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New McIntosh MA 8900 Integrated amp

Does anybody have any experience, or know of any professional reviews?  This new model is intriguing to me because it offers an upgrade-able DAC module, as well as both MM and MC phono inputs, and home theater pass through.  Also has good power at 200 wpc.  If the audio quality is there, I like the way this unit could reduce the clutter and cabling that would go with connecting a separate DAC and phono stage.   Also, I've never bought a McIntosh product, so does anybody know if dealers ever discount?  This particular unit is not available for online sales.

http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Products/pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=integratedamps&ProductId...
mtrot
scorpio1951
171 posts
 
  mtrot, try to hear  the 8900 before buying the MAC receiver. Ideally, the 8900 with a good quality McIntosh tuner will outperform the MAC receiver. That is, if FM is important to you. 
mtrot OP
642 posts
 
@ scorpio1951

Thanks, the tuner is not important to me at all.  I'm now considering getting a pre-amp that includes home theater bypass instead of an integrated amp.  This would save me several thousand dollars and I would just connect it to my Krell amp.  The only fly in the ointment might be space in my equipment rack, as I would not be getting rid of the power amp as I would if I got an integrated amp. I'm now looking at the McIntosh C47 preamp, but it turns out there are scads of other pre-amps with home theater bypass that I need to consider.
gryphongryph
85 posts
 
Have you checked Accuphase ?
The e-470 integrated is in the same class as the McIntosh, also Accuphase has some fantastic pre amps, not sure about pricing in the US, as they differ a great deal country to country.
Good luck with your search.
mtrot OP
642 posts
 
Thanks, those Accuphase are beautiful pieces. They seem to be more of an "old school" approach than the McIntosh units. It also looks like you have to pay separately for DAC and phono input modules.   Also, I can't find any info on US dealers.  If there are no local dealers, that is a problem for me, as I am not particularly tech savvy and experienced.
greginnh
320 posts
 
There are plenty of US dealers. Call Ivan Messer at Legend AV for the best deal on Accuphase.
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