Gs1058 Posted April 23, 2018 Author Share Posted April 23, 2018 24 minutes ago, jimjimbo said: Yes sir, they are very expensive to produce. No doubt I am a novice, but that's why I've come here. If autoformers are are found on the more expensive amps, would that not make them more desirable? I get some people like chocolate ice cream others vanilla, but are there scenarios, where cost is not a factor, that someone chooses direct coopled? Do people with higher end amps seek out a direct coupled amp for thier systems to have on hand? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimjimbo Posted April 23, 2018 Share Posted April 23, 2018 47 minutes ago, wstrickland1 said: It would be a shame if this went the way of the 52" subwoofer thread...... I think it's getting there. I'm out. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wstrickland1 Posted April 23, 2018 Share Posted April 23, 2018 call these guys: Audio Classics 800-321-2834 or 607-766-3501 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ODS123 Posted April 23, 2018 Share Posted April 23, 2018 8 hours ago, Gs1058 said: No doubt I am a novice, but that's why I've come here. If autoformers are are found on the more expensive amps, would that not make them more desirable? I get some people like chocolate ice cream others vanilla, but are there scenarios, where cost is not a factor, that someone chooses direct coopled? Do people with higher end amps seek out a direct coupled amp for thier systems to have on hand? I have excellent hearing, and a keen sense of musical nuance that has been honed by a lifetime obsession w/ music. ..Still, I can not hear one iota of difference b/w my Mac MA6600 and my NAD 375Bee. ..One has autoformers, the other doesn't. ..I'm all for buying Mac gear, but I don't believe that it sounds any better (or worse) than any other modern day gear. In fact, I don't think their tube gear sounds audibly different either! ..Once THD and S/N ratios approach a certain threshold, our ability to discern differences disappears. I was at a Audio dealer some time ago and even the salesperson confided that he could not reliably distinguish Mac S/S gear from their tube gear, which is engineered to low distortion and linear. So I wouldn't get hung up on autoformers, etc.. just go and listen, and bring a healthy amount of skepticism. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ODS123 Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 Hi OP, ..what did you decide? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richieb Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 --- I believe from their first SS amplifier McIntosh did their best to engineer to the tube sound that had already made them famous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gs1058 Posted April 26, 2018 Author Share Posted April 26, 2018 12 hours ago, ODS123 said: Hi OP, ..what did you decide? Havent pulled the trigger just yet, but I am 90% settled on MC152. I wanted to stick with separates. Power seems like a good fit. whatever processor I go with should have ability to play stereo mode. While looking into the ma5300 I also discovered the new ma252 (looks sharp). Both units had appeal but what ultimately is turning me away would be the 100w/ per channel. When switching from stereo to power my home theater fronts, I would feel more comfortable with a little headroom. I also called audiocalssics and inquired about an mc8207, mc205 & mc207, reasonable prices but I'm nervous buying used & also have incentive to purchase new( can use almost $1k in gift cards) Anyone think I am making a mistake? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ODS123 Posted April 27, 2018 Share Posted April 27, 2018 On 4/25/2018 at 11:14 PM, Gs1058 said: Anyone think I am making a mistake? A mistake? Heck no, you'll be happy w/ any of those mentioned. ..It's just that by going w/ a Mac Integrated (like the MA5300, not the tube one above as it does not have home theater pass through) you can use just the Mac when you're listening to 2-channel audio. ..By getting the amp only, you'll have to use your AVR. As for wattage, I'd be very surprised if you ever get near 20-30 watts, let alone 100. ..And I love cranking my music and movies. ..Your speakers are incredibly efficient. Maybe a dealer would allow you to bring a demo unit home to try in your system? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin C Posted October 16, 2019 Share Posted October 16, 2019 Great discussion. I am thinking of Cornwall III and a Mcintosh, which one is the question, just like GS1058. <Need> Power Cornwall III (so 50WPC) <Want> Unbalanced fixed output for Analog to Digital capturing <Want> Upgradable digital stage MA5300 + least expense. Has upgradable DA1, 100WPC - no Unbalanced Fixed Output, single Balanced Variable Output MAC7200 + Has upgradable DA1, 2 Balanced Variable Outputs - 200WPC, no Unbalanced Fixed Output, 40% more than the MA5300 in price, Receiver is not ‘needed’ MA8900 + Has upgradable DA1, 2 Balanced Variable Outputs, 1 Unbalanced Fixed Output - 200WPC, more than the MAC7200 in price, 5 Tone Balance is not ‘needed’ C49 & MC152 & Balanced patch cords + Has upgradable DA1, 2 Balanced Variable Outputs, 1 Unbalanced Fixed Output, 150WPC and amplifier could be upgraded separate (not as a mono-block) - Most expensive, suspect 2x MA5300 in cost My largest concern is that the Cornwalls are listed at 100W MAX, and I would toast them by accident with a simple twist to the right of the volume knob verse the left turn.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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