McIntosh Vs Audio Research: Which Integrated Amp is Best??

McIntosh Vs Audio Research: Which Integrated Amp is Best?? For Home Theater, 2-Channel Hifi and anything else Contact Us: bit.ly/TheGridHiFi or Call 713-218-8120

[@Larwiz]

I've listened to tons of A/B comparisons between different amps, speakers, etc, and some of them have been very close. But this one takes the cake. I had a very hard time hearing strong differences between the two. Maybe upon a few more listens, I could discern some of those differences. But after 2 listens, nothing. They're so close that I would be confident in buying either one. It would have to come down to aesthetic preference and price. But neither of them blew the other out the water. Very close!

[@scottbernard8824]

I love the VTL Amp in the background that's keeping the room warm.

[@keithperry602]

I prefer the Audio Research (ARC) 😁❤. To me the ARC sounded smoother and more musical ❤ And natural.

[@ridirefain6606]

In auditioning ARC product against a Mac . In general, I always found ARC product voiced to be lusher. I would say of this comparison, one need to be mindful of the ARC's smaller power reserves. The 352 will drive something like a Maggie no problem. The i50 limits you to transducers that are efficient and works best in small rooms. The 352 will drive a Maggie 3.7i to satisfying levels and fill a large room with much more sound. The little i50 starts to run out of steam in such an application. So, for me there would not be a clear winner here, only the right amplifier, for the right speaker, placed in the right room.

[@jeremiahchamberlin4499]

I think it’s great that you offered the comparison between two highly competitive brands. Although currently invested in McIntosh gear (C100 pre + MC252 power amp) I’ve been intensely interested in the Acoustic Research sound. I couldn’t really distinguish the difference over KZbin, even with headphones; I think I would need to be in the room. I agree with the comment that the amps need to be of similar power ratings, not just volumes (SPLs) for a true comparison of how each house ‘voices’ their equipment. As far as tube vs. solid state, tubes will distort the sound, albeit pleasantly in most cases; solid state offers more extension (highs and lows); tubes often offer a deeper sound stage. Many like to combine a tube pre with a solid state power section (as found in the MA352 you include in your test). I don’t have any experience in that combination, so I can’t say how much of the tube sound makes it through the solid state power stage. I wish I lived closer to Houston so I could just drop in and visit because most dealers are either/or, not both.

[@gridhifi]

have you heard both in person in a similar test like this?

[@johnboudreau842]

Both sound great. My question is where did you get the stand for your components? It's really nice!

[@CoachVincFM]

Thank you for this amazing video. Do you if it is possible to connect a subwoofer on this amp ? Thank you 🙏

[@Mike-hb4pc]

It's very hard to tell much of a difference over KZbin. What I would have liked is for you to have used those Klipsch LaScala speakers you had sitting there (only because that is what I have). I'd come into the shop if you weren't so far away.

[@williambaker3912]

Interesting video. I have a MA352 and love it. One of the main features that it has vs an all tube amp IS...a sub out! I am a real bass head and I wanted the tube life, but had to have the sub out and it has worked for me. I am driving a pair of Klipsch LsScala speakers so the "smoothness" of the Mac goes well with the efficiency and brightness of my speakers.

[@gridhifi]

You could use a rel sub with their high level outs. pairs great in our klipsch demo corner

[@philrob4468]

That's what rel is for ... no need for sub out

[@davelistenstohifi]

Noticeable difference over headphones between the 2, I prefer the ARC as well, more transparent and more dynamic/impact, the McIntosh sounds like it would be warmer(?) in the midbass but I like the transparency of the ARC. Style of both are a little flashy, I guess that sells...

[@dougg1075]

Now if we can find the same ears:) great room y’all have there. Love my Heresy IV’s

[@themaskedsingercucucachu8225]

Looks are never aside!

[@PMC607]

The McIntosh sounded more expressive in the top end with more emotion. I preferred this more dynamic sound. The Audio Research sounded broader, was well balanced but a little flatter.

[@jean-michelflorentine7817]

For me it SEEMS like the Mac is a little bit more "in your face" in the mid treble region

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

Bass seemed to have more impact on the AR, mids seemed sweeter on the Mac. I own a McIntosh MC462. I like both brands fine.

[@FaithMediaChannel]

I used both tube of pre amplifier and solid state power low frequencies clear sound natural. Electro magnetic

[@skux0146]

This is by far(!) the best audio comparison I have ever watched. No throwing around of opinions and BS. Just side by side comparison under quasi-standard conditions. A great help for making decisions. THANK YOU SO MUCH. Just one note. Why not include some complex music like a Rachmaninov piano concert or the overture of Tannhäuser for example. Please keep bringing the important information.

[@royramdeen8864]

This was an awesome comparison

[@skip1835]

I have no real skin in the game even though I am an ARC owner, and yeah - I did think the ARC had the edge over the Mac - and I did think the playing field was reasonably even for both units, that is, I have no big qualm as to the testing itself - however, throughout I couldn't help but wonder about tube hours for each of the units - were they both relatively close in time on the tube sets, and were they both employing "factory" tube sets? (as opposed to some tube rolling) New vs Older (in terms of usage hours), brand vs brand (China/Russia) etc., as we all know can shape the sound of most any tubed unit - - just asking, not criticizing, it was a very interesting vid.

[@Habitual_Liar]

Hard to tell over headphones but the ARC sound more open. MAC sounds congested.

[@MrPONCHO467]

If I had low impedance speakers I would take the McIntosh. Otherwise I would purchase the audio research. Both are great buys. Just get what your speakers demand

[@dougg1075]

The AR looks great.

[@Mark-rw3kw]

I don't think it makes sense to compare an all tube integrated amp with a hybrid integrated amp (tube preamp and solid state power output).

[@FaithMediaChannel]

Cool just found your channel ❤

[@rtsroda01]

It would have been interesting ti hear the two amps with the highly efficient Klipsch LaScalas in the background. Also, I dont see any McIntosh on your website. Are you still a distributor?

[@gridhifi]

We no longer sell Mcintosh for now.

[@williamdevereaux7484]

I had an Audio Research VSi60 integrated amplifier and it was a great sounding Amp. One problem though. When a power tube went out it crashed the entire Amp. This happened two times and both times it cost 800+ dollars to fix. After the second time I traded it in at the dealer I bought it from. It had a huge design flaw. Af for this review of course the ARC is going have more of a tube sound. The 3 or 4 years McIntosh owned ARC has produced one thing for sure. They're making much better looking amp now. ' 200W vs 50W. McIntosh would be a better amp for rock music.

[@narrowhwy114]

Of course not an ideal mode of comparison BUT given what it is, the AR definitely sounds a bit brighter in the treble yet leaner there too with less detail. Tickles the ears well but comes across a little sterile. It also sounds a little too reserved in the lower midrange. As for tonality of the Mc, it sounds like the opposite of the AR but to a more natural degree, not too warm lower midrange, not too reserved in the upper treble and doesn't sound overly articulate there either. With room acoustics, wiring, speaker voicing all to be considered, one amp might be a better fit than the other depending on those factors, e.g. AR in an acoustically bright room, Mc in an overly damped room.

[@xstensl8823]

i wish you would have played a piano trio.

[@tzahy4968]

the sound of audio reaserch is more Pleasant ears... more relaxing.

[@TheRoccokid]

They both sound about the same!! I own the mac, but I liked them both about the same!!

[@fancycavegaming620]

I'd choose the cheaper, unless one goes much louder and stays clean.

[@lebibibeige4068]

McIntosh recipe is the same from the beginning .. they make gear with a sound so sweet you wanna raise the volume. As simple as that. They leave part of the "sonic details" stuff to true audiophiles. People want a sound that allow them to talk and dance at the same time, this is what McIntosh does .. a huge feel good sound vibe

[@audiophile_hobby]

men is already 2023 what’s with the 50 watts per channel.

[@MrAudioext]

Escuché con unos audífonos Sony de buena calidad y cerré los ojos, pude diferenciar un sonido mas definido o mejor dibujado en el Mcintosh , para mi gusto creo que AR sonó algo brumoso

[@JingoLoBa57]

AR is far more outstanding in the mid range…

[@beslemeto]

McIntosh for me...I like a bit darker sound.

[@WoodyONeal]

Wonder which one Boba Fett liked best?

[@robertrevelo1624]

audio research is the winner.. Forever

[@MrJoe750li]

🤣🤣

[@chienminchang40]

I have some friend sold there Macintosh amp change to audio research amp , now move to Conrad Johnson.

[@adrianp7475]

AR the last 30 years for me

[@labdesign359]

ARC has more ‘ AIR ‘

[@PH-gm2qe]

Sorry, but I still cannot get this sound comparisons through youtube compressed video listenning on my gear. It is the same as show 8k TV AMOLED quality to watch compressed video on full HD TV. This is not the hate. Can somebody please explain to me? Yep I understand the benefit for content creator. But cannoy see any for audiohile viewers.

[@samlowry5008]

I don't agree, have you ever actually compared an 8K vid vs a 1080p one on a 1080p tv.. you can defiantly see the difference. As for audio i feel you do get an impression of the sound characteristics of a speaker/brand with can give you some context to the description of a reviewer. Of course it is no contest compared to having a new piece in your home connected to your system in your own listening space.

[@jchborg90277]

The AR has more body. Otherwise a matter of taste.

[@darylfortney8081]

McIntosh 352 FTW

[@humanitech]

Hifi is highly subjective a bit like having food fetishes.... sometimes it great to have something hot n spicy...and other times something simple pure and smooth...and all the variables inbetween Luckily there are plenty of hifi chiefs and engineers making some tasty recipes and gear to suit our fickle tastes and moods 🤣🤣

[@JingoLoBa57]

AR has better body able to present marginally more transparent

[@emanon321]

Of course this over the ‘net but both sounded a bit “glarey.” Maybe it was the choice of music. If I were to choose, I go with the ARC.

[@centurio7019]

Of course Audio Research is better, way more live and more analytic, less boosted, more natural and more musical.

[@mahasidha9]

McIntosh MA whatever is MUFFLED, big time compared to the Audio Research which is far more open with greater clarity; not a .0001 difference either; jeez

[@ricosplace1]

I think they need better speakers. 😂

[@louv4437]

Very similar in sound but to me the audio research had more clarity.

[@philcallighan6322]

Sounds like the McIntosh delivers slightly better bass.

[@mahasidha9]

Respectfully disagree with your assessment that sound wise “they are very close.” Understandable since you are a dealer for both brands; don’t want to piss off the people in Binghamton. Really not close if sound is the bottom line consideration

[@gridhifi]

I wouldnt mind pissing off a brand :)

[@mahasidha9]

@@gridhifi Good to know; honestly, wouldn’t McIntosh end their relationship with you once they discover you are not hyping their products?

[@bob11712]

Big ups for Jamiroquai

[@toddhupp]

more clarity on the AR. detailed.

[@kenanderson2216]

Audio research had more presence.

[@Lad236]

Macintosh

[@willielangoor4369]

sound the same

[@mikesilverton2309]

How is it possible to evaluate high-end audio components via a KZbin listening session? This is in so many ways absurd and about as scientific as a visit from a shaman.

[@JingoLoBa57]

And you’ve changed your brand, and partners, no longer Dream Media… what happened?

[@gridhifi]

I have nothing to do with that company nor do i endorse them.

[@akagiotsuba685]

mcINTOSH was more detailed.

[@billiondollarbaby3276]

Judging from a KZbin ViD?? LOL

[@gridhifi]

You mad?

[@db029936]

Awe man, a beautiful design ruined, Minneapolis Minnesota. Really?

[@don7680]

They've always mentioned that on the back. Not sure why they did on the front on this amp, but it's not a problem for me.

[@juliocesarvazquez3992]

The Mcintosh is more musical and better......your system sounds so bad that a JBL active partybox sounds better.

[@turboboost99]

The AR is absolutely hideous in that red. Makes it look cheap. The perforated metal chassis also screams cheap! The Mac, like all Macs these days, is hideously blingy. Green tube LEDs??? Chrome??? I'm going to throw up. LOW class. People who like the look of Macs drive low riders with 22" chrome wheel spinners, wear polyester pants and gold medallions around their necks, and have handlebar mustaches. Most AR stuff looks serious and classy. NONE of the Mac stuff does. But this AR tube integrated was not conceived on one of AR's better days.

[@dowster64]

Interesting - I thougt that way too - until I got some Mcintosh stuff. Mcintosh seems like a Harley - bold brash and and a little cheezy. Some are more than others but I have a C70 pre and MC611 powers and the look does grow on you. There is no gold (apart from the binding posts). The AR does not look cheap though. It looks 90's Memphis style if anything. They both are lifestyle products and if they don't appeal to you, just don't buy them.

[@gridhifi]

I like the way you explained that

[@don7680]

Audio Research. The best amplifiers on earth.

[@lawrencetarget3059]

I'm not brand happy to either of these brands the audio research just sounded better and I was surprised by that given Mcintosh reputation and prices