MA 7000 Review
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Thanks. Great review. If the MA7000 had been around when I got my C220/MC252 combo, it would have been VERY hard to resist. I would probably still have it and use it as a preamp for a pair of 501s.
I can't think of an integrated amp I'd want more than the 7000.
Alberto
Nice review, but I do have a quibble. At the end the reviewer talks about using a Y-adapter to hook up a sub-woofer, and placing it in the pre-out/main-in RCA connectors, then running a line to the subwoofer. Most quality subwoofers now have built-in crossovers with a line level output to drive the amp. The ideal arrangement for the MA 7000 would be to connect the pre-amp output to the subwoofer, and then the line-out from the sub back to the power amp input, thus taking the low frequency load off the power amp. I feel the reviewer should have enough expertise to present this connection option.
That said the MA 7000 is a one-box wonder!
That said the MA 7000 is a one-box wonder!
A befitting accolade showered on a great product. Although there are a few remarks (which product does not have as this paves the way for newer/improve introduction later on), the MA7000 is indeed a beautiful integrated amp.
Having said all that, I still think the MA6600+TM2 would be the jewel on the crown as it is NOT only a as great an integrated amplifier as the MA7000 (save for a 50 watt difference and a little cosmetics), with the TM2 inserted, it transformed itself to be one of the best STEREO AM/FM receiver, if not THE best AM/FM receiver in the world!
To choose between the two indeed is a daunting task but if given the opportunity, I would decide on the MA6600+TM2. Well, at least, it saves me a power chord and a pair of interconnect, the costs could be channeled to a purchase of a MCD201/MCD301. Making it a great "starter" combo for a complete system.
Cheers!
Having said all that, I still think the MA6600+TM2 would be the jewel on the crown as it is NOT only a as great an integrated amplifier as the MA7000 (save for a 50 watt difference and a little cosmetics), with the TM2 inserted, it transformed itself to be one of the best STEREO AM/FM receiver, if not THE best AM/FM receiver in the world!
To choose between the two indeed is a daunting task but if given the opportunity, I would decide on the MA6600+TM2. Well, at least, it saves me a power chord and a pair of interconnect, the costs could be channeled to a purchase of a MCD201/MCD301. Making it a great "starter" combo for a complete system.
Cheers!
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Maybe the reviewer should buy speakers that do not require a sub. Problem solved.Nice review, but I do have a quibble. At the end the reviewer talks about using a Y-adapter to hook up a sub-woofer, and placing it in the pre-out/main-in RCA connectors, then running a line to the subwoofer. Most quality subwoofers now have built-in crossovers with a line level output to drive the amp. The ideal arrangement for the MA 7000 would be to connect the pre-amp output to the subwoofer, and then the line-out from the sub back to the power amp input, thus taking the low frequency load off the power amp. I feel the reviewer should have enough expertise to present this connection option.
That said the MA 7000 is a one-box wonder!
The MA7000 is nice looking and is supposed to perform like a MC252/c46 :thmbsp: At $5000 which is closer to what this probably sells for it is no doubt the nicest integrated amp. or receiver. I would love to put some of those love handles on my MC252
“You last visited: 08-16-2006 at 08:59 PM”.
Wow, it’s been a long time since I’ve stepped on AK grounds. Time to dust off ye ole wings and jump into the fray! I’d like to thank all of you who took the time to read over the review! As you may have guessed by now, I’m the yokel who wrote the review on the MA7000. I must say, it’s always good to know that someone somewhere notices what you’re doing!
Thanks for pointing it out Klipschfan!
Before I begin to address individual responses in this thread, I must first apologize for everyone having to endure reading through that super tiny font. There seemed to have been an issue in getting the software to display the appropriate sized text. I sent a note to the publisher on the matter, so hopefully things will be fixed soon.
U.S Blues,
Thanks for the feedback and the criticism! Your suggested method of connecting a sub to the MA7000 is solid, and one that I flat out did not consider. D’oh! When I confronted McIntosh on the issue, I was told to simply take the Y-route. I honestly never gave it much more thought beyond that point. Thanks for pointing another (and arguably, better) alternative! I just wish there was a variable (single ended) pre-out to begin with.
JSCC,
I predict that the MA6600 will end up as the breadwinner of their integrate line. It’s an awesome piece for the money, and while the MA7000 holds an unquestionable edge in overall performance, the MA6600 is a fantastic alternative for those who don’t wish to shell out 8 grand.
BTW: Awesome speakers! :thmbsp:
Stillone,
The reverse is actually true! Maybe if this reviewer actually used subs more often in the stereo rig, there wouldn’t have been as many oversights regarding sub connectivity! LOVE those MBL's!
Zip,
Believe it or not, I originally intended to mention this method in my review. So why didn’t I, you may rightfully ask? The truth is that I had a complete brain fart. Somehow the thought blew outta my head come time to write the review. I had one of those nagging “wait a sec, something’s missing…” going on in the back of my head when writing that particular section. D’oh x2!
Wow, it’s been a long time since I’ve stepped on AK grounds. Time to dust off ye ole wings and jump into the fray! I’d like to thank all of you who took the time to read over the review! As you may have guessed by now, I’m the yokel who wrote the review on the MA7000. I must say, it’s always good to know that someone somewhere notices what you’re doing!
Thanks for pointing it out Klipschfan!Before I begin to address individual responses in this thread, I must first apologize for everyone having to endure reading through that super tiny font. There seemed to have been an issue in getting the software to display the appropriate sized text. I sent a note to the publisher on the matter, so hopefully things will be fixed soon.
U.S Blues,
Thanks for the feedback and the criticism! Your suggested method of connecting a sub to the MA7000 is solid, and one that I flat out did not consider. D’oh! When I confronted McIntosh on the issue, I was told to simply take the Y-route. I honestly never gave it much more thought beyond that point. Thanks for pointing another (and arguably, better) alternative! I just wish there was a variable (single ended) pre-out to begin with.
JSCC,
I predict that the MA6600 will end up as the breadwinner of their integrate line. It’s an awesome piece for the money, and while the MA7000 holds an unquestionable edge in overall performance, the MA6600 is a fantastic alternative for those who don’t wish to shell out 8 grand.
BTW: Awesome speakers! :thmbsp:
Stillone,
The reverse is actually true! Maybe if this reviewer actually used subs more often in the stereo rig, there wouldn’t have been as many oversights regarding sub connectivity! LOVE those MBL's!
Zip,
Believe it or not, I originally intended to mention this method in my review. So why didn’t I, you may rightfully ask? The truth is that I had a complete brain fart. Somehow the thought blew outta my head come time to write the review. I had one of those nagging “wait a sec, something’s missing…” going on in the back of my head when writing that particular section. D’oh x2!
wajobu
Boing Boom Tschak
Nice review--I had a chance to spend some time with an MA7000 during its intro at last year's AK Fest. It's a very nice piece of equipment.
A small editing note (sorry, former training): there appears to be a number of locations (I count 8) where the word "integrated" should be (IMHO) substituted for the word "integrate"?
A small editing note (sorry, former training): there appears to be a number of locations (I count 8) where the word "integrated" should be (IMHO) substituted for the word "integrate"?
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What were you doing for 32 months? We like people with different perspectives.
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zip
Member
Zero ---- i also thought overall it was a good review. Thanx, we need more reviews on this integrated !
couple more "jabs" tho :
where did you get the dimensions you quoted ? ....... 22" deep ? the owners manual shows 19.75 " from the front of the handles to the back of the connectors. I know this is picky, but for someone considering this unit, at 22" it would not fit in many racks i know of .
my other question is the statement in your review that the preamp section is "analog passive". What does that mean ?
Is the preamp section passive or active ? .......... Can Ron C, or anyone with more technical knowledge than i have answer this . ???
thanx
zip
couple more "jabs" tho :
where did you get the dimensions you quoted ? ....... 22" deep ? the owners manual shows 19.75 " from the front of the handles to the back of the connectors. I know this is picky, but for someone considering this unit, at 22" it would not fit in many racks i know of .
my other question is the statement in your review that the preamp section is "analog passive". What does that mean ?
Is the preamp section passive or active ? .......... Can Ron C, or anyone with more technical knowledge than i have answer this . ???
thanx
zip
Jim,
You have to ask? He is playing around with all the nice Mcgears lah!
Cheers!
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Zero- thanks for stopping in to chat! I know I have the easy role of the arm-chair quarterback, I acknowledge you for hearing the critiques, and I respect your integrity. It's good to see such a positive review of the MA 7000, dollar for dollar, and pound for pound, McIntosh gear provides the best sound, value and use-ability on the market.
Wajbou,
You know, the Infinity Prelude series hit the scene around the time I began to crawl down the hi-fi rabbit hole. I hope to get my ears on a set one day. Also, you did an excellent job catching my variations between 'integrate' and 'integrated'. I decided to do something a tad funky and use both western and non-western terminology in the same review due in part to McIntosh's wide international appeal. Hmm, Perhaps I should simply keep it as a one-time thing.
Stillone,
Aside from the day to day grind, I've been listening to more good gear and good music than anyone my age has a right to get away with!
I noticed this site has certainly broadened its scope of hi-fi interests since the last time I was here! Cool!
Zip,
Thanks for the good words. The dimensions listed in the review reflect how much actual clearance is required to accommodate the power cord and/or other cables attached to the MA7000. To answer your other question:
Many pre-amps in the McIntosh line rely on a digital processor to control the volume. Because a processor has no real moving parts to speak of, you really don't have to worry about wear and tear or cleaning volume pots over periods of long use. Some will say that there are audible advantages to be had as well. The MA7000 uses a traditional passive attenuator to control the volume. Like all the other integrate (or integrated..heh) amps in the McIntosh line, the MA7000 does NOT have an active pre-amplification stage. It's just a simple passive section that was borrowed directly from the MA6900. Basically, look at it like this: It's a MA6900 pre-amp with a hot rod MC252 attached to it.
JSCC,
Darned right!
You know, the Infinity Prelude series hit the scene around the time I began to crawl down the hi-fi rabbit hole. I hope to get my ears on a set one day. Also, you did an excellent job catching my variations between 'integrate' and 'integrated'. I decided to do something a tad funky and use both western and non-western terminology in the same review due in part to McIntosh's wide international appeal. Hmm, Perhaps I should simply keep it as a one-time thing.
Stillone,
Aside from the day to day grind, I've been listening to more good gear and good music than anyone my age has a right to get away with!
I noticed this site has certainly broadened its scope of hi-fi interests since the last time I was here! Cool!Zip,
Thanks for the good words. The dimensions listed in the review reflect how much actual clearance is required to accommodate the power cord and/or other cables attached to the MA7000. To answer your other question:
Many pre-amps in the McIntosh line rely on a digital processor to control the volume. Because a processor has no real moving parts to speak of, you really don't have to worry about wear and tear or cleaning volume pots over periods of long use. Some will say that there are audible advantages to be had as well. The MA7000 uses a traditional passive attenuator to control the volume. Like all the other integrate (or integrated..heh) amps in the McIntosh line, the MA7000 does NOT have an active pre-amplification stage. It's just a simple passive section that was borrowed directly from the MA6900. Basically, look at it like this: It's a MA6900 pre-amp with a hot rod MC252 attached to it.
JSCC,
Darned right!
US Blues,
Big thanks goes out to you and everyone else for chiming in with feedback and criticisms! Although I'd like to say I've covered lots of ground in the short time that I've been reviewing gear (2years), there is still much to learn! I'm always open to any sort of feedback that may help me to improve the craft!
Yep, McIntosh is an awesome company that makes a fantastic product. I must admit that I'm rather spoiled. Since I began working with McIntosh back in 08', I've had the pleasure to riff with and even meet a number of the people that make McIntosh what it is. What can I say? Their stuff is built like a tank and will last me well into my 40's and is backed by a first class company. Throw in great performance and at the end of the day, what more can ya want?
Big thanks goes out to you and everyone else for chiming in with feedback and criticisms! Although I'd like to say I've covered lots of ground in the short time that I've been reviewing gear (2years), there is still much to learn! I'm always open to any sort of feedback that may help me to improve the craft!
Yep, McIntosh is an awesome company that makes a fantastic product. I must admit that I'm rather spoiled. Since I began working with McIntosh back in 08', I've had the pleasure to riff with and even meet a number of the people that make McIntosh what it is. What can I say? Their stuff is built like a tank and will last me well into my 40's and is backed by a first class company. Throw in great performance and at the end of the day, what more can ya want?
wanderfowl
Resident Phonetician
A good review on what looks like a very nice unit. Huge, but nice. Thanks for pointing out the lack of gauge-dimming. I do wish the review included some nice quality pics of the back of the unit.
Evitzee
Member
Thanks for the review on the MA7000. I've had mine for about 8 months, having moved up from a MA6500. Totally different sound, far smoother and with more punch all around. A very sophisticated piece of equipment. No complaints, sound wise.
I miss the Loudness control when I'm listening at low volumes and don't want to fiddle with boosting the bass and treble manually. Often I'll load five discs in the MCD205 when I'm having dinner in the adjacent dining room and a Loudness function is something I miss. Being able to switch off the meters would be nice, too.
The handles are handy when maneuvering the amp if I have to get around back to make a connection. Or on the rare occasion when I have to pull it off the shelf.
The MA7000 is a big piece of equipment (at least compared with the smaller sized Mac integrateds), but I was able to fit it into the space available by careful adjustment of the available shelving. (The equipment is in the living room so I did not want cables running all over the place). I was a bit concerned about ventilation but even when running it hard for extended periods of time the fins hardly get warm. So ventilation in tight spaces is no problem.
I miss the Loudness control when I'm listening at low volumes and don't want to fiddle with boosting the bass and treble manually. Often I'll load five discs in the MCD205 when I'm having dinner in the adjacent dining room and a Loudness function is something I miss. Being able to switch off the meters would be nice, too.
The handles are handy when maneuvering the amp if I have to get around back to make a connection. Or on the rare occasion when I have to pull it off the shelf.
The MA7000 is a big piece of equipment (at least compared with the smaller sized Mac integrateds), but I was able to fit it into the space available by careful adjustment of the available shelving. (The equipment is in the living room so I did not want cables running all over the place). I was a bit concerned about ventilation but even when running it hard for extended periods of time the fins hardly get warm. So ventilation in tight spaces is no problem.
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Just a technical note:
The MA-7000 at last year's Fest was driving a pair of Infinity Prelude MTS using an NHT X2 active crossover. IIRC, balanced out to the x-over, then the top end balanced back into the MA-7000, and the bottom end via RCAs to the Prelude subs. After a bit of tweaking with a lot of help from RichPA, the whole thing sounded great, IMHO. Many thanks to Chuck Hinton and Sally Goff of McIntosh for the loan of the MA-7000!
Zero, if you want to hear Preludes, that pair may reappear at this years Fest... come on over May 2-3. Many folks from McIntosh will be there, and who knows, I may even be able to beg them for another MA-7000!
