MA9000 Ordered: Setup Advice Needed

[Craig_B]

Hello Brain Trust,

I just ordered the following for a relatively small two channel listening area:

MA9000
MEN220
MPC1500

To the above, I will add my MCD600. I also plan on adding a streaming source at some point, maybe the MS500 - but will start with an Airport Express with Apple Music connected to the MA9000's DAC. I will also eventually add a MT5.

Question: What will be the best way to connect the MEN220 with the MA9000 and other devices? I planned/hoped to use the variable XLR output on the MCD600 when connecting to the MA9000, but a little confused after looking at the connection diagram for the MEN220 (its shows connection with a separate pre and amp). I won't be using a sub, likely a pair of XR100s (still have to decide on speakers).

I am a newbie with McIntosh gear, having just stepped after being a lifelong Sony ES user. Just want to make sure I can incorporate the MEN220 into this setup.

I appreciate any advice/insight from those more knowledge than I.

Best,
Craig

[Fbgbill]

Craig,
Welcome to McIntosh. I must admit I know nothing about the MEN220 but I will say that the XR100's are superb speakers from my point of view. I have had mine about a year and am very pleased with them. I drive them with MC611 mono blocks and a C22600 pre.

[Craig_B]

Originally Posted by Fbgbill

Craig,
Welcome to McIntosh. I must admit I know nothing about the MEN220 but I will say that the XR100's are superb speakers from my point of view. I have had mine about a year and am very pleased with them. I drive them with MC611 mono blocks and a C22600 pre.

Great to "hear" Bill, as I just ordered the XR100s yesterday, can't wait!

[Fbgbill]

Originally Posted by Craig_B

Great to "hear" Bill, as I just ordered the XR100s yesterday, can't wait!

Did you go with the black or the red walnut? I went with the walnut and they are certainly beautiful. Oh they sound pretty darn good also. I had a set of Iso Acoustic GAIA feet that I put on them FWIW.

[Craig_B]

Originally Posted by Fbgbill

Did you go with the black or the red walnut? I went with the walnut and they are certainly beautiful. Oh they sound pretty darn good also. I had a set of Iso Acoustic GAIA feet that I put on them FWIW.

I went with black. Can't wait, should be here Friday. Unfortunately, before my MA9000!

[kubla36]

Originally Posted by Craig_B

Great to "hear" Bill, as I just ordered the XR100s yesterday, can't wait!

Congrats, I really liked my XR100s.

[Craig_B]

Originally Posted by kubla36

Congrats, I really liked my XR100s.

Thanks, glad to "hear" so to speak. They arrived yesterday, still in their boxes as I am waiting on the MA9000 and MEN220 (should be here next week). Just pulled the trigger on a slightly used MT-5 as well. This Mc stuff is worse than crack!

[crwilli]

The MEN220 will need to be connected from the MA9000 pre out to the pre in on the MEN220. Then pre out from the MEN 220 to the AMP in on the MA9000.

Do you know you need the MEN220? I might suggest connecting your system without it and see how good you can get the room to sound.

After a few weeks, then install the MEN220 and start experimenting with it. It is a very capable and multifunctional device that can bring fabulous results but does add a bit of ‘something’.

I have used one to great value integrating the woofer towers of my old Infinity IRS betas. There was a specific purpose in mind and it worked great.

When I changed speakers, I no longer needed the Swiss Army knife and got better results with it out of my system.

YMMV

[PeterMusic]

Welcome, Craig! Very excited for you--the change from Sony to McIntosh will be profound. A couple of thoughts:

Like crwilli, I would not be certain that the MEN220 will help you--while it is an awesome piece of gear, it is not a free lunch sonically. In my system, in my room, it improved my bass response, but it took away too much of the high end for me, so I returned my demo unit after testing. I recommend buying everything else first, then a month or two later (after everything is burned in and you really understand the system's sound), try the MEN220 as an in-home demo or with a risk-free return policy.

On the streaming--I do not stream myself, but I think you'll find the Apple gear to be a painful listen compared to the MCD600. One "unfortunate" thing about the awesome electronics you're purchasing is that they "demand" a great source, great speakers... (Of course, if you skip the MEN220, you could put that $ into a streamer)

Good luck--whatever you decide, keep us posted!

[FreddieFerric]

Congats on the MA9000. I agree with the other two posters. Set the system up without the room correction in the audio chain. Then after you've broken everything in and know what type of sound you have you can add the MEN220 to see what it brings to the table. Unless you have some strange room dimensions I'd be more apt to believe the MEN220 won't be needed.