McIntosh 8950 Integrated Amplifier vs Yamaha AS2200 Detailed Review

[@dan-qe1tb]

I have the 2200 and its FR isn't tilted up in the treble. It's dead flat. You are probably misinterpreting hearing a more lively midrange with better dynamics and more resolution. Why did you keep saying, "might"? Neither of them are underpowered driving Sabrinas unless you happened to be sitting far away from them like twenty feet or more. Both amps can drive loads below 4 ohms. Speaker cables have nothing to do with the amp's damping factor because they don't impedance only a small amount of resistance. If your subwoofer doesn't sound natural, is it possible that you had never set it up properly?

[@Holychickendestroyer]

Old pioneers and Yamaha from the 70’s like the Pioneer Sx-1980 have a damping factor of 40. This receiver is considered the holy grail for many vintage stereo enthusiasts. I really don’t think damping factor is a thing after 40 if at all matters.

[@olaniyi570]

I've had both Mac and Yamaha ( I still have the Yammy). In my experience, the Mac needs some burn in time but not nearly as long as the bigger Yamaha amps, which may need a few years to completely open up. Yes, I said years.

[@cirenosnor5768]

@olaniyi570 - Yammy? I’ve been in the business 40 years and I’ve never heard that. Must be the same circles than call Conrad Johnson “Connie”

[@aussie8114]

Got myself a nice Yamaha back in the mid 80s. I think it’s getting close to full burn in now.

[@David_vdk]

a 12.000€ vs a 3.000€ ?? next time compair it whit the as-3200

[@tedrubinstein2003]

Question for you as you said it was new, about how many hours do you have on the Mac?

[@takemeoutside4235]

I had it for a month and listened to it 2-3 times per week. It was new when I got it. Thanks for the question and for watching!

[@tomasvalentin6896]

Hey great video, thanks for sharing, but where did you get the wall art?

[@takemeoutside4235]

Thank you I just searched eBay for graffiti art and it came from Europe on a canvas. It’s about 12 years or so old. I though I saw the same print and definitely other similar art on gik acoustics under their absorption wall art. which I would do now that I’m in this hobby.

[@tomasvalentin6896]

Hey, thanks for the info

[@gbw1972]

I’ve got an older yahama receiver that I’m trying to convince myself to upgrade to the ma8950. - but that Yamaha sounds pretty darn good with my dynaudio heritage specials already. Kinda worried I’m going to drop $9k and not notice much/any difference. So, for you was the upgrade worth it? And did you consider the ma352 for the tube pre?

[@takemeoutside4235]

Hopefully you could get a chance to demo in your room or possibly purchase slightly pre-owned to try in case you dont think its worth it but I agree this stereo equipment has become pricey. What I noticed going from the Yamaha to the Mac was definitely more power. Its always present with the Mac even without turning it up. With that came larger sound stage, more pronounced bass and better separation of musical instruments. It didn't feel like I was listening to it louder but even two floors up the family heard more bass :) I dont know what Yamaha you have but feel like you will notice a difference. Its not a massive difference but one you may come to appreciate over listening hours. Its almost like its more noticeable going back the other way when I listened to the Mac then went back to listening the the AS2200. The only thing I worry about is if you would miss the treble. In my situation I did but in some systems in some rooms it may be better. That is the only reason I didn't keep the Mac was that I wanted more treble. If it helps I landed on a Pass INT 250 - power and treble combined. It doesn't look as cool as the Mac though. Hopefully this helps and hope you can demo. Best of luck in your search!

[@victormoreno2767]

I get what you are talking about. I matched Legacy Focus 20/20 with a Yamaha A-S1100. Base was not rumbling and sometimes a bit shy with some recordings. As soon as I bi-amped the speakers (Yamaha connected to top end of speakers) sound improved a lot. Added an R2R DAC and wow! This Yamaha rocks when bi-amping, you are right it needs a bit more power; at least 200 watts to power a tower speaker.

[@sylvainbiensur7370]

Both amp burn in time ? Yamaha required long time from what I heard.

[@takemeoutside4235]

I think it varies with all these amps. maybe 100 hours? I never paid much attention to it and always shut my gear down for longevity reasons. I do feel they open up after proper warm up but the sound signature doesn’t change in my opinion. hope this helps!

[@olaniyi570]

I can verify that the Yamaha gear needs hundreds and hundreds of hours to fully burn in. The sound kept improving over a 5-year span. The McIntosh only took a few months from what I could tell.

[@geohof]

I would suggest the Rotel Michi X3 or X5. Gives a more modern design with digital meters. Michi has a more neutral and uncolored sound a muscular sound and accurate attack.

[@takemeoutside4235]

I would love to try the X5!

[@aussie8114]

I’ve tried the Yamaha AS3200 and the Michi X5 side by side. Michi was the loser, Yammy sounded special, Michi sounded a bit average. Source was Auralic DAC for both.

[@jayroland9481]

Interesting review but a tad unfair as you're hardly comparing apples with apples, the Mac is twice the price of the Yammy so an odd comparison to put together. Also, the acoustics in your room sound ever so echoey so I can only wonder how that affects your enjoyment of the music.

[@joachim5080]

I think many people are in the situation where they want to find out if an upgrade (price wise) is worth it. So, this type of un-even comparison is exactly what is needed.

[@davidstein9129]

The DAC Module in this McIntosh Integrated is their latest...the DA2. What do you think of it?...Did you listen to any Hi-Rez music files using this Mac amp/DAC? What were a few of your your listening impressions? Thanks!

[@takemeoutside4235]

Unfortunately I should have but I didn’t use the internal dac so I can’t comment on that. I do like that is included for those that don’t want extras sitting out. I really wanted to use the same Dac for all of the integrateds I was trying.

[@dennishill290]

🍺👍🔈🔊.... Yamaha.... !

[@gg0297]

Keep the Yamaha and invest in acoustic treatment. The echo in your room is really bad.

[@takemeoutside4235]

Thank you, since the video we have invested in room treatments. Thanks for watching!

[@EdBenji]

The Mc Intosh is 3 times the price of the Yamaha where I live...

[@sv1201]

Yamaha is overpriced in the US, but you can get deals if you know where to ask. It's pretty hard to get any deals on Macs.

[@David_vdk]

here 4 times

[@Carlos_Infante]

4 here XDXD

[@1999zrx1100]

This could have been a much shorter video but anyway, your room could certainly do with some room treatment, the echo just with you taking is off the charts, best $500 I spent on my set up, that might make the McIntosh pull ahead even more. Also wondering what your source was? Streaming, turntable, CD player. So much can effect overall sound. One thing I’ll say about McIntosh, they sure hold their value especially if you buy used, I’ve had two units MA6200 and MA6600 made $ after 3-4 years of use. Amazing gear for the money. 🫡

[@takemeoutside4235]

Agree, I get to rambling :) This is early in my setup but have since started adding treatments and agree a very important part of getting perfect sound! I did use streaming and SACD for all of the reviews and dont feel I would change my thoughts on it but yes, if one found a more treble accentuated source it would "help" or "change" the sound. Pairing is important. I agree, Mac is amazing gear and its so beautiful. I will own a Mac product but may use in another system I have. Thank you for the honest feedback!

[@1999zrx1100]

I see another review of a Luxman I’ll have to check out, I’ve had the 590AXII for close to a year now, something magical about Class A, had one 40 years ago, Musical fidelity A1 and always remembered how warm it sounded, almost Tube like. Being into audio sure never gets old. Enjoy the journey. 🙏

[@whisperingdreams3170]

I'm sorry but these overpriced amps are just a gimmick, I've listened to serval amps over 8k that are good but not worth that huge increase.. my Yamaha r-n2000a was not cheap but it keeps up with these types of amps... Anyway, good for you buddy. The amp does look great.

[@takemeoutside4235]

There is a lot that goes into the price tag of these. Quality of craftsmanship, built in the US, looks as well as sound quality. I don’t doubt that there isn’t a “McIntosh tax”. Listening to these more expensive amps, I do feel that the sound quality is really good, but feel it’s up to the purchaser to see if really good is worth the increase in price. I think there are as everyone speaks of incremental gains and diminishing returns and ultimately comparing lower price gear to higher priced gear is interesting and is important to do if you are trying to balance quality and sound with value. Thanks for your comment and for watching!

[@xtraflo]

Gotta say, the Mcintosh is absolutely Gorgeous!! But I dunno - for the Price, Yamaha is great!! Although if you're trying to impress your wannabe Audiophile buddies, the Mcintosh is still Very Nice!

[@takemeoutside4235]

It definitely has noticeably impactful sound versus the Yamaha. It’s hard to say for someone if that is worth the price for admission. There is something cool and nostalgic about having a Mac on display and why it’s the biggest and most recognized piece you see in movies. Thanks for watching

[@ridirefain6606]

Welcome to the conundrum of audio. IMHO, your AS2200 is already an excellent product and moving up the food chain to a more expensive amp does not give you a glaring improvement over it. That is what makes purchasing decisions so troublesome in this silly hobby. Owning both Yamaha receivers and McIntosh receivers I do favor the McIntosh for music listening. I find the voicing to be more natural and realistic. Like you I find the Yamaha's old school smile curve will just a little too much bite on the top end and have to attenuate the treble. My Mac receiver, I enjoy with everything left flat.

[@davidstein9129]

This model McIntosh Integrated Interest me. Thanks for posting this informative interview.

[@takemeoutside4235]

Thank you for watching! Best luck in your search.

[@popcornl8208]

All i want to know is--did you LOVE it? I'm not sure i got that answer

[@takemeoutside4235]

That is a hard one to answer. I would say I would love it with the right speakers. I was hoping and wanting more clearly defined treble. I have heard all kinds of Mac gear with Sonus Faber and could sit and listen for hours but I think the Mac may be a better pairing with those speakers due to the tweeter design and more focus on highs - the Mac smooths them out and warms them up. with my Wilson Sabrina it warmed them up too much. I definitely have come to believe in pairing amps and input devices to certain speakers to achieve a desired sound. The Mac was just too much of a good thing for me and the music I listen to. I actually found myself listening to different music like rock and alternative and louder volumes because the aggressiveness was tamed down a bit and this would be a very good thing if you listen to this genre. I ended up going a different route but still want to own a Mac for another system. there is just something about their allure.

[@sv1201]

​@@takemeoutside4235 That blue meters, green messages, etc. just turn me off. The sound was good when I tried the MA5300, but just like you I liked more definition in high frequencies from Yamaha so I kept it.

[@takemeoutside4235]

@@sv1201 Thank you for the comment, it helps everyone! We must like a similar sound!

[@cirenosnor5768]

takemeoutside4235 - The Mac allure seems to have less to do with sound and more to do with the look and heritage

[@cpg8000]

Reading between the lines: he doesn’t love it.

[@bogdantirea6085]

How much one have to throw on window to listen a song ? What a sound system is ? A creation who reproduces sounds. As they are in reality. THE MANUFACTURERS CAN CREATE SOUND SYSTEMS ONLY IF THEY ARE PERFORMANT AND VERY VERY EXPENSIVE. SO WE LIVE IN A SICK SICK WORLD.

[@TriAmpMyFi]

. Holy room echos BATMAN Batman batman bat b . . Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊

[@roxy_xcxc6869]

😂Mcintosh is still the Best buy Hi-Fi cheap & Good. lucky they offer us cheap & fare price or elso no more people is going to play hi-fi Anymore😄. Mcintosh is the Perfect match with AudioQuest cable.

[@takemeoutside4235]

You can actually go to Best Buy to order it (Magnolia) I agree though for the money it sounds pretty darn good and also agree some of this stuff has become way too expensive and that is a bit sad that it is turning folks off of the hobby.

[@DemsAreScum]

What kind of psycho are you?