Kitchen system man!Looking sharp, if I lived in the USA I'd be lining up for one, and it has the DA-1 removable DAC module....
Kitchen system man!
Let us know when you have purchased it.This thing will be an absolute keeper in my books if you can slip in a tuner module. Even if not, plug in a refurbished MR74 and be done for the rest of my life. I bet at $10,500 you would be saving money if you are not replacing it for the next 20-30 years.
I am guessing that the MA9000 is essentially a MC302 amp and a C52 preamp with the replaceable DAC module. Mac owners praise the Quad balanced circuitry. I wonder if you can really hear a difference.Looks wonderful.
A friend mentioned that it's not Quad Balanced, have any of you guys compared Quad Balanced to non Quad Balanced McIntosh amps? And how important is it really?
I am guessing that the MA9000 is essentially a MC302 amp and a C52 preamp with the replaceable DAC module. Mac owners praise the Quad balanced circuitry. I wonder if you can really hear a difference.
From reading your post I really doubt you can tell the difference with quad balanced. You state 'we think we can' and also, 'you might not really hear it.'Well, we think we can, quad balanced just means better SNR and lower distortion, and this is from a family if amps that already have impressive specs....
I have a MC2205 and a MC452, I have owned a MC352 as well, rather large and obvious difference between the 2205 and 452, but the difference between a 302 and a 452.....you might not really even hear it, probably more expectation bias...I could have bought a 302 instead of the 452, they were both sitting there, but I just HAD to have the 452, everything that had been said about them.....it was a no brainer. But now when I think back, I probably should have got the 302 knowing what I know now.....(I wish I had that extra money I handed over!!)
I'd go one of these new integrated amps, its really good buying for what you get...
Sorry, the McIntosh MC1000 is not quad balanced even though it may sound better than another Mac amp.I have compared bridged MC2500s to Quadbalanced MC1000s on XR290s. The MC1000s put off twice the heat dissipation more parts more heat. Bass on MC2500s more delicate damping factor perhaps. The MC1000s play highs more clear and distinct over 200 watts. MC2500 slightest fog on highs when really really pushed. Plus no fans on MC1000 to hear idling on after some spirited sessions.
The realism factor and singer or acoustic instruments in the room better on MC1000. Have not sold off MC2500s yet. I can tell difference and even my wife did. Quadbalanced is a winner with detailed low distortion speakers. Never a bit of detectable stress in amplification.
Yes it is. Review Ron C 's posts here on MC1000 and a list of all of McIntosh's quad balanced amps. They used different terms but was McIntosh's first amp with that circuit design. McIntosh settled on Quad balanced terminology later.Sorry, the McIntosh MC1000 is not quad balanced even though it may sound better than another Mac amp.
I stand corrected. In a previous post I found, the MC1000 was not listed as one of the quad balanced models. It doesn't help that McIntosh used various terminology for this technology.Yes it is. Review Ron C 's posts here on MC1000 and a list of all of McIntosh's quad balanced amps. They used different terms but was McIntosh's first amp with that circuit design. McIntosh settled on Quad balanced terminology later.
What is a Quad balanced amp? - audiokarma.org
Thats because back in the days of the MC352 MC1000 etc, McIntosh had not coined the Phrase "Quad Balanced", back then they called them "DOUBLE-BALANCED PUSH-PULL DESIGN".I stand corrected. In a previous post I found, the MC1000 was not listed as one of the quad balanced models. It doesn't help that McIntosh used various terminology for this technology.