FORUMS

You are here

Home » Forums » Audio Hardware » Amplification
Log in or register to post comments
May 18, 2023 - 8:00am
#1
Old Audiophile
Old Audiophile's picture
Offline
Last seen: 6 days 14 hours ago
Joined: Jun 15 2017 - 7:34pm
Amp Upgrade ... maybe.

As some of you are probably aware, McIntosh is running an upgrade special at the moment. This has me thinking of trading in/up my MA5200 for an MA7200. I know the 7200 can play louder with the extra power it has and the power supply can handle power hungry speakers. However, I don't need or want "louder" for the size and acoustic properties of the sound room I have. The 5200 plays plenty loud and drives my Revel Performa3 F206 quite nicely. I'd only be interested in doing such an upgrade if there were definite and immediately palpable improvements in sound quality warranting the extra cash involved. One high-end shop salesman told me that "more power is always better". However, I'm not sure I buy that.

Any comments from the peanut gallery? I'd be particularly interested in comments from those who've actually done such a thing.

Top
May 18, 2023 - 12:24pm
manunkind
manunkind's picture
Offline
Last seen: 1 month 2 days ago
Joined: Apr 27 2019 - 7:27am
According to McIntosh website

According to McIntosh website, "
MA7200 is not available in the US and Canada. (US and Canada please see the MAC7200 Receiver.)"

MA7200 is manufactured with a 220v transformer only.

So it seems MA5200 can only be upgraded to the 8900 in North America.

Top
May 19, 2023 - 6:57am
Old Audiophile
Old Audiophile's picture
Offline
Last seen: 6 days 14 hours ago
Joined: Jun 15 2017 - 7:34pm
Missed the fine print!

Manunkind, thanks for pointing that out! Guess I missed the fine print!

OK, then. Same question but in relation to the MA8900.

Top
May 19, 2023 - 3:13pm
manunkind
manunkind's picture
Offline
Last seen: 1 month 2 days ago
Joined: Apr 27 2019 - 7:27am
Well, all I see as being

Well, all I see as being beneficial fo 8900 vs 5300 is a superior DAC, and it is replaceable like in my Accuphase. But what does it mean, "a superior DAC"? I don't know. Used MA5200 is $2500-$3500. New MA8900 is $10,000. I think I would just get a good standalaone Luxman DAC for $2000 if I was unhappy with the DAC in 5200, and spend the $6000 that remains on... Scotch? New turntable? A trip to New England? Tge choice is yours.

Top
May 21, 2023 - 10:46pm
David Harper
David Harper's picture
Offline
Last seen: 12 hours 49 min ago
Joined: Aug 7 2014 - 2:23pm
from another old audiophile

There will be no audible difference in sound quality by "upgrading" your MA5200 amp to either the MA7200 or the MA8900.
But if you just want to engage in some recreational spending on audio gear go for it.

Top

    • X