MA8000 Integrated?

[Mechnutt]

Hi, I am considering buying a used MA8900 integrated amp. I was wondering if anyone has heard this amp and what they thought about it.

I am especially interested in how detailed it was.

My other amp that I am considering is a M. Levinson 8405 Integrated. And yes, it is 180 polar opposite sound

Much Thanks,

Larry

 

[mep]

Hi, I am considering buying a used MA8900 integrated amp. I was wondering if anyone has heard this amp and what they thought about it.

I am especially interested in how detailed it was.

My other amp that I am considering is a M. Levinson 8405 Integrated. And yes, it is 180 polar opposite sound

Much Thanks,

Larry

If they are polar opposite sounding integrated amps, which sound do you gravitate to?

 

[Mechnutt]

If they are polar opposite sounding integrated amps, which sound do you gravitate to?

I like both sounds but I lean toward the warmer more romantic sound but I also appreciated detail, resolution and clarity. I used to chase detail and clarity but went over to the dark side and prefer a slightly colored sound. There is a guy about 15 minutes from me that is selling the Mac. I have an email out to him to see if I can come over and give it a listen.

If I went with the ML, the rest of my gear is a little on the warmer side except for the Gold Note PH-10 which leans to the sunny side of neutral However, I just bought a Shelter 501 v3 cartridge and some Duelund 16ga XLR's to warm up the tone a bit.

If the ML had tone controls it would be a no brainer to buy one. I can get a B-stock new one for $4850. Not bad from $10, 500 new.

 

[mep]

I like both sounds but I lean toward the warmer more romantic sound but I also appreciated detail, resolution and clarity. I used to chase detail and clarity but went over to the dark side and prefer a slightly colored sound. There is a guy about 15 minutes from me that is selling the Mac. I have an email out to him to see if I can come over and give it a listen.

If I went with the ML, the rest of my gear is a little on the warmer side except for the Gold Note PH-10 which leans to the sunny side of neutral However, I just bought a Shelter 501 v3 cartridge and some Duelund 16ga XLR's to warm up the tone a bit.

If the ML had tone controls it would be a no brainer to buy one. I can get a B-stock new one for $4850. Not bad from $10, 500 new.

Thanks for your perspective.

 

[Mr Peabody]

If you get an audition let us know what you thought of the 8900.

I liked the 5805 quite a bit. It seemed to have good synergy with the Audio Physics towers. I forget the model. It's quick, good high end and detail delivered in a non-fatiguing way. It's not lush the highs must remain smooth due to very low distortion. The 5805 was able to deliver the growl or throatiness of brass I like in an amp. I'd love to hear the 5805 with Monitor Audio Platinum to see if a good compliment or too much of a good thing. The Platinum was very good reproducing brass IMO.

Could have been system synergy but I personally was more impressed with the 5805 than its more expensive brother 585. I can't remember which speakers I heard the 585 with, probably a set of Revel.

I don't know much about Accuphase I finally got to hear one of the integrated at the show it was very good. Not what I expected from other's comments. I think it would be something you'd gravitate to. I think it was with a small set of Marten speakers, not positive. The sound struck me as velvety but not in a boring way.