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Has any heard the new McIntosh MA8900 integrated?

Hi everyone.  I wondering if anyone has heard one of these and compared it to the MA7900.  Seems like the same amp with the exception of minor cosmetic changes and the upgradable DAC.  The 7900 is much cheaper, so I'm hoping there's not much difference.  Would appreciate any observations out there.

Thanks!

Jeff


jeffp13
michaela
288 posts
 
That's not good. How many hours did you put on it. Was it broken in yet?
jeffp13 OP
4 posts
 
Ive had it for a few weeks now.  I've been hoping for a miraculous change in sound quality, but I don't see that happening.  It makes me sad to listen to music now.  an expensive lesson indeed.  I'm giving it a month before I put it up for sale and search for a used Hegel.  
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,645 posts
 

Sounds like the McIntosh is not a good match for your speakers. Try a different speaker output impedance port, 4 ohm vs. 8 ohm, regardless of the speakers nominal impedance as that made a big difference in my system with different Mac amplifier. Also try different power/speaker cables and see if that helps. Dull or lifeless is not commonly associated with McIntosh gear, especially their amplifiers.

213runnin
562 posts
 
I was going to suggest brighter sounding rca cables and speaker cables.  Nordost cables are known to be very open sounding I believe.  Does anyone know how long a Mac takes to burn in?
pokey77
604 posts
 
@jeffp13 

You said "it makes music sound lifeless and dull". I have a McIntosh MA6500 powering Martin Logan Vantages and the synergy is very good. I've never heard Mac sound like you describe although I've heard it sound soft in with some speakers, which is not to be equated with dull. Perhaps your speakers do not pair well with McIntosh.

That integrated has a 5-band tone control. Use that to tailor the sound to your liking and you are done. And you'll still have the beautiful blue eyes to look at.

kalili also makes come good points, especially the different speakers taps; try them all.
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