Magico A1 - recommendation for integrated USB amp?

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bernardl

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Nov 30, 2017
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Hi team,

I may invest in a pair of second hand Magico A1 for my B system to replace my trusted Kef LS50.

I am looking for a high quality integrated amp with USB input and integrated dac.

I could obviously go for another Devialet and I know it's going to sound amazing, but I am looking for a different experience.

I have short listed the Mcintosh MA5300. My question are:
- has someone tried this combo?
- what would be alternatives in a similar price range?

Thank you.

Cheers,
Bernard
 
You could try a Hegel 390, or if the price isn't right, go down a model. The Hegel sound will be more to neutral than the Mac though. Hegel's digital technology is typicaly cutting edge.

I'm not sure what pricing would be where you are but the Mark Levinson 5802 is excellent. The 5805 has the analog inputs if need. These amps power section are based off the 534 topology and really perform although the power rating into 8 ohms isn't huge. They provide a taste of the Levinson higher end gear.
 
IMO, the Mac won't bring out all the magic in the Magcios. IMO, Magicos needs a greater tier amp.
 
Hello,

The AYRE EX-8 is a good option. Or the soulution 330 at a more expensive price, which is excellent. Both work very well, we have tried them on the A1. They have a good integrated DAC with a USB port and a network connection too.
 
Naim Unity Star or Unity Nova, Ayre EX 8, Brinkmann Voltaire,




Gesendet von iPad mit Tapatalk
 
Thank you ver much for the inputs, it looks like the cute blue meters won’t cut it. :-)

Regarding Mark Levinson, I found a perfect condition second hand no585 at a suitable price point (not the current 585.5), meaning similar to a new Hegel H390 and cheaper than the Ayre EX-8 with hub.

How would the no585 work?

Thank you.

Regards,
Bernard
 
The 585 should do fine IMO. It has a nice DAC and sound, good amount of power. The amp section is based off the 532h, fast and clean. Stereophile has a review of 585 as well as others.
 
The ML 585 is amazing on the A3. My understanding is that the 585 is even better than the 5000 series except a little less of a DAC. Only issue for me is the size of the unit.
 
Thanks again for your help. In the end I went for the safe option since I could find a well priced Devialet 220 CI on the second hand market.

Predictably it drives the A1s like a champ. Killer bass thanks to the SAM profile and totally transparent sound.

Cheers,
Bernard
 
I understand that Devialet isn't the most popular brand in these parts, but for anyone interested it sounds really good with the Magico A1s.

The addition of a JCAT XE card in the Mac Pro 2019 I use as Roon end point and Shunyata Sigma USB cable in the coming days should further improve the level of performance of this very compact little system.
 
Gryphon Diablo 120 with DAC module. Gryphon is known to match well with Magico.
 
kzhtoo said:
Gryphon Diablo 120 with DAC module. Gryphon is known to match well with Magico.
Click to expand...

I had considered it, but besides it being much pricier, Gryphon was not enthusiastic about selling me one since they are currently not distributed in Japan.

Cheers,
Bernard
 
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