New McIntosh Integrated Amplifiers

So far, so good. Sounds warmer (ie. typical McIntosh sound) than the MA6600 it replaces, but then again it could just be the honeymoon phase.

The DA2 is a big improvement, at least to my tired ole ears, over the aging D100. The D100 was no slouch either, and I may just keep it for a secondary headphone system.
 
"The Boss" has granted me approval to upgrade my speakers.

As much as I enjoy my Bryston Mini-T, giving serious thought to pairing the 8950 with one of the following:

Vandersteen Treo CT
McIntosh ML1 Mkii
Spendor D9.2

yes, I understand that McIntosh speakers are not highly regarded by many, however the speaker compliment intrigues me. Another benefit is that I can audition the ML1 and Treos locally, while the Spendors I cannot.

The Brystons, are often looked down upon due to their relationship with Axiom, mostly by folks, who have never heard a pair.
Great speakers, IMHO. One of the reasons I am looking forward to hearing the new ML1
 
DogsPart2 said:
"The Boss" has granted me approval to upgrade my speakers.

As much as I enjoy my Bryston Mini-T, giving serious thought to pairing the 8950 with one of the following:

Vandersteen Treo CT
McIntosh ML1 Mkii
Spendor D9.2

yes, I understand that McIntosh speakers are not highly regarded by many, however the speaker compliment intrigues me. Another benefit is that I can audition the ML1 and Treos locally, while the Spendors I cannot.

The Brystons, are often looked down upon due to their relationship with Axiom, mostly by folks, who have never heard a pair.
Great speakers, IMHO. One of the reasons I am looking forward to hearing the new ML1
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I recently heard the Vanersteen Trio's and they were very, very good speakers. I would definitely urge you to check them out.
 
When buying something unknown auditions are priceless. It's a shame you can't here the Spender, that would make a nice match IMO. I'm not a Vandie fan, them and Mac together sounds like sleepy time. What do I know though I use horns, LOL

Bryston is coming out with a new speaker line and calling the current line Classic. If you like Bryston you might wait to see what the new line sounds like, sounded like if it's not available now it will be soon.

A couple years ago I heard a smaller Mac driving the JBL L100's I thought that was a good sound. Just a brief show listen though nothing critical.
DogsPart2 said:
"The Boss" has granted me approval to upgrade my speakers.

As much as I enjoy my Bryston Mini-T, giving serious thought to pairing the 8950 with one of the following:

Vandersteen Treo CT
McIntosh ML1 Mkii
Spendor D9.2

yes, I understand that McIntosh speakers are not highly regarded by many, however the speaker compliment intrigues me. Another benefit is that I can audition the ML1 and Treos locally, while the Spendors I cannot.

The Brystons, are often looked down upon due to their relationship with Axiom, mostly by folks, who have never heard a pair.
Great speakers, IMHO. One of the reasons I am looking forward to hearing the new ML1
Click to expand...
 
I am a big fan of the "British Sound". I have been a fan/owner of KEF speakers for a long time now. If space and budget would allow for it, the Blades (II) would be high on my list. The combo I have is what I have heard KEF reps call the stand mount Blades. Obviously not in the ballpark of the Blades but they work beautiful in my smallish space.

I have always felt that McIntosh and KEF is a match made in heaven!

View attachment Stereo (282).JPG
 
The Spendors are out.

Potential list revised as follows

1. Vandersteen Treo CT
2. McIntosh ML1- MkII
3. Sonus Faber Olympica Nova III

Concerned the ML1 may be to old school, still want to hear them.

I hope the Treo CT and Nova III may provide the best sound stage.
Will audition all 3 in a few weeks.
 
Have listened the to the Treo CT and loved them

Will audition the Nova III in a few weeks.

I have eliminated (or I should say the wife did) the McInotsh ML1 NKII- she thinks they are ugly as sin.

Now a new possible contender:

I may have an opportunity to purchase an open box pair of Harbeth 40.3 XD at a great price. I cannot audition them, however may have a 60 day return window (local sale so no shipping costs involved



Are the 40.3XD as great as everyone says they are?
 
DogsPart2 said:
Have listened the to the Treo CT and loved them

Will audition the Nova III in a few weeks.

I have eliminated (or I should say the wife did) the McInotsh ML1 NKII- she thinks they are ugly as sin.

Now a new possible contender:

I may have an opportunity to purchase an open box pair of Harbeth 40.3 XD at a great price. I cannot audition them, however may have a 60 day return window (local sale so no shipping costs involved



Are the 40.3XD as great as everyone says they are?
Click to expand...


From what I understand they are a VERY different sound than what you heard with the Treo CT's.
 
If you have a 60 day return I don't see how you can lose with a listen. Out of what you have listed the Harbeth would be my choice.


DogsPart2 said:
Have listened the to the Treo CT and loved them

Will audition the Nova III in a few weeks.

I have eliminated (or I should say the wife did) the McInotsh ML1 NKII- she thinks they are ugly as sin.

Now a new possible contender:

I may have an opportunity to purchase an open box pair of Harbeth 40.3 XD at a great price. I cannot audition them, however may have a 60 day return window (local sale so no shipping costs involved



Are the 40.3XD as great as everyone says they are?
Click to expand...
 
As far as amplification goes I'm now all in with Mcintosh. When I look at what hi end companies are charging and hear what the Mc611's are doing for my Kef Blade 1's I'm hooked.
 
steve59 said:
As far as amplification goes I'm now all in with Mcintosh. When I look at what hi end companies are charging and hear what the Mc611's are doing for my Kef Blade 1's I'm hooked.
Click to expand...

It's always great when you find a sound that you love!
 
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