New McIntosh system

Randy Myers

Randy Myers

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 7, 2015
Messages
6,183
Location
Kansas
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!
 
I'll have to check that one out, I saw it today and it looked so cute :)
 
Well, if I can figure out how to get a couple pictures up here I will show you the setup :)...
 
Usually it takes 10 posts to allow photo links but you can place the url between the brackets and be off and running.

 
Thank you... it's certainly a start.... feels so good to be back to listening to good equipment again :celebrate008_2:
 
Paul said:
I like that :thumbsup: however watch out it can make you open your wallet endlessly LOL
Click to expand...

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...
 
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 Myers said:
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 :).
Click to expand...

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.
 
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 Myers said:
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?
Click to expand...

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

attachment.php
attachment.php
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top