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forums Naim Users Hi-Fi Corner Difference between the Naim and Mcintosh Integrated amp sound?? Topic Closed|
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Hi all
I'm looking to get some opinions between the sound characterstics of the SuperNait vs the McIntosh MA6900. I know the list price of those two amps are very different however the used price of the MA6900 is close to the new price of the SuperNait so I can afford either if I go the used route with the 6900. I had a chance to home demo a SuperNait a while back with my B&W805s and Naim cd5i and liked it alot. However I've heard some good things about McIntosh 6900 amps so that got me curious. Anyone had a chance to demo both types? Thanks Eddie |
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Member |
Hi Eddie;
I don't know how valuable my comments will be to you, but I"ll go ahead anyways. The fondest HiFi memories I have are of my grandfather's McIntosh system. Just yesterday, I have added a power supply to my rig and the first thing that came to my mind was "this sounds like pap's system", which to me sound just right  Maybe Naim and McIntosh share a common voicing after all. I'd be very interested in hearing your comments after demoing the McIntosh. Regards... |
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too many bells and whisles on the MAC stuff. Sound was not the same to me. It was one of my "MANY" listens while trying to figure out where I was going with my brand. I do not know the model per say, but.... Those little "watt meters" are like $600 USD a piece, the pretty blue lights do nothing, a lot of money wasted in the look.
Lets see, no DAC, cannot be used as a pre, add another box to your collection, used(no warranty), you get the picture. Get the SNait, it is a no brainer. MAC SHMAC  rega1 |
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What would you say was the main difference in the sound? Obvisously you went with Naim in the end but what was it that drew you to the Nait over the McIntosh gear? I see your point DAC wise and it was one of the features that helped sell the Nait to me. But that can be solved by getting an external DAC if need be. I could have sworn that the MA6900 could be used as a pre-amp but will check that out again. Eddie |
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New Member |
Thanks for that. I had a lot of fun with the SuperNait when I tested it out and I'm sure following some of the upgrade paths might give an even better sound. I was attracted to the McIntosh after hearing so many wonderful things about them. The most difficuly thing here is the ability to demo a McIntosh. Since I'd be buying used it might be a bit difficult so I would be taking a chance. Still McIntosh hold their values quite well and if I didn't like the sound I could flip it for not much less than I paid. What was it about the McIntosh that you liked? What Naim system are you running if you don't mind me asking? Eddie |
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Hehehehehehe. I like that one even if I don't agree :P |
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Member |
Well, when you add the gear up, incorporate the NACA5, and what ever choice you make for a demo (supernait, Nait 5i, or a pre/power combo), the music flows much better. The clarity, the warmth, the actual presentation and the Naim ability to provide instrument separation within your main source choices of CD, Digital, and vinyl options. Again, when I listened to 2 different options, it was like yanking the blanket off the speakers and getting slapped in the face with REAL music presentation. A good entry level DAC could run you thousands USD to start(I could be a little off, I am going by prices I have seen on the web). As a footnote, I am about SERVICE: Every other dealer I went to to demo ALL my considered options was smug and annoying. Maybe because I walked in with my ball cap on backwards, ripped jeans, tennis shoes, they assumed I was there to waste their time,(it was a Saturday, I have to dress business casual all week). Naim dealer didn't care, spent HOURS with me. At that dealer I was actually ignored and waited an hour before someone asked me if I needed help, I then said thanks, but I have been waiting an hour, gotta go to the next dealer demo, drove to Chicago, and it was Naim history from there. At my Naim dealer, I was only there to spend half of what I now have in my system(upgraditis). They are knowledgeable, well informed, to the point, friendly, and I have had the BEST service experience, not to mention I can demo just about anything I want. They are there to insure that I make wise decisions, and get the most out of my system, and they have me listen to those options before I choose. I am now a loyal Naim owner. Hands down the best "for me" when it comes to great sound and service. Flame, nothing personal, just my bias opinion  . rega1 |
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New Member |
Actually rega1 now that you mention upgradability...I only head the SuperNait on its own and without any of the upgrade options so its something to consider as an audition.
I have to say my Naim dealer is definitely superb and are very patient and knowledgeable. Eddie |
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Hi Rega. Why apologize? I am a Naim loyal and I think my dealer kicks ass. You can find my comments about that on the Lyra cartridge thread. I have my eyes on a 500 series system in the long run |
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Snait with a FC2x,Hicap/ CDX2 or S3/ stageline/ Superline, would be awesome!!!. And better yet, 500 series, or 200 series, with the add-ons. Geez, I am getting upgraditis again.  rega1 |
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Not in the habit of bashing ones opinions or preferences "out loud". That is all. Just like to give my opinion without saying "what you like or your opinion sucks", ya know? rega1 |
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Senior Member |
I've only had a short listen to McIntosh.
I found it slow and warm and very hi-fi - very big and American-sounding. Not my cup of tea in the slightest, and the styling is definitely not to my taste. On the other hand, I can see why some people like it. In the end, of course, have a think about how you like your music played, and find the brand that does that. |
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Senior Member |
As much as I love Naim, I wouldn't dare to put my money on the SNait without listening to both first. The MA6900 is a very impressive amp and the SNait didn't really impressed me the two times I've heard it. The internal DAC is only a nice feature if you're actually gonna use it. The McIntosh is more than 2 x more powerful too.
Styling wise the Mc has old school American charm imo but I can see why it won't be everbody's cup of tea. As always, it depends on your taste, speakers, room etc. Auditioning is the only way. Richard. |
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Senior Member |
Actually, I think the sonic differences between McIntosh and Naim gear illustrate the (general) differences between the American and British approach to hifi. McIntosh is (was? It's been awhile, I'll admit) big, warm, comfy-chair stuff; Naim is...well, we know the rest of that statement, don't we?
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Interestingly, this is completely the reverse of the professional recording industry where British equipment is renowned for possessing a sort of mythically warm, vintage magic, while American stuff is known for a more forward, punchy presentation. This even extends to the people using it (ie producers & mix engineers), who may be hired for a gig on the basis of the traditionally different sound they go for. I'm generalising of course, but there you go! |
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Trade Member |
Last year, at one of the HiFi shows at heathrow, I was desperately disappointed by the reference McIntosh system. It sounded flat and undynamic to me. Very disappointed. Yet there were others who loved it, so go figure...
Regards, Frank. All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly. |
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Senior Member |
Eddie,
I have a reference series Naim system and I'm very pleased with the way it conveys music. My Dad had a Mac 6900 for a while back in the 1970's and it sounded very musical and was probably one of the best sounds I heard at the time. I heard the latest model about a year ago and it sounded slightly less musical but still very impressive. Recently, I heard a CDX2-XPS/SNait/SL-2 system and it did not impress me in any way. Everyone will have a different opinion but the one that matters is your own. Depending on the rest of the set up, I think you can get good sound out of both. On a personal note, I'd choose the Mac 6900 over the SNait, but not so with the more expensive Naim / Mac systems. regards, Joe |
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