,few Mac’s., many Simaudio moons , classe, Bryston , Mark levinson etc etc. All Im saying there is lots of people criticizing products based on bs from internet , not their own experience. Also I find blue meters distracting in the dark room so I have them off lol.
I’m not saying Mcintosh is the best in the world but for the money… I can’t think of better amps then mc462 , 611 or 1.25.
Luxman m900 , Gryphon or moon 860 v2 might be slightly better at double price.
If you have different option then I would love to know what beats them in that price range???