New McIntosh system

[Randy Myers]

I recently got the McIntosh MXA70 system. I replaced the speakers with the KEF LS50 and use the McIntosh speakers that came with the system in the surround sound system with the TV.

So far loving it!

[joeinid]

I'll have to check that one out, I saw it today and it looked so cute

[Randy Myers]

Well, if I can figure out how to get a couple pictures up here I will show you the setup ...

[joeinid]

Usually it takes 10 posts to allow photo links but you can place the url between the brackets and be off and running.

[img]url[/img]

[Randy Myers]

Dang... requiring two more...

[Randy Myers]

Hmmm, seems like it took the post ....

[volks]

Dang... requiring two more...

Excellent Gear!

[Randy Myers]

Thank you... it's certainly a start.... feels so good to be back to listening to good equipment again

[Paul]

Thank you... it's certainly a start.... feels so good to be back to listening to good equipment again

I like that however watch out it can make you open your wallet endlessly LOL

[Randy Myers]

I like that however watch out it can make you open your wallet endlessly LOL

Yea, understand that... I can't believe I just bought the KEFs shortly after getting the McIntosh equipment... but more surprising was that my wife said yes to the KEFs ...

Yea, I got to watch the budget...

[Randy Myers]

I am a little embarrassed having a McIntosh system with KEF speakers just sitting on a counter in my home office so I have convinced my wife that the system needs to be up in our loft library. It sounds much better up there. We have ordered a cabinet and some speakers stands. I will post updated photos when all arrives .

[joeinid]

Very nice Randy. Looks like you've become one of us.

[Randy Myers]

[jdandy]

I am a little embarrassed having a McIntosh system with KEF speakers just sitting on a counter in my home office so I have convinced my wife that the system needs to be up in our loft library. It sounds much better up there. We have ordered a cabinet and some speakers stands. I will post updated photos when all arrives .

Randy.......Your next consideration for maximizing your listening experience should be a decent subwoofer, perhaps something like the new JL Audio E110 or E112. The KEF LS50 rolls the bottom octave off quickly below 70Hz. A subwoofer will fill in the lowest octave and dramatically improve your system's performance. There is a lot of sound to be enjoyed in the lowest octave.

I had Sonus faber Cremona Auditors and then replaced them with Sonus faber Guarneri Memento speakers several years ago. Both of those speakers rolled off below 45Hz rapidly. Although the Auditors and the GM's sounded very good, when I added two McIntosh XLS112 subwoofers to the system the difference was amazing. Deep solid bass truly improved the overall listening experience. This will be even more evident for you with the higher low frequency roll off of the KEF LS50. Adding a subwoofer will floor you with the overall improvement.

[Randy Myers]

That sounds like a good suggestion... can't make another purchase now, but I do have a Klipsch powered sub that I am not using now... wonder if that would hurt the clean KEF if I try hooking it up, maybe use it at a very low level... what do you think?

[jdandy]

That sounds like a good suggestion... can't make another purchase now, but I do have a Klipsch powered sub that I am not using now... wonder if that would hurt the clean KEF if I try hooking it up, maybe use it at a very low level... what do you think?

Randy.......Hey, if it's just sitting around, why not? Give it a shot. Your MXA70 has preamp outputs so getting the subwoofer into the system should not be too difficult. Just feather it into the bottom end of the LS50's output. If the Klipsch sub has a crossover control, start out at 80Hz and then lower the crossover point a few hertz at a time until you feel comfortable with the integration. I wouldn't go much below 70HZ for a crossover point or you will experience a dip in low frequency output before the steps in. With the subwoofer gain control, start a bit high and gradually lower the gain until the subwoofer almost disappears except with the extreme bottom frequencies. Should be quite an improvement. Let us know how it works out if you decide to incorporate the sub into your system.

[Randy Myers]

Thanks Dan. I know your Sonus Fabers are supposed to be awesome; hopefully I can get my KEFs to come close at least...

Ok, just checked. The McIntosh manual specifically says to set a power sub to 80 Hz, so perfect, the Klipsch can be set to that. The Klipsch paper work (yes I still have it and was able to find it ...) said to use the left input when coming from a specific sub woofer out on the amplifier... so again perfect.

So far definitely can hear more bottom end. I might slide the gain down a tad more.... I want it very subtle... But, yes sir, you are right, since I already have it why not hook it up and use it ....

[jdandy]

Randy.......It is not uncommon for gain to be set a bit high in the beginning when trying to integrate a sub into a sound system. With trial and error you will gradually find the perfect volume level where the subwoofer calls no attention to itself but fully supports the lowest octave. Good to hear it's working out.

[Randy Myers]

Yes, I am listening to your advice for sure. I am definitely in the adjustment stage. It is not a real great sub, but I guess it is not terrible either. Since I already own it there is no reason to not give it a try ... It is an amplified Klipsch and does have the correct adjustments....

[Randy Myers]

We finally got the system setup in it's new home, our loft library... here is a couple quick snap shots....

[joeinid]

Awesome Randy! Looks beautiful. I am sure it sounds wonderful.

[Randy Myers]

Thank you Joe,

Certainly an improvement.... here are a couple more .... Really lovin the McIntosh / KEF combination....

[joeinid]

McIntosh and KEF is a great combination. I am so happy you are loving the music.

[volks]

Randy you have a great system and such a cozy room

[Randy Myers]

It is so good getting back into the hobby I loved so much and have really missed all these years. My wife is also happy and excited about how happy it makes me. She also is very happy with the new look and agrees it is so much better up in the loft!!!

[Randy Myers]

Randy you have a great system and such a cozy room

Thank you sir... it has definitely become my favorite room in the house...

You guys are being very kind... look at the systems you have ... but I guess we all have to start somewhere ....

[Paul]

Hi Randy, Very nice room and system you got there Love it.

I've seen so many people not happy/satisfy with their multi $$$$$$ system so as long as you are happy with your system, that's all that matters

Enjoy in good health!

P.S: Don't you want to have the speaker stands that make it up to your ear level though?

[Randy Myers]

Was looking at higher ones, but honestly, didn't want to get above the loft over hang wall, and when I am sitting on the sofa listening they are very close to ear level. Anything higher would put them close to the loft opening and thought better to not do that.

[Mike]

Looking good Randy! Is the driver of the LS50 at ear level?

[Randy Myers]

Fairly close to it. The next taller stand would have raised them up another 6" and put them at or above ear level, but also put the port above the rear loft wall. I felt that it was more important to make sure to keep them below the reflection wall. They sound very good where they are, and because the KEF are so transparent and good at dispersion I don't see that as a problem.

I just put a piece of marble tile below each speaker stand. My thought was raising each another 1/4" but also stabilizing the spikes on the speaker stands for better isolation, to remove them from the carpet.

Am I thinking about this right or does this thought make no logic reason as far as speaker placement goes?

[Randy Myers]

I have been able to put two marble tiles under each speaker stand... that is about it. The system sounds fantastic and with the KEF dispersion it does not seem to be any issue being a tad lower... the tiles look good in this configuration!

BTW- that one painting in view in one of the photos is one of mine ... another hobby... too dam many me thinks ...

[Mike]

Randy - that should help. Do you know if there are special KEF LS50 stands that are a little taller? You ideally want the tweeter (middle of the woofer in your case) at ear level height. Do you think you're close now?

The granite will also act as a good isolator.

P.S. Your painting looks so real! Beauty.

[Randy Myers]

Thank you Mike... I considered other stands but I wanted to make sure that the rear port did not go over top of the reflective wall behind the speakers.... being that this is in a loft.... here is one final photo showing about as good as I can get it in this location....

[Randy Myers]

Now that I finally have the system setup completely in the loft I figured I would put up some new photos:

[joeinid]

Randy,

Awesome photos and awesome system. You've done an amazing job. Thank you for posting. So glad you're have fun.

[Randy Myers]

Thank you Joe... it is great fun, no doubt!

[rrwmd]

How does the TEAC DAC compare to the built-in DAC on the Mac?

[Randy Myers]

Well for PCM it is very comparable (same chipset and all, BurrBrown PCM1795)... maybe just a tad better being that the Teac uses two BurrBrown PCM1795 and runs dual monaural throughout. Also the Teac has better filtering that is switchable, for PCM, sharp, slow and off. The slow is unique and tends to make the unit sound a tad warmer....

But the real kicker is the DSD... In every comparison I have done, including the exact same album in HD PCM versus DSD, the DSD is much better.

So far I am loving the Teac, but I have had it less than a week, so it is not yet broken in....

[The Principal]

Nice set up!


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