Another positive review here:
http://hifipig.com/mcintosh-ma-5200/
Some questions as to the quality of the phono section.
http://hifipig.com/mcintosh-ma-5200/
Some questions as to the quality of the phono section.
I wish I could demo this one against one of the higher-up integrateds like the MAC6700 or MA7900. Just to determine the difference in sound between the two amp sections. Debating on going with the 5200 or ponying up more for the 6700/7900.
I listened to a 5200 yesterday. Afterwords I turned to the dealer and remarked "well that's not really one of the better McIntosh products I've heard I'm afraid". He kind of nodded his head in agreement. I think the additional investment in the 6700 would be money well spent - you're basically getting a C48 preamp and an autoformer amp in the same box.
I am agreeing with your sentiment more and more the more research I do. Since this is intended to be a "lifetime" amp, I think ponying up the extra money will be worth it. No dealer has both the MA5200 and MAC6700/MA7900 to do a direct competition demo, but the times I've heard the higher up autoformer macs I've always come away more impressed than the 5200, regardless of speakers. The extra 100 watts will be helpful once I'm in a bigger place with no neighbors to worry about
It's come down to the MAC6700 vs the MA7900 for me, and I'm leaning towards the 7900 just because you can stream radio stations through so many services now, but there is no replacing a 5 band EQ.
Thanks for posting this. I've wondered about the 8ohm-only rating. BTW, I'm pretty sure they have posted 4ohm ratings on other products in the past.I wanted to chime in to report that my MA5200 is doing great with a pair of 4 ohm Thiel speakers. But due to some of the concerns on this forum, I did contact both McIntosh prior to purchasing.
McIntosh: "We run 4 ohm speakers with it all the time".
I asked why it doesn't include a 4ohm rating and was basically told it was a marketing decision. Mac has never posted 4ohm ratings, and to report the 200 watt 4ohm rating would compete more than they'd like with the more expensive autoformer integrateds.
But also, they still rate these things for in-wall, and a 4ohm load does generate a little heat. But less than I've experienced with other amps.
The 5200 rocks and sounds fabulous with a pair of 4ohm current-hungry Thiels. Anyone not choosing the ma5200 because of the non-published 4ohm rating is really missing out unless planning an in-wall install.
I think I found the answer...I will go back tomorow with some vinyls to evaluate the phono preamp with Rega P 3 elys 2.
I'd love to hear your report back. I've been demoing various Rega TTs (the Planar 3, RP6 and RP8). I'd love your thoughts on how your RP3 played through that phono pre!