New MA8900 Integrated

[Vince11281]

Originally Posted by Josep

Vince... relax... no worries.. you are using the Lumin as DAC.. so forget about this MA9000... you dont need it... i repeat... you dont need it!

Hahaha thank you buddy! I already spoke to my dealer and he assured me, as you did, that the only difference is the DAC which I do not use anyway... even in the future if I added components that required the use of a DAC, I would just go with a better external DAC, so no need to lose any sleep.

[audiohippo]

I would be keen to know if the unit functions without the DAC module...

[audiohippo]

Looks like it was featured in the clip :

https://twitter.com/dianakrall/statu...56900324499456

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by RED1TOP

GARY
its no levinson 585

It certainly is not a Levinson 585 and wasn't meant to be. But, is every bit the 585's equal in most things, better in others and perhaps not as good in some. But the keys are, how does it sound to your ears, how does it look to your eyes and how does it work for you ergonomically? Sounds like another Ford vs. Chevy argument. Its your $$....... pick the one you prefer.

So agree that the ability to change out the DAC is a real game-changer for McIntosh (and any other company who does the same). However, I like the HD tuner in the MA6600, so likely will not be trading.

[xv21]

Should McIntosh combine MA6700 + MA5200 and make a new integrated amplifier, which is priced between MA6700 and MA5200? How MA6700 and MA5200 sell compared to MA9000/MA8000 and MA8900/MA7900?

[malba2366]

Originally Posted by xv21

Should McIntosh combine MA6700 + MA5200 and make a new integrated amplifier, which is priced between MA6700 and MA5200? How MA6700 and MA5200 sell compared to MA9000/MA8000 and MA8900/MA7900?

I think they are releasing a new lineup of Integrated Amps. They will probably keep both the 5200 and the 6700 because the 5200 is at a more affordable price point for mass sales and is available online. The 6700 is available for online sales, and the 7900 adds the equalizer and loses the tuner but is available at dealers only. They may keep the best DAC only in the dealer units to keep some separation between the online and dealer units.

[JimmySee]

I thought I was done with this when I purchased my MA5200 two years or so ago -- but the MA8900 has got me interested again.

[soundslikemusic]

Would the MA8900 vs MA7900 sound different granting both will use an external dac driving same speakers ?
Wonder if the MA8900 is a sonic upgrade over the MA7900 ? thanks!

[Charles]

Originally Posted by jdandy

The modular DAC is cool. I made that suggestion for McIntosh preamps years ago. Now the real question is will McIntosh actually support the modular concept and offer plug and play DAC upgrades for these components in the future. It's anyone's guess. Quite a few audio manufacturers offer modular upgrades but very few actually follow through on their promises. Only time will tell how this approach by McIntosh will play out. If I were a gambler, I'd probably hedge my bet.

Dan, it's certainly a good concept but pulling your component out of your system is not good. You have the technical ability probably to do it but I would not. I have not had good results with local high tech repair businesses. My dealer certainly couldn't. How long would it take for Mac?

[Formerly YB-2]

What's the problem with pulling your component out of the system? Other than weight , isn't that big a deal. Especially an integrated amp. Even a 75# one.

Here's the back of the MA8900. Pull out your Phillips-head screw driver, take out two screws and pull the module and plug in the new one. Just make sure you turn everything off first. No tech needed. Couldn't be much easier (since McIntosh can't put it on the front with that glass faceplate).