Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Mactone MA-300B Amplifier (Tube) by DavidZ

Model:	MA-300B
Category:	Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$$9,500.00
Description:	Push and Pull Power Amplifier
Manufacturer URL:	Mactone
Manufacturer URL:	Mactone

Review by DavidZ ( A ) on August 05, 2005 at 20:12:16
IP Address: 146.115.41.218

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I have had this amp for about 2 months now, and feel very conflicted about writing this review. On the one hand, I am so excited by discovering it, I feel it is my duty to let others in this hobby know of it. On the other hand, every time I listen to it I discover some new delight that convinces me the review will leave good stuff out.
Since you're reading this, you can correctly infer that I decided I couldn't wait any longer. This is a push pull amp with the soul of a single-ended machine. By that I mean the whole soundstage seems to have that "inner light" that illuminates musical detail in every corner. At 25 wpc, it is enough tube muscle (2 300b's per channel) to handle most reasonably efficient speakers (see below re: my Duos). Somehow, the Mactone people have captured the "Musical gestalt" that single ended designs are renowned for, with the control and authority associated with push pull circuits.
The Mactone conveys all the drama and dynamics of my favorite warhorses, but can still whisper and caress with a delicacy that keeps the magic intact. It never shouts at you like it has something to sell, but speaks to you with the confidence of an old friend. After 15 years in this hobby, I am frankly worn out with what Tony Cordesman used to call the "audio checklist" or something like that. Palpability, soundstage etc. They are all there, but I am the last one to be able to rank them all versus other gear. I can state, however, that this amp has put back the zip and zing and excitement I felt when I first heard how much a Creek integrated amp and Snell speakers bowled over my college mid-fi rig.

Product Weakness: Still looking. But I guess it's safe to say it needs reasonably efficient speakers to really sing.
Product Strengths: A Push pull design that somehow also captures the glory of single ended magic.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Mactone 300b
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	DIY autoformer-based passive.
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Tucker-modified Denon 2900 CDP
Speakers:	Avantgarde Duos w/ TBI subs (104 db)
Cables/Interconnects:	Nirvana, Sahuaro, FIM
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, Jazz, some Pop
Room Size (LxWxH):	17 x 14 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Michael Green PZC's and Sound Shutters
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	BPT Sig+, Exactpower
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Still looking. But I guess it's safe to say it needs reasonably efficient speakers to really sing.
Product Strengths:	A Push pull design that somehow also captures the glory of single ended magic.