Opinions wanted....

**Nipper** · March 30th, 2009, 10:57 PM

I am shopping for a new amp to drive four 846B Valencias.

I prefer an integrated amp.
The local McIntosh dealer offered me a great deal on a floor model MA7000. The PROBLEM here is he also offered me the same deal on an MA2275.
I can have either amp for the same price.

Please talk to me guys. Which one would you choose and why.

**bowtie427ss** · March 31st, 2009, 08:48 AM

Interesting that they don't give an output impedance rating on the 2275.

I can only offer opinion, based on my listening preferences i'd go with the hefty(high power) solid state unit.

Even tho i'm very fond of the 6550 output tube, i have a subconscious aversion to new production tube gear, it kept me from buying a C2200 even tho it sounds fabulous.

Just my .02

**MikeInNH** · March 31st, 2009, 12:19 PM

Given McIntosh's exceptional reputation for building high quality gear I wouldn't hesitate in buying anything new from them. Keep in mind I haven't really kept up with McIntosh's quality since they were bought out by Clarion some 15+ years ago.

**Nipper** · March 31st, 2009, 12:51 PM

Im not to concerned about the quality of McIntosh.

Just when I decided to go for it the guy throws something like this at me. Thats a tough choice!

Its probably not possible to take both of them home to demo but I am about ready to ask.
My Altecs seem to be happier with low powered amps which would make me think the tube model would be best. Then everyone tells me tubes are a PITA.

How many watts are you guys running with your Altecs?

Accuphase makes some wonderful low watt integrated amps but no one around here sells them.

I need to hear something before I lay down this much $$$ its a LOT for me.

**MikeInNH** · March 31st, 2009, 02:21 PM

My Model-15's are the front left and right speakers of my home theatre system. I'm running a mear 35 watts....and that's MORE then enough. Room size is 18x30.

I do think the high efficieny Altecs sound better with lower powered amps. I saw a nice difference in my NAD home-theatre receiver over my previous Crown PL-4 amp. The Crown amp was EXCELLENT, but the Altecs seem to sound sweeter with the NAD.

**LICORNE** · March 31st, 2009, 05:34 PM

Originally Posted by Nipper

Im not to concerned about the quality of McIntosh.

The old MCINTOSH USED HIGH CAPACITANCE FILTERS 12000 MF . I wonder what the new output stage use`s these days.

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**drummerwill** · April 1st, 2009, 08:24 AM

Try a DHTSET Stereo tube amp or if you really like deep bass a DHTPP Stereo tube amp. All
you really need is about 5 or 6 watts per channel.

Have fun!
Willie

**LICORNE** · April 1st, 2009, 05:19 PM

The Mcintosh power supply capacitance has remained around the same 22000MFD except that they are smaller and mounted in parallel.The old McIntosh used one 22K MFD 3 " in diameter X 6" high.

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**Mike Gibson** · April 1st, 2009, 09:59 PM

I have Valencias and ran with a Mac 2505 for 30+ years until I bi-amped them and put a mc275 on the highs and a mc2205 on the lows. More than enough power but I like the sound. To me the electronic crossover made a huge difference in sound. Of course to each his own.