The Battle of Top Integrated Amps: Accuphase E5000 vs McIntosh MA12000 |What's Better

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5 ай бұрын

We are very fortunate to have some of the best Integrated amps in the store. Now we compare the 2 giants in our store, the Accuphase E5000 vs the McIntosh MA12000, find out which is better for what and drop a comment below on what you think!
Links mentioned:
Hegel H600 vs Accuphase E-5000 Comparison:
• Integrated Amps Under ...
Accuphase E-5000 Review:
• Reviewing Accuphase E-...
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Audio Excellence Inc. is a high-end audio/video store in Markham, Ontario, Canada, a suburb of Toronto. We've been in business since 1991.
Check out our interviews with designers and audio luminaries like Daryl Wilson of Wilson Audio, Paul McGowan of PS Audio, Paolo Tezzon of Sonus Faber, Wendell Diller of Magnepan, John Atkinson of Stereophile, Dan D'Agostino of D'Agostino Master Audio Systems, Nelson Pass of Pass Labs and others.
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Edited by: Alison@audioexcellence.ca

Пікірлер: 232

@RealHIFIHelp 5 ай бұрын

One of the best reviews I have seen. Spot on comments on the details, I fully agree.

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@arnoldschloss9634 5 ай бұрын

Nice review! I know an individual here in the US who is currently, and has been an authorized Accuphase dealer (along with several other brands) for several decades. While discussing hi-end equipment recently, he mentioned that he never had a reported quality/reliability issue, nor a return, on any Accuphase unit that he has sold.

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Good to know!

@kindface Ай бұрын

Wow! Boy, am I glad I stumbled on this review. I thought I was going to target Accuphase to replace my French amps and so I came here expecting to learn more about the Japanese amp. Instead, your review has me thinking it's in fact the Mac I should actually be paying attention to. Can't wait for my trial listening at my dealer of the two amps.

@Coolguy-xo3cj 5 ай бұрын

Thanks Adrian!! Great comparison as usual💪💪👍👍

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@MichaelDoran-gh6pv 2 ай бұрын

Intelligent, honest, informed. Superb review.

@igaldins 5 ай бұрын

Super! Thank you for this review!

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

My pleasure

@user-ej3ii8zm2b 5 ай бұрын

Another great video Adrian. I agree with an earlier commentor that it would be interesting to add the Daniel Hertz Maria 350 into this competition to see how it competes. It's certainly in the mix price wise. Thanks again for all the good work.

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@fredericmorris2931 5 ай бұрын

⁠I was going to make this request as well!

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

@@fredericmorris2931 stay tuned ...

@thomasperina2990 5 ай бұрын

Hello Fellow Audiophiles And Friends: Thank you Adrian for this passionate review of these beautiful high-end ampliers. You really pulled out all the stops by even including 3 different sets of speakers. Based on your review it's basically a wash. For the customer to make a decision he would have to audition these test amplifiers for themselves, so its basicially personal preference. Thank you again sir, God Bless, stay safe & healthy. TMP from N.J.

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Many thanks for the kind words

@cihancetin383 5 ай бұрын

Great great Review! I hope that i was in Canada and could buy something from such an honest seller :)

@tomclark7551 5 ай бұрын

That was a pretty great review. Anyone debating one vs the other would be well informed

@jmalen123 5 ай бұрын

Your honest, heartfelt reviews are so interesting to watch. This was one was of your best, even with the wrong headline. Thanks for all the hard work. I own a lot of those blue meters, but a favorite is my MC252 amps. Mac and Klipsch are the combo that tickled my fancy 30 years ago and I ain't never looked back.

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Thanks

@jb.2986 5 ай бұрын

Your experience with the MA12000 matches our family's experience, Adrian. We actually use the MA12000 in pass thru mode powering your most hated speakers...Carver Silver AL's 😉. It is magical for us though using a 7.2.6 spatial audio system for music with the our center channel powered by a McIntosh MC3500 MkII tube beast. We do prefer folk, jazz, light classical, and rock as well, so our music preference would lean more toward the strengths of the McIntosh. It's as if Norah Jones, Neil Young, or Natalie Merchant is right there singing in front of you with the band and instruments creating a massive sound stage...especially in Auro 3D. Gwen Stefani's voice in Hella Good with that configuration is mind blowing. Or the fairly recently (re)released spatial audio version of the Beatle's Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band album is a favorite demo of ours when friends are over. Aesthetics and resale value is also very important to us and the McIntosh with those tubes and hybrid capability make our ribbon speakers sing while the meters are art in motion. The champagne front of the Accuphase immediately dates it for us but it is a heck of a product. Beautiful finish but just looks dated. Reminds me a little of the Technics look of the 70's. They should offer the product in both black or champagne for customers. Anyways, great review. And as I always say...enjoy the music powerfully, accurately...and loudly. 😁 🔉🎵🎶🎵🎶

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Good for you! Enjoy the system in good health!

@kenneths.perlman1112 5 ай бұрын

Outstanding post.

@stephencosta6814 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for that it was nice knowing I also favored McIntosh because it’s what I own right now so I guess I’m a little biased lol

@4p-is-3 5 ай бұрын

Thank Adrian for the comprehensive comparison. As you mentioned the McIntosh’s dac can be upgraded, thought I’d point out that the Accuphase optional dac and phono stage boards can also be purchased and easily upgraded. They are excellent components too (obviously an add-on rather than the McIntosh, which is included). I own a Accuphase e308 that came with the dac-10 but able to still enjoy the most recent dac-60 board. Take the top off and look inside. It’s even more impressive than the facade.

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Thanks

@calvinkan3449 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for the review and comparison. I personally use Accuphase pre amp with McIntosh power amp. And it seems to me to be the best of both worlds.

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

My pleasure!

@stephencosta6814 4 ай бұрын

Would you please tell me what model number of pre-amplifier from Accu phase

@calvinkan3449 4 ай бұрын

@@stephencosta6814 I am using an old C2110.

@ahlbergmagnus 5 ай бұрын

I say it again. It would be great to see a video commenting or even better, reviewing the Accuphase Dac-60 and Ad-60 add on cards. 🙂 Thanks for great content!

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Thanks

@Josal 5 ай бұрын

As always, it’s a great video and informative. I owned Mac C53. Please do a video on the Mac equilizer how best to use it. Thanks 🙏🏽

@edbrumbaugh9202 5 ай бұрын

Thanks Adrian, great comparison. I've had my eye on Accuphase for awhile, not much info out there, was glad to see your comparison. Thanks again.

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

My pleasure

@StealthParrot 5 ай бұрын

Really great descriptions of both of these amplifiers. It would be tough to choose between them.

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

yes they are both wonderful

@r.guardia9107 5 ай бұрын

The Accuphase looks like audio jewelry. It’s really beautiful.

@peterfreeman3317 3 ай бұрын

Agreed but it looks like a champagne colored Pioneer Elite AV receiver at first glance with meters.

@omgwtfpwnd Ай бұрын

Yep, Accuphase is legendary.

@kabes-us 5 ай бұрын

Another liked video. I’ve been waiting for this one and you didn’t disappoint. Do you plan to carry the McIntosh MQ112? Curious about your thoughts on equalization.

@walterpen371 5 ай бұрын

Again I want to thank you for your honest review Adrian. Sound quality is truely on what the listener hears and likes. Remembering that everyone's hearing range is different. Tubes do make a difference and from what I've been told, try different types of FUSES? Do they really make a difference??? By the way, I still have to buy lottery tickets$$$$$$

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Thank you

@soundman2604 5 ай бұрын

Very well recorded!

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Thanks

@chrisrizzo627 4 ай бұрын

Adrian. Your videos are fantastic. Thank you for your wonderful insight. Question I have an anthem 1140, front left right paradigm founder 120h, 90c center and in ceiling paradigm e80A v2. I am in search of a very good amplifier to add to my set up. I’m also considering upgrading my 1140 to the AVM90. What amplifier between these two would you recommend for my set up? Thanks much.

@turboboost99 5 ай бұрын

I'm a tube lover and have tube preamps and power amps that I use exclusively, as I found I really like the "tube" sound over solid state (generally). The way you described the more prominent differences between the Mac and Accuphase sound to me like they are most likely due to the tube preamp section of the Mac...depth of soundstage, 3D presentation, laid back, romantic, etc. All are common characteristics of tubes. But I'm also considering a second system built around Magnepans or Martin Logan electrostatics, and I'd bet the Accuphase would be a better match to those, based on the strengths of it vs. the Mac. Both are obviously very nice amps that would be terrific to own, in any case.

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

No doubt!

@annenominous7220 5 ай бұрын

none of that makes any sense. as an engineer, physicist, and MD, science rules my life... tubes merely add more distortion... they are fine for low volume listening with efficient speakers, but they hit high distortion very quickly... there is no "tube" sound. just the sound of distortion, sigh. In the pre-amp section, tube distortion cascades throughout the reproduction chain, but Mac is a solid designer and i HOPE they spec tubes that are not driven hard at all in the pre-amp.

@turboboost99 5 ай бұрын

@@annenominous7220 There is most definitely a tube sound. Yes, of course it's all distortion, but tubes distort in a way that adds euphonic qualities to the presentation. If you don't like it, that's fine, but millions of audiophiles love it, including me. I've been an audiophile since the age of 14 in 1978 when I bought my first "good" system, and have owned dozens of both tube and solid state components. My primary system right now is based around the 104dB-sensitive Klipsch La Scalas, which are a perfect match with flea-watt tube amps. Together they provide a more pleasing presentation than any of my solid-state amps have done with the La Scalas.

@rca6576 4 ай бұрын

@@annenominous7220 Yes, it's distortion but, some people don't want to listen to a studio monitor sound for pleasure. Sometimes overly analytical amps are just not enjoyable and after all, the whole point of music is to enjoy it and use what equipment is most enjoyable for you. This is all so subjective really.

@colanitower 5 ай бұрын

Accuphase too has the option of an interchangeable DAC module. Currently it's "DAC 60" which costs about €1200, to be added to the E-5000 amplifier's price of €14,000 in the Netherlands. The McIntosh MA12000 costs €19,000 there.

@cihancetin383 5 ай бұрын

Mcintosh prices are always much higher in Europe than in USA. Accuphase is the opposite.

@thomashowe5256 5 ай бұрын

Good morning, Adrian. I really enjoy your videos. I find that they are the most informative. I am in the market to upgrade my preamp currently a McIntosh C2500 [no DAC needed] will ypu being doing a comparison of preamps in the $10,000 to $15000 range, if not can you make recommendations for me to consider? Thanks

@masamunexc 15 күн бұрын

Loved the video. I' would love to hear a comparison between some lower budget Mcintosh VS Accuphase. E-280 VS MA352 for example, thanks!

@pablofuentes6562 4 күн бұрын

Hi all and thank you very much Adrian for your excellent reviews. A friend told me about your comment about doing the tests by changing the ohm connection of the speakers in the McIntosh. I did the test, I have an MC452 and a C2600, both McIntosh, my speakers are Wharfedale Elysian 4 that are 4 ohms. Well, I dared and did the test by changing them from 4 ohms to 8 ohms and the result blew my mind. It is a new experience, the speakers seem different, the bass went down quite a bit and in general the sound became thicker, but without losing definition, I am very happy with this result and I would like to maintain this connection, it just scares me a little that something bad is going to happen with the power or with the speakers, what can you tell me about this fear? I really appreciate your experience and I love your videos, greetings from Santiago-Chile

@stephencosta6814 5 ай бұрын

The title is misleading, but I do not mind Adrian lol I would have to go for the McIntosh the best they have to offer in terms of integrated someday someway I will have one😊 PS loving your videos lately good bad, ugly and comparisons between each other. Love love love.

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Thanks. Title was a mistake, fixed now

@pva4298 5 ай бұрын

Excelente! Gracias!

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Thank you

@wally7269 5 ай бұрын

very nice comparison! How would you compare this Mc and Parasound JC5/JP2 combo? i am choosing between these 2. already own the accuphase E480. thanks

@danriley3064 5 ай бұрын

Adrian, keep these videos coming! Your transparency and openness when comparing products is very educational. Would love to see a comparison on the Accuphase E-380. Any plans? 😊

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Yes when we receive our shipment

@inpursuitoffreedomandhappi1696 5 ай бұрын

My speakers are 4ohms and I tried tapping into the 8ohms terminals on this integrated amp. There is a difference. 8ohms seems sharper(?) but I found that the 4ohms connection digs a deeper. And with 4ohms, acoustic instruments appear more natural sounding which is a plus for me! I spoke to a McIntosh engineer and was advised to be very careful due to the rating of my 4ohms speakers.

@mrronenza 4 ай бұрын

Great video ! Is the Lumin with McIntosh a good match ? And why choosing Lumin ? Thanks.

@dgukov 3 ай бұрын

Why did you pick e5000? Do you think e800 is limited somehow? Thank you, amazing content.

@petewong8784 5 ай бұрын

Great review. Also, did you post the Stradivari G2 review yet? I can't seem to find it. Thanks!

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

The Strad video is next

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

The Strad video is next

@fredericmorris2931 5 ай бұрын

Love these comparative reviews even though my budget is a few notches down (Supernait 3). Just as a suggestion, you might include comparison of more practical issues, as with the size of the vu meters: things like weight, bulk,and heat load.

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

good feedback

@Coolguy-xo3cj 5 ай бұрын

If buying the Mac ? Would the integrated be as good and or better going for the separates such as the Mac 462 and c2700and/or C53 ?

@na2305 5 ай бұрын

Great video. I prefer the McIntosh

@mrg1911 5 ай бұрын

Great stuff, but would have thought the comparison would be the MA9500 instead.

@joeythedime1838 7 күн бұрын

Thank you Adrian. Any thoughts on how the house sounds would compare to a T+A PA3100HV?

@vittoriomartinidonati65 5 ай бұрын

Hello again, it is surprising that H600 was not mentioned in this review in comparison with MC and Accuphase, especially after the timbre comment about the H600 that was quite controversial,. Also it would be interesting to hear if such timbre problem was present in H590 and H390 that were previously very well appreciated in your reviews.

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

This was a comparison between the Accuphase and McIntosh, with my concluding remarks.

@adaboy4z 4 ай бұрын

I've yet to hear a Mac. I wish I knew someone who had one. It's beautiful.

@charlesmackay2737 5 ай бұрын

First off- I enjoy your videos. Yes, there is a commercial interest but this does not seem to influence your ratings. Very nic. I am looking to change my C22 and MC275 for a one box solution. This video appeared at the right time.

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@psyphonyxaudio 5 ай бұрын

Dang - someone works really late .. ( or super early ) Happy Monday!! I meant to come by to hear the Stradivari this past weekend ..but my nightshift is tough to change / sleep pattern. Will they remain set up for the next while?

@psyphonyxaudio 5 ай бұрын

This title doesn't seem accurate either ... The review is between the integrated amps .. not the Sonus faber?

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Email ahead re the Strads, speakers are always in rotation due to different appointments. Title corrected

@watchnut 5 ай бұрын

Hi Adrian, which would you say is better with classic rock?

@kevinl6231 2 ай бұрын

I would love to see a review on the Anthem STR Preamp and power amp duo😃. After all, its Canadian😁.

@portlandreviewer6582 5 ай бұрын

Can you do a video review of high-end amplifiers where you are blindfolded, and listening to the same speakers powered by different amps? I'm wondering if you can really tell the difference. Throw in a cheap box store amplifier, and a cheap tube amplifier to see how they compare to the products you sell. Sort of like a blind wine tasting, but for amps.

@marklobban5354 5 ай бұрын

Great reviews Adrian but you never made any comment of how you rated the Hegel H600 against the original H590? Better or worse? Do the criticisms you made of the timbre not being quite right on piano apply to the older amp? Is this criticism of the timbre applicable to the DAC or the preamp/amp stages?

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Sold the H590 before I had a chance to compare.

@borlach321 5 ай бұрын

I think it's difficult to go wrong with either unit. It will come down to preference.

@danieldavis8963 3 ай бұрын

Accuphase for me ,Because I have a E380! And love it

@jean-sebastienbilodeau6949 5 ай бұрын

For me, with good speakers matching, Hegel 600 is the one. The sound stage, the base and the 3D sound found in the Mac with the PRAT and energy of the accuphase. Least money on the outside board and more in the inside. It’s a no brainer one box solution.

@johneales6814 5 ай бұрын

I would be interested to know how you think these amps compare with the Daniel Hertz.

@davidbee8178 5 ай бұрын

Yes, I'm with you! . . .I wonder about the same thing !

@igaldins 5 ай бұрын

I think the decision between those 2 amps will be musicality (McIntosh) vs speed and transient (Accuphase). Looks will be a factor too.

@ivanfilatov7913 5 ай бұрын

Adrian, can you please look into Technics integrated amps like SU-R1000?

@glichasasha750 5 ай бұрын

I am a Mcintosh owner and obviously a bit biased but I totally agree with you that accuphase is higher class

@Marcel20658 5 ай бұрын

@Audio Excellence Canada: I own the Focal Lab 1028BE and i want to buy the Accuphase E-4000. Do you think that this is a good combination? Thank you if you reply on my question?

@Marcel20658 2 ай бұрын

I changed my mind and did make an offer to buy the E-650 instead of the E-4000. Because of the introduction of the E-700, the E-650 was for sale and so I switched my choice from the E-4000. I am convinced that it is a good decision.

@Ricky-cl5bu 5 ай бұрын

I would take a luxman over them both lovely sounding amp

@inpursuitoffreedomandhappi1696 5 ай бұрын

I heard both of these integrated amplifiers. Yes the Accuphase is gorgeous but soundwise it left me wanting more, a lot more. I found the McIntosh to be more dynamic, very musical and engaging, and having a larger soundstage. The Accuphase wasn't anywhere as engaging. If the McIntosh MA12000 sounds this good, imagine pairing it with the MEN 220 Perfect Room! I should mention, if the McIntosh MA12000 didn't exist, I'd have no problem purchasing this Accuphase.

@MasterofPlay7 5 ай бұрын

so do you think mcintoch sounds darker/richer/thicker then?

@kimchee411 5 ай бұрын

@@MasterofPlay7 That has been my experience with McIntosh and Accuphase.

@MasterofPlay7 5 ай бұрын

@@kimchee411 so do you feel accuphase is on the leaner side?

@davidsagarra9841 5 ай бұрын

I have exactly that combo, MA12000 & MEN220. It’s something very special, truly amazing.

@inpursuitoffreedomandhappi1696 5 ай бұрын

Really? Wow! I'd love to hear more about it.

@erikjohansson1488 5 ай бұрын

If you want a more live and realistic imaging try omni speakers as duevel, mbl, German physik. They will bring a huge soundstage and with a good and more realistic imaging.

@bencausey 5 ай бұрын

We need to make a shirt for you that says *FRENETIC* 😂

@bcisn Ай бұрын

This makes me smile. “Frenzy” “tall soundstage” lol “romantic midrange.” Please people, you cannot take this stuff seriously.

@glichasasha750 5 ай бұрын

Hey for the MSB glass (the pro isl) have you noticed if it sounds a touch thinner than MSB renderer with copper? I don’t know but wanted to find out so I am asking you. Or does it sound identical?

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Have not compared, interesting thought though

@espeningelarsen8445 5 ай бұрын

Hi Adrian Have you received the new Momentum MxV integrated from Dan D Agostino ? I can´t wait to see you make a video with that. Greetings from Espen :)

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

No not yet.

@mechoui999 5 ай бұрын

Great review Adrian. I appreciate your honest opinion on those integrated amplifier. I own the E5000 which was an significant upgrade from my Bryston Br20/4B3 combo. I've never owned tube but I assume that switching to a McInstosh from an Accuphase would be a similar qualitative difference than the switch I made from Bryston to Accuphase. I found that the Accuphase has a lot of the characteristics you used to describe the McInthosh. In my setup, I try to remain as neutral as possible (Rega p10 turntable, Revel Ultima Studio 2 speakers) hence my hesitation of tainting my sound with too much warmth. With the E5000, I also purchased the DAC60 and a AD50 cards. I sold them both a couple of months later as I found they were not up to par with the quality of the E5000. They were limiting it's potential. I decided to keep my Goldnote ph10/psu10 which was miles ahead of the AD50. I replaced the DAC60 with a the Eversolo DMP-A8 streamer DAC, again, no comparison to be made with the DAC60. I wish you and your family a healthy and Happy New Year!

@karsiyakali6067 5 ай бұрын

What do you use the A8 for? streamer only? dac + streamer ?

@mechoui999 5 ай бұрын

@@karsiyakali6067 streamer and DAC

@youclement8124 3 ай бұрын

Hello, I have questions about Eversolo with E5000 amp: - How did you connect the streamer to the E5000 ? - When you start the application via the phone, the amp doesn't turn on at the same time you have to press the button to trigger it ? - When you connect the TV on HDMI port of the eversolo to have the song of the TV, you have the sound with the amp ? And can you adjust the overall volume of the amplifier with the TV remote control ? Thank you SO MUCH

@davecollins8136 5 ай бұрын

Now - how do they compare to the Daniel Hertz - based on your review of the Daniel Hertz - I would go with the Integrated plus the Speakers

@georgebz1469 5 ай бұрын

Great video but since they are both beyond what most people can afford, how about a comparison of a McIntosh MA 5300 and an Accuphase E-280, the entry level offerings of these 2 companies that more people can realistically afford and are more likely to purchase?

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Perhaps when we get our Accuphase order

@janisfedorovskis8192 5 ай бұрын

yes please . I'm looking something to pair w my Sonetto V and these two could be great candidates.

@kevtn8 5 ай бұрын

@@adrianlow2114So you are now officially an Accuphase dealer as well ?

@kenmcglown6642 5 ай бұрын

I've heard both of these fine integrated amps as well, and for my $$$, overall, I still love the Hegel H590/H600. The Hegel is full featured (although I use an external DAC), extremely powerful with a huge damping factor, and it sounds just incredible. I do believe that the Hegel H590/H600 are the absolute best value for the money of the big-time integrated amps on the market.

@kenmcglown6642 5 ай бұрын

Not to my ears. Different strokes. @@abdulmokta6081

@kenmcglown6642 5 ай бұрын

@@abdulmokta6081 You think the Hegel treble is rubbish? Not in my system.

@scottg.9516 5 ай бұрын

I keep hearing great things about Hegel, but they are just so basic looking.

@alpro3714 5 ай бұрын

@@scottg.9516 I would buy the Amp for the sound, not the look..., I personally don't like view meters as they are essentially meaningless and distracting... But all three are excellent amps and would must likely be very happy with any one of them

@adsph 5 ай бұрын

Well done. Small differences here. Very fine products at their respective price points.

@rvaillant 5 ай бұрын

The comparison is appreciated, however if you could do some simple iPhone recordings of the sound that would be very helpful. Yes, I know of all the pitfalls, but it's amazing what one can gather by such sound demos. Thanks

@bradatherton9369 5 ай бұрын

That's a horrible idea. Coloration to all hell by the phone mic, unwanted dynamic range compression from both the condensor mic and the audio processing, you'll have no clue how either one sounds in 3D space. Sorry, but no. Just no. I'll write this off to you having a sense of humor (and commend you for perfect execution of said humor - in a room full of AUDIOPHILES)

@davidbee8178 5 ай бұрын

@@bradatherton9369 I agree wholeheartedly LOL iPhones are fine for picking up a conversation or to remember a voice message but to record audio? YIKES! And even GOOD and proper pro-mikes cannot do justice to what we will end up hearing at home anyway due to the limitations of KZfaq and the "character" of our own playback systems. Sure, we might hear differences between set ups but how could we in fact actually HEAR exactly what a Wilson or Rockport sounds like through OUR speakers at home? LOL I see this kind of comment almost every day where someone says "what a great sound" such and such a speaker has . . . and you are certainly right: I have an iPhone too and it's amazing but it emphatically NOT a bona fide recording device - got a good laugh out of THAT one too! LOL

@rvaillant 5 ай бұрын

@@bradatherton9369 While an iPhone makes things sound harder than reality, they really do wonders for what they are. I know I can find such recordings very helpful. I tried to upload links to my recordings but they get nuked here. So yes, it's an excellent idea to give iPhone recordings if done right.

@markmallinson935 5 ай бұрын

Here’s some food for thought, these amplifiers were all tested with different speakers in the same room/s with the same speaker placement. Do you think that an amplifier has some affect on speaker placement too?

@chebrubin 5 ай бұрын

Does McIntosh home theater processors mimic the feedback of this integrated?

@danielberube4142 5 ай бұрын

This test should have been done with the Accuphase E800…

@TheMeridian808 2 ай бұрын

Bullshit

@vr2ch8 5 ай бұрын

Many words do not convey what these amps achieve in the hifi world. For the best amplifier (not only integrated) you have heard which scores a score 10, what scores would you give these two products? I ask because I want to know how much would I miss by buying these two beautiful looking products instead of buying the top end monoblocks and preamp which I don't like their looks.

@Skye_the_toller 5 ай бұрын

I feel that those differences come more from the amplifier parts than the processor as is… what can we expect if we go to separates?

@user-bq8rq8cv4g 4 ай бұрын

Anyone have an opinion of the Naim Supernait 3 integrated amplifier or Kef Reference 3 Floor Standing speakers? Would the Naim and the Kef Reference 3 speakers work well together?

@SantanKGhey1234 5 ай бұрын

great comparisons Adrian. I have a pair of MC601s and have played with the different taps. There is a noticeable difference in presentation between all taps. So its a nice extra feature to have when pairing speakers to get the sound you want. However when doing this one should note that there is a difference in gain between them... each tap has a difference of 3db up or down. must be worth noting

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Yes I noted that I adjusted for volume

@pierremartin9048 5 ай бұрын

Excellent review. Ive heard both, they are both beautiful and sound fantastic. At half the price , i do enjoy the Yamaha AS 3200. Not a Hegel fan, maybe it was a bad ear day. Keep up these reviews.

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@aruth51485 Ай бұрын

What one is better for rock/classic rock music ?

@Jamko1970 5 ай бұрын

McIntosh needs to bring back the best integrated amp they ever made the All-Tube MA2275.

@klaymoon1 5 ай бұрын

I'm surprised that you discovered 8ohm vs 4ohm debate on McIntosh so late in the game. It is a rather widely discussed matter that many people believe 8 ohm for pretty most every speakers including Wilson.

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

I've talked about the impedance option in the past, I believe when we did the McIntosh Mc901 and then Mc451. Clients of ours have done so for years. Thanks

@haroldrosenson8351 5 ай бұрын

Accuphase hands down

@maybe985 2 ай бұрын

This 2 in compare with the Luxman 595se would be nice .

@jamesschneider3828 5 ай бұрын

I hate that drop down drawer hiding it's controls. I had a couple of a/v receivers, hated them and stay with 2.1 stereo.

@CptRameus 5 ай бұрын

Is there a plan to do the same for IA above $20k? What would the group consist of? Any chance of a Dartzeel? Thank you for this comparison. How much does the EQ add to the Mac price? I think I would be endlessly tweaking this for every recording. It needs to add a memory setting for at least 5 configs. Preferably 15+.

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Maybe in future re more expensive IA. No Dartzeel, we're not a dealer

@roylbates4155 5 ай бұрын

Up early and watched the video. Maybe I should have made a cup of coffee first before watching.

@paulpaulzadeh6172 5 ай бұрын

one important thing is that also HEGEL is made in China , but Accupahse is made in Japan . if you just open Hegel you will see the quality of PCB layout and parts not so good as Accupahse . HEGEL is very small company which make OEM , enclosure quality very poor compare to McIntosh and Accupahse

@larsraue6343 5 ай бұрын

Heard the MC12000 vs C2700/MA462 - the integrated was better for my taste.

@bradatherton9369 5 ай бұрын

The remarks about setting the McIntosh to the 8-ohm tap, that is not a good idea unless you know the speakers are 8-ohm rated. Here is why: using a 4-ohm tap with 8-ohm speakers cuts the power in half. Using the 8-ohm tap with 4-ohm speakers DOUBLES the power to the load. His description of the 8-ohm tap experience was unsurprising, because damping factor is reduced and so bass control is less but also more 'lively'. The Accuphase has a damping factor of 1000, so i found that consistent with his description of it having tighter bass while the McIntosh more musical (because of lower damping factor, also associated with lower global negative feedback).

@JR-ho5qm 5 ай бұрын

Oh oh, I think this title is for the next video that’s coming out. Oops!

@laurelhardy4064 5 ай бұрын

Yes, the title doesn't match the video.

@stephencosta6814 5 ай бұрын

The title doesn’t match, but I don’t mind lol

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Fixed, apologies

@MasterofPlay7 5 ай бұрын

why don't you pair tube input stage to the accuphase and see if can produce the same effect as mcintosh? Do you feel accuphase sound leaner compare to mcintosh?

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

Not really leaner per se. Accuphase has a dense midrange. McIntosh seems to be more relaxed.

@MasterofPlay7 5 ай бұрын

@@adrianlow2114 so dose that mean the midrange sounds more forwarded and less spacious?

@razisn 5 ай бұрын

Prices are very different in Europe with the Accuphase (even with its optional DAC module) significantly cheaper than the Mc.

@kimchee411 5 ай бұрын

Funny, it's opposite in the US.

@razisn 5 ай бұрын

@@kimchee411 See what taxes, tariffs, shipping costs and different distributor margins do?

@rocketbrothers540 5 ай бұрын

Waiting for the Strad G5 review

@adrianlow2114 5 ай бұрын

coming, sorry for the mix up

@rocketbrothers540 5 ай бұрын

@@adrianlow2114 thanks Adrian!

@frankgeeraerts6243 5 ай бұрын

That's the kind of dilemma when you might want both of them......

@davidbee8178 5 ай бұрын

ADRIAN! To quote you in the first few seconds of your presentation :"This is the CONCLUSION of the Integrated shoot out" Adrian? Whoa! The one I was looking forward to the most was how the Maria would fare in comparison to the "establishment" . . . is the new kid on the block Maria not under the 20K mark?

10 күн бұрын

Must use with an equaliser...

@Duijnkiller 2 ай бұрын

in my country is mcintosh ma12000 € 18.990,00 Accuphase E-5000 € 13.900,00 i like build of accuphase. but i like the lowbass and soundstage on mcintosh. but price difference. made me go for accuphase

@watdanuqta-mf5ms 5 ай бұрын

So this is basically a shortlist, a comparison of what you sell. The Accuphase is a great product but I went with Esoteric Audio. Luxman was also in the audition, another great product.