New !!! MA9000 Integrated Amplifier ....

[joeinid]

The MA9000 Integrated Amplifier can help you achieve audio perfection. Our largest integrated in both size and power, it offers 300 Watts per channel and combines our amplifier and preamplifier expertise into one comprehensive unit.

There’s enough inputs and outputs on the MA9000 to last a lifetime. The 10 analog connections are comprised of 2 balanced and 6 unbalanced inputs plus 1 Moving Coil and 1 Moving Magnet for turntable connectivity. Both phono inputs feature adjustable loading for fine tuning of vinyl playback. All unbalanced analog connectors are made from premium gold-plated solid brass for superior signal handling and grounding. On the digital side, 2 coax, 2 optical, 1 USB and 1 MCT input (for use with our MCT450 SACD/CD Transport) are all housed in our new DA1 Digital Audio Module; the DA1 can be easily replaced by future modules to keep your MA9000 up to date as new digital audio formats and technologies are developed. The DA1 utilizes a powerful 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) used in Quad Balanced mode. The coax and optical inputs will decode music up to 24-bit/192kHz for high resolution audio playback; the USB input accepts even higher PCM signals up to 32-bit/384kHz and supports up to DSD256 and DXD 384kHz. All inputs can be given custom names for user-friendly system control and configuration. All inputs also function independently of each other and each is always available for use regardless of how your sources are connected.

The MA9000 features our new McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™ that are made from high quality materials with excellent thermal conductivity properties. They are so efficient at dissipating heat that they warrant bearing the McIntosh “Mc” logo. They also have a higher quality finish thanks to a new manufacturing process. They are connected to advanced high current output transistors that eliminate thermal equilibrium lag time (or warm-up time), meaning the first note played will sound just as good as those played later in your listening session.

New, more powerful control microprocessors have been used in the MA9000 to improve overall system operation. Some of the latest audio-grade circuit components have also been utilized to allow the MA9000 to deliver the best sound possible. At 300 Watts per channel, the MA9000 has enough power to properly drive virtually all loudspeakers – and our renowned McIntosh Autoformer guarantees your speakers will always receive that full 300 Watts regardless if they have 2, 4 or 8 Ohm impedance. Other McIntosh features included in the MA9000 are:

• Power Guard^® that monitors and adjusts the sound wave at the speed of light to prevent harsh sounding distortion and clipping that could damage your speakers
• Sentry Monitor™ is our fuse-less short-circuit protection circuit that disengages the output stage before current exceeds safe operating levels and then resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal
• Home Theater PassThru that allows for seamless integration into a home theater system
• High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD^®) which can bring an added dimension to headphone listening
• A discrete, eight-band tone control that allows for advanced manual analog adjustment of your favorite recordings
• Power Control to send power on/off signals to connected McIntosh components for easy system power up and shutdown
• Our patented Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts that easily but securely attach the speaker cables to prevent them from coming loose and possibly causing a short; the binding posts are also gold-plated to prevent corrosion and ensure a quality signal is sent over your speaker cables to your speakers

The entire unit is wrapped in the classic McIntosh aesthetic with blue watt meters, a black glass front panel, control knobs, illuminated logo, aluminum end caps with built-in handles and a beautiful polished stainless steel chassis. Contact your local dealer to learn more.

[Mike]

Gorgeous!

[cmalak]

They should put tubes in the preamp stage...

[Jack]

True, a hybrid integrated would have been just right.

[Dizzie]

And only 101 pounds.

[mattoess]

Price? A cool $10,500....

[mattoess]

It really IS awesome, though.

[Jack]

Joe?

[joeinid]

Damn, this could be fun!

Joe?

[mauidan]

And only 101 pounds.

Yes, what are they thinking when they build these monsters?

[Jack]

Size matters.

[Jack]

On a more serious note, there was some discussion with Paul on the PS Audio forum about a BHK integrated which would be a hybrid design. He said that there had been discussion but the issue so far would be the size and weight of the package so to work much like the MA9000.

[joeinid]

While I would love this, my Job 250 monos are making beautiful music right now. If I could put some blue meters on them, then we'd have Something great

[Jack]

Maybe just one of the McIntosh lighted signs is all you need. Job mono's still doing well with the BHK preamp?

[Devg]

While I would love this, my Job 250 monos are making beautiful music right now. If I could put some blue meters on them, then we'd have Something great

I vote for the blue meter but with MA9000

[Elberoth]

Keep the Job monos. Get the McIntosh clock instead!

This is what I did when I replaced Mac with NAIM in my living room system.

[joeinid]

Ha, sure one will do.

The BHK absolutely sounds great with the Job monos but I recently switched back to the KXR20. Talk about superb, oh my. Honestly the BHK clicking through the speakers is annoying. The KXR20 is dead silent. I know the Job/KXR20 is not a common pairing but what the heck. I may need to find an alternative to the BHK.

Maybe just one of the McIntosh lighted signs is all you need. Job mono's still doing well with the BHK preamp?

[joeinid]

Too funny. I love that idea. That clock costs almost as much as one Job amp

Keep the Job monos. Get the McIntosh clock instead!

This is what I did when I replaced Mac with NAIM in my living room system.

[Elberoth]

Joe, don't be cheap

[joeinid]

Ha!

I'm thinking. I've got time, wink, wink

Joe, don't be cheap

[Everest Audio]

How good is McIntosh these days? I haven't heard a recent piece from them. Would something like this MA9000 start approaching some of the better integrated amps out there like the Pass INT-250?

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[KeithR]

wish this had a quad-balanced circuit.

[jdandy]

They should put tubes in the preamp stage...

Cyril.......I agree. Here is my hybrid dream version, tube preamp with solid state power amp. I'll call it the McIntosh MA9001.

[joeinid]

Love it Dan.


Is there truly a difference sound difference between Quad Balanced versus Non Quad Balanced McIntosh amps?

Has anyone here done a comparison?

wish this had a quad-balanced circuit.

[Dr Tone]

Love it Dan.


Is there truly a difference sound difference between Quad Balanced versus Non Quad Balanced McIntosh amps?

Has anyone here done a comparison?

They seem to throw the quad balanced term around willy nilly lately. The describe the DAC in the MA9000 as a quad balanced yet the amp itself isn't

[joeinid]

I noticed that. I'm not sure if it really matters that the integrated is not Quad balanced. I'd sure be curious why not and what the ultimate sound difference is between Quad balanced and not.

They seem to throw the quad balanced term around willy nilly lately. The describe the DAC in the MA9000 as a quad balanced yet the amp itself isn't

[joeinid]

How good is McIntosh these days? I haven't heard a recent piece from them. Would something like this MA9000 start approaching some of the better integrated amps out there like the Pass INT-250?

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Just like every manufacturer, people love them and people hate them. They have their own sound and that listen all day goodness. McIntosh has that classic look that people love and lust for. I love the sound and like anything else, system/speaker matching is important to get the best.

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[Allhorninjersey]

Has anybody listened to the new MA9000, and if so, what is your impression? How is the DAC in this unit? I am considering the MA9000 for use with my Klipschorns.

[joeinid]

Welcome to the forum, thank you for joining.

I am interested as well. When I had the C52 preamp with dac, I loved it. I truly believe this will be as good or better with a chance to update/upgrade in the future. Sounds like a winner to me.

Has anybody listened to the new MA9000, and if so, what is your impression? How is the DAC in this unit? I am considering the MA9000 for use with my Klipschorns.

[Dr Tone]

Has anybody listened to the new MA9000, and if so, what is your impression? How is the DAC in this unit? I am considering the MA9000 for use with my Klipschorns.

My opinion of McIntosh digital isn't quite as rosy as @joeinid.

The DAC in my C47 which is most likely the equivalent to the MA9000 is adequate to get the job done but nothing special. I thought the lowly 2k Ayre Codex was clearly better. I wouldn't hold my breath for McIntosh to offer an upgraded DAC unit for it. They can't even fix what is wrong with their current ones.

Fortunately the MA9000 has all kind of input options so you can always add an external DAC just like I did with my C47.

[joeinid]

I am an optimist at heart but hope they don't fumble this one. I actually did love the dac in the C52 but was worried about obsolescence. I'd actually love to have the dac be not only replaceable but truly OPTIONAL. This way I would not have to order it and save money.

The D1100 intrigues me too but already, Computer Audiophile had to send it in for an update. At least he loves what he heard and gave it a really good review.

[Dr Tone]

The D1100 intrigues me too but already, Computer Audiophile had to send it in for an update. At least he loves what he heard and gave it a really good review.

I can see the D1100 as a nice preamp for someone that is digital only and want the McIntosh sound. I have to believe the power improvements and dual mono design takes that Wadia based DAC to new levels. As a DAC alone I'm rather skeptical on it and I think there allot of options in it's price range or less that have better support behind them.

[joeinid]

Dr T, not to derail this thread but can you please tell me how you like the MC301 amps? I am having a difficult time figuring out what I want (re: getting back into McIntosh).

[La Dolce Vita]

While I would love this, my Job 250 monos are making beautiful music right now. If I could put some blue meters on them, then we'd have Something great

Lol... happy for you Joe. The guys at Alma Audio in La Jolla have a McIntosh clock in their shop. The blue meters illuminate (most of the time, anyway). Call Alex or Fabio, perhaps they'll make you a deal!


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[joeinid]

Lol... happy for you Joe. The guys at Alma Audio in La Jolla have a McIntosh clock in their shop. The blue meters illuminate (most of the time, anyway). Call Alex or Fabio, perhaps they'll make you a deal!


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[Dr Tone]

Dr T, not to derail this thread but can you please tell me how you like the MC301 amps? I am having a difficult time figuring out what I want (re: getting back into McIntosh).

You know IMO it's about the right power for your speakers.

MC301 or MC601. MC452 if you want a single box. They will all sound like McIntosh and mesmerize you with the bouncing blue meters.

Pull the trigger!

[joeinid]

Ha! Thank you so much.

I know McIntosh has a few new pieces coming out over the next few months. Hopefully I'll figure out something soon.

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[Narayan]

Ha! Thank you so much.

I know McIntosh has a few new pieces coming out over the next few months. Hopefully I'll figure out something soon.

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Any info on what those pieces might be Joe? TIA.

[joeinid]

I don't know but dying to find out. The rumor is a new introduction every month for the next three months. I'm hearing of a new, lower priced turntable for September. Whether that's true or not we should find out in the next week or two. McIntosh just released a smaller sacd player.

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[jdandy]

Joe.......This little hybrid McIntosh MA252 integrated amplifier was displayed earlier this year at the Tokyo Audio Show. I can't say I am fond of the aesthetics, but perhaps this amp may be set for a US release.

[joeinid]

Dan,

Weren't those photos from a few years ago? I seem to remember those images kicking around for several years. I don't remember if that's the case or not. I've read posts from people who think it's hideous. I'm on the fence

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[jdandy]

Joe.......I only read a blip about that amp being shown in Tokyo. Don't have a clue if it is a prototype or something that will see production and release.

[jdandy]

Joe.......Here is another new McIntosh product, the McIntosh MT2. This one has been officially announced but not yet released.

https://www.analogplanet.com/content...iced-turntable

[jdandy]

Joe.......Don't miss the pair of MC2301's on Agon.

[Bachtoven]

I have an M9000 on order--should be here in about 2 weeks. I'll report back after I've lived with it a while.

[joeinid]

Congratulations! Wonderful integrated.

[Bachtoven]

Thanks. I hope I like it at least as much, if not more than my current Primaluna. It's a fine sounding amp, but I worry about tube life/reliability, plus I'd like to be able to leave an amp on all day if I so desired.

[joeinid]

My exact reason for needing/wanting solid state gear in my system. Some weekends my stereo is on 24/7 or all day and/or night so I feel funny leaving a full tube amp especially on all the time. I’m trying to get my hands on a 452 to hear it on my Duos.

[bart]

Thanks. I hope I like it at least as much, if not more than my current Primaluna. It's a fine sounding amp, but I worry about tube life/reliability, plus I'd like to be able to leave an amp on all day if I so desired.

Congrats John!
Will you keep the Prima Luna also?

[Bachtoven]

Congrats John!
Will u-you keep the Prima Luna also?

No, I plan to sell it.