New !!! MA9000 Integrated Amplifier ....

[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! [emoji6][emoji106]


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[joeinid]

:hey:

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! [emoji6][emoji106]


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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.