#21
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For signal loss, I assume you mean lossy digital files. Make sure your files are FLAC or other lossless format. Go with Qobuz or ripped CDs rather than Apple, Spotify, etc. On tubes vs SS--there are plusses and minuses to each, but I would not rely on adages like "best of both worlds" (no offense). I am "certain" (haha) that tubes are best for both pre and power amp sections. But a comparable SS is likely to have more slam. You should listen for yourself with the MLs at a dealer and preferably at home for a few days before you decide. If you do not have a local boutique dealer, try the Magnolia section at Best Buy. Enjoy!
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Clearaudio Ovation with Tracer Dynavector KARAT 17DX Naim Uniti Core Schiit Yggdrasil McIntosh C22/MC275 Wilson TuneTots B&W DB3D Nordost QKore/QBase/Frey 2 Transparent Super IsoAcoustics GAIA II Stax SR-009S with SRM-700T |
#22
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I've had my MA352 for 7 months and I'm totally satisfied. It drives my Magnepan 3.7i's with no problems. I also love the way it looks. Highly recommended!
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#23
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Glad to hear you are satisfied with the MA352. I have one on order and can hardly wait for it to come in.
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#24
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New MA352 just installed
MA352 ordered on Monday, picked up and installed today. I'm just 2 hours in, so quite far from full break-in. Initial impressions are excellent. System is Focal Sopra 1s, Naim ND5XS2 streamer, AQ interconnects and speaker cable. Dedicated electrical line for hifi only. Streaming Qobuz and Tidal plus local library by Roon. All connected by fiber internet via ethernet. 8 GIK acoustic panels in listening room.
The MA352 is literally DESTROYING the Accuphase E-480 with these speakers. It is sounding full, detailed, refined with punchy and articulate bass. Highs are crisp and precise without going overboard on the beryllium tweeters of the Sopras. Midrange is expressive, round and sweet. Frankly, I may just have to confirm that, for the moment, this amplifier is doing a very fine job. Currently, max volume level has been 35% and was plenty loud, didn't measure dB level. Low level listening with a full sound is possible for me at 15-20%. Not sure if that will change with break-in. Thanks for reading. |
#25
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David-
Welcome to this McIntosh place. Listen is good health to your new 352! John
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AKA J2Ordan McIntosh/Legacy/VPI/Bricasti/DIYCable |
#26
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Long time ago, playing with the AU-11I tube amplifier, I was interested in Accuphase when I saw one second hand in the shop window. The dealer said it was not my sound. Tried it but no, he was right.
Years later I decided to try McIntosh and he said it would be no problem. And it wasn't. |
#27
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Well, I may have spoken too soon. Strange how this business works. Now at 100 hours the MA352 is nearly unlistenable. Very very bright with little bass. The sound is steely, cold with a massive pyrotechnical display of sibilants on male and female voices. Can't believe what I'm hearing. The MA352 is replacing an Accuphase E480 I had on trial which itself was destined to replace a Naim Supernait 2. That amplifier was very very good with the Sopra 1s.
Incomprehensibly, I checked and verified with numerous dealers and owners, in multiple countries by the way, to ensure that the MA352 would marry well with the Focal Sopras. Everyone agreed in the affirmative. What I'm hearing now is totally unacceptable. It's a bit premature but I've alrezdy rolled some current production GL AX and ATs and they're slightly better than the (probably) rebadged JJs from McIntosh. Worse yet, I also acquired some authentic NOS Telefunken 81 and 83 smooth plates. Still too bright. I will spare you the endless power cord, interconnect and speaker cable changes. Atleast three of each recently to experiment. Not sure what went wrong but I'm in deep trouble now. |
#28
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MA352....any love?
Break-in is a funny thing. Sometimes you go backward before you go forward again. Sometimes nothing happens. Some people believe it is your auditory cortex that is breaking in, not the gear you are listening to.
Either way, I guess only more time (another 100 hours?) will tell if you have a pairing that will work for you.
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Main System: Amati Futura Mains Amati Homage VOX Center, Proac Response 1sc Rears, Three MC2301's for L,C,R MC 602 for the rears C 1100, MX 151, MCD 1100, MR 80 Nottingham Dais with Wave Mechanic Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation SurfacePro 3, RPi 4, ROON, WW Starlight Platinum USB, Schiit Yggdrasil, Benchmark DAC3 HGC MX 151, OppO BDP-95, JVC RS-500 DILA projector, 106" diagonal Stewart Luxus Screenwall Deluxe with Studiotek 130 G3 material. Lake House: Ohm F, MC 275V, C2300, MR 77, Rega P3 OnDeck: McIntosh MAC 4300v |
#29
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#30
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David--Can you return it? If yes, I would do that instead of trying to accommodate something that is obviously wrong (defective?), not just a matter of taste.
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Clearaudio Ovation with Tracer Dynavector KARAT 17DX Naim Uniti Core Schiit Yggdrasil McIntosh C22/MC275 Wilson TuneTots B&W DB3D Nordost QKore/QBase/Frey 2 Transparent Super IsoAcoustics GAIA II Stax SR-009S with SRM-700T |
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