The MA8950 Isn't what you think...
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- Опубліковано 25 лип 2024
- We reviewed the McIntosh MA8950. The "new" (okay, we forgot it for a few months) integrated amplifier has caused our three hero's to clash with differing opinions on how it sounds!
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Review - 2:18
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Audio Excellence Inc. is a high end audio/video store in Markham, Ontario, Canada, a suburb of Toronto. We've been in business since 1991.
Check out our interviews with designers and audio luminaries like Daryl Wilson of Wilson Audio, Paul McGowan of PS Audio, Paolo Tezzon of Sonus faber, Wendell Diller of Magnepan, John Atkinson of Stereophile, Dan D'Agostino of D'Agostino Master Audio Systems, Nelson Pass of Pass Labs and others.
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Lewis@audioexcellence.ca - Розваги
Great to see a review on thr MA8950. I purchased one of these about 4 months ago along with a pair of Sonus Faber Olympica Nova 2 speakers. It was my first real hifi system. I researched a lot before hand, went into various shops to demo different products, the closest demo to the system I ended up buying was a demo of the same Sonus Faber speakers with a MA7200. I was very impressed with that pairing and I am also very impressed with the purchase of the MA8950. I love the sound from the pairing. I just recently purchased a Lumin U2 mini streamer to connect to the MA8950 and enjoying it further. I eventually would like to try a seperate DAC to that of the MA8950 Inbuilt DA2 module but will need to wait till I can save up some more funds:) anyway, just wanted to share my observations. Each person's hearing is different and so that can affect things as well - ultimately, comes down to what you like. I don't think you will be disappointed with the MA8950 and if you are pairing it with a SF speaker system then you won't go wrong. Enjoy.
Nice post..Thanks for it. I am considering purchasing the Mc. MA9500 Integrated Amplifier. It's a fairly new release. It has a bit more power & a larger tone control module (EQ) than the MA8500 ..& those things matter to me.
Do you have another impressions about your McIntosh Integrated Amplifier?
Thanks!
D-
Vilip seemed like he was in a bad mood because his attitude towards Lewis came off as very hostile. I couldn't believe Vilip said "what do you think Adrian, I respect your opinion" like Lewis's opinion was trash. I personally respect Lewis's opinion because his opinion could be an accurate reflection of how other experienced audiophiles may perceive this amp. It may be a perfectly fine amp for 66.6% of audiophiles, but maybe the other 33.3% would prefer something else in this price range. The point is, not everyone perceives sound the same nor does everyone value the same characteristics of sound. I have own\owned amps in this class and I am not sure I would care for the Mac sound. I have a suspicion that going from a modern Luxman and Hegel amplifier would make going to a Mcintosh very difficult. One thing I have learn about MacIntosh is how polarizing the brand is among audiophiles, yet the Luxman and Hegel brands are generally considered very good by most audiophiles I seen.
I'm with Lewis, it wasn't that I didn't quite like it, I just didn't love it at all. So much more out there for the money
not personally interested in vilips opinion
Good having Lewis onboard.
Have you taken a look at inside the Hegel amps? Just wondering….
Lewis seems to be the most unbiased one. A salesman one could trust.
Adrian that was a great call on the Ray Brown Trio live at the Loa. Holy crap! I couldn't turn it off, so so good.
I enjoyed the banter amongst the team, and I'm sure it's all in good fun. Hats off to Lewis standing his ground...good but not great or maybe great but not amazing. I always appreciate some balanced thoughts not just a high five fest over how amazing something is.
Happy holidays to you all.
PS what happened with the Pathos that you got in? There was an unboxing but I haven't heard anything more about it or the product line.
Captain Condescendence was in rare form in this video!
I don't know how you can deal with such insolence on a daily basis.
It starts to be difficult to watch these videos
The 8950 is luscious. Warm. Forgiving. Enjoyable. Put on some Bryan Ferry and enjoy the heck out of the 8950. Its divine in every way. It's also beautiful to look at. Hard stop. For 8950 money it also looks the part.
I liked reading your post. I am thinking about purchasing a used Mc MA9500 Integrated amplifier. It has more power & a larger tone control (EQ) module on-board too. Those features & benefits matter a lot to me.
Any other specific thoughts or advice about your Integrated Amplifier that I might find helpful?
Thanks,
D'-
@@davidstein9129 go for it. Don't listen to these myopic reviewers. It's a wonderful piece of kit and the sound is like a fine brandy. Syrupy (in all the good ways) and inviting.
“I respect your opinion” the most passive aggressive comment I’ve heard in a while. Good on Louis for sticking to his opinion and not getting bullied. Comparing it to McIntosh separates may not be fair though, however comparing it to a Hegel H590 or a Pass 250 integrated would be more of a fair comparison.
Volume is really low. I have my speakers maxed out and the output is still too low.
I found the review interesting. At the end of the day, we are talking about a push pull transistor based amp, regardless of its price point. Everything that was mentioned soundwise my EL34 SE amp + a pair of REL subs for my ears does better in my somewhat smaller room, much better (having tried expensive transistor amps in the past). So Lewis didn't seem to have a “not so good day". Anyway nice review. ✨
I just got mine , it’s paired with my B&W 702 s2 signature,so far so good . I’m pretty happy with it .
PPJ, doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement.
@@jearley22 well , the B&W are very revealing speakers , finding the best amp for them it’s not easy . I wish I had more like ..300 watts and I also have to work on my room (correction) , find the perfect match speaker cable , power conditioner and so on . We tend to forget all that matters when building a stereo system. I still think some other brands like Luxman , pass labs ,offers more comparing to McIntosh .
I find my 804 D4’s too soft after changing speaker cables from QED Supremus to AQ William Tell, I’m using an Accuphase E-5000. But I think most people would be happy with the AQ cable it’s quite smooth with even more resolution than the silver coated QED’s. Just gonna put a few hundred hours into them and see how they sound. I think AQ is matches well with B&W
@@pierre-philippejulien6298 use the regular 702 s2 the loves power. I stopped with Hegel h390 and i really like the combo.
@@jearley22 702 s2 are forward but not ringing. Its just if you pair them with a weak amp.
Then they sound edgy. With good powerful amp they can really sing like heaven
hi guys, new subscriber here, been enjoying some episodes. Quick question, are you finding a substantial difference in the phono stages in the McIntosh integrated amps? I have a MAC6700 and playing an MC cartridge through it and was wondering if there would be a substantial upgrade in the MA8950 or MA12000 as far as that section of the preamp. The alternative would to buy a separate McIntosh phono preamp, but then the concern is whether that upgrade is too much for my current setup. Thanks.
Great video, guys!! I love ones like this. And thank you for sparing us the unboxing!! ;) As always, I really appreciate Adrian's music suggestions. I also like that you (albeit briefly) contrasted it with other options you well (H590, Mc separates, etc). It's always great to see a new AE video.
lol thanks
Just bought one and it sounds amazing paired with my Persona 3Fs! Toned the highs down a bit and made the speaker sound much fuller. Also running a Rel Carbon Special sub.
I liked reading your post. I am thinking about maybe purchasing a used Mc MA9500 Integrated amplifier. It has more power & a larger tone control (EQ) module on-board too. Those features & benefits do have a nice value IMO.
Any other specific thoughts or advice about your Integrated Amplifier that I might find helpful?
Thanks,
D'-
@@davidstein9129 Good choice, I recently upgraded to the 9500 after the screen on my 8950 went bad while under warranty.
Great review!
Oh, boy! I would really like to see a blind test with these guys and some amplifiers from really different price categories. I wonder how the so-called high-end units sound without the implicit bias generated by their 5 figures price tags. When wine experts did that with wines, the results were funny: expensive wines suddenly became not better than average ones 😀.
I smell farts in the room too.
Blind auditions or there is a lack of credibility.
Nobody can tell the difference. Lol. I've talked to engineers from hi-fi companies and they'll tell you to the same thing. These units vary on paper and from the standpoint of materials and build quality. But in terms of the actual sound, if they are delivering a flat signal, they sound identical. Facts.
Vilip showed a side that I used to see back "in the day" from salesmen in some high end audio stores. I don't have to describe it because if you watched the video you probably know what I am referring to. If you are similar in age to me and frequented the brick and mortar audio stores that sold high end gear in the late 70's and 80's this was part of what people hated about going to some stores. Lewis is operating at a disadvantage because of this. I hope he never is told to rein in his opinion.
For what it's worth, I never tell my guys what to say re their opinions. We offer multiple brands because each has different strengths and appeals to different people for different reasons.
Need help. I’m putting together a 2- channel system and don’t know which amp. to pair with La Scalas. Mac 8950 or Hegel 590. I mostly stream and like the idea of not having another component with the Hegel, but I’ve only demoed the 8950 with the La Scalas. Thanks.
Depending on your Speakers go for the Boulder 866.
I wish there could be a follow up listening with the LRS+ again. I have a difficult time thinking the Mac wouldn't make the LRS's perform well. Did Vilip use the 4 Ohm Autoformer connection? Vilip states, "Severly disappointed". I would really be curious to listen to their impressions again. Francis
Got a new 8950 two months ago. I found that it needed many hours of playing time before getting to it's peak performance. Same with the DA2 module that wasn't quite as good as my Chord Qutest but the gap is closing now. Love the EQ controls for low volume listening and to enhance old vinyls...
I think that even the most experimented reviewers sometimes forget the fact that some components just need a lenghty break-in period. Would like to see that same amplifier re-acquainted later on.
Nice vid guys. I appreciate your efforts in producing this video.
Did you guys do a video on the McIntosh MA9500 Integrated Amplifier yet? If not, do you have any specific thoughts..opinions on this newish McBeast of an amp?
Thanks!
D-
I think its fine that Lewis wasn't over the moon with it. Some people like different gear and types of sound. I like tubes some audiophiles don't . Everyone has likes and dislikes. There's room for everyone who enjoys music.
100% agree!
then show his opinion is respected (Villip) and dont tell him he wrong (Adrian)
@@SantanKGhey1234 I hope you realise it was a joke!
Y’all mention it occasionally, just how good is the DA2 dac module?
Interesting how Phillip dogs it during his talk about it then at the end says obviously I love it!!😂😂
Honestly the Sabrina X might dip a bit low in impedance for amp. I found wilson’s work better on the 2 ohm tap. Not even sure if this model has different taps. At home I use a MC462.
In sweden that macintosh cost as much as Hegel h590. And i would go with Hegel all day. Have the h390. Its an endgame amp for me i dont need to go any futher. Only speakers could be be part of my upgrade plan
Mcintosh has muddy bass. I agree with Lewis. Mcintosh isn’t for everyone. Also, using a Mazda Miata as an analogy for someone buying a Mcintosh 😂.
How can we listen to your playlists?!?
I have anxiously waited to hear your thoughts on this piece. We all know the virtues of the 8900 so hearing, particularly, the differences since its a newer model of the 8900, is most important to me. Im little concerned hearing Villip say that mellow (sad) music may be compromised in this amp. Also, I would appreciate knowing what you were using with the amp aside from the speakers. Thanks very much and would enjoy hearing what it sounds like with some Sonus Faber speakers.
Lumin P1 was the streamer. Heimdall 2 speaker cable and XLR interconnect.
@@vilipmak3973 so the big question is Vilip, which one do YOU like better, the 8950 or Hegel H390??!
@@jearley22 I like both. They're really not comparable with quite different price points. They both do different things.
@@vilipmak3973 well l they both are 200watts and the both have DACs and the 390 did come up in this conversation. Be nice to hear your thoughts as I know you have them. :-)
I couldn’t agree more with Lewis. But I have figured out why I feel like that for the MA8950… the speakers. I will explain.
I finally went with the MA9500, maybe partially regretted I didn’t go for the MA12000. But the difference between the 9500 and 12000 is MUCH smaller than this between 9500 and 8950.
All this is true WHEN you use BIG speakers. I listened to the MA8950 with 801d4 (flagship B&W) and some G5 SF which both are an overkill for this small
Amp. The amp was on 60% (right before clipping level) and the things that were coming out of the beastie speakers were thin and tiny. Plugging in the 9500 and 12000 brought both speakers to life, the power was effortless, you could feel raw and beastie Mc power driving them both to musical nirvana territories.
I suspect the small 8950 would be sufficient for smaller speakers (805d4). Maybe some bookshelf ones with one (or two) self-powered Rels s812.
So, bottom line. AVOID if u plan to plug in serious speakers. 25-30m2 room with 50-150w rates speakers would do fine, anything bigger will make you hate the amp.
I wish you guys would review MA 5300. It's more affordable than most Mac gear but is it any good?
It doesnt matter Pfilip will always say its good. Otherwise he will loose sales
It's good but not the same as the McIntosh amps with the autoformers like the MA8950.
And Lewis you’re entitled to have your own opinions based upon what you actually hear as a source of musicality | tonal accuracy | so on….., meaning stand your ground | know you aren’t wrong in liking what you like.
After this honest review, I definitely will try out Hegel H390.
A special thanks to Philip for describing this McIntosh Amplifier extremely well. He gave me a good snapshot of what this amp is about is about..what it
offers.
Lewis addressed timbre.
No one else did; they both changed the subject & only promoted other aspects of the sound.
"What do you think Adrian, I respect your opinion" - After Lewis gives his thoughts...
Imagine youre a customer and this is your salesperson? Void of any respect/professionalism.
the whole vibe of this video was wrong. you guys seem off your typical game
Anyways guys take a break... Happy Hollidays
Happy Holidays ❤️ I've Been A ( McIntosh) Owner Over 40 Years And You Can Never Go Wrong With Their ( Impeccable Gear ) NEVER ❤️ You Just Have To 100% Always Make Sure You Drive Them With The Right Speaker's 🔊 And Your In Music 🎶 🎵 Heaven ❤️ PROMISE 👍 👌 Speaker's Will Always Make The Difference FACT'S ! 😀 HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Happy holidays to you as well
Bought Marcin’s Kashmiri from Apple to try, nice tip.
MA8950 & the MA9500 are essentially sibling amplifiers..except with the MA9500 you get 300 wpc & an
8-band tone control built-in module and their DA2 series DAC module. I'd say the 9500 looks like the better overall value if you can really make use if the additional power & a more robust equalizer/ tone control module.
Cheers from Sweden.
Hi!
How many hours have been put on these new units before judging? I heard some amps could take up to 100 hours of playing not just left on before they open up.
I know my MA6600 changed for the better. Just saying boys. 😎
So this assessment was interesting. Bottom line - the guys all heard a somewhat different sonic signature to this Mc integrated amp than with previous designs. It then becomes a matter of preference. As one who owned McIntosh gear for over 30 years, I have not had the opportunity to listen to any recent equipment at length compared to products of the past of which I am very familiar with. Perhaps as Vilip alluded to, McIntosh for some reason is changing it's approach to equipment voicing maybe in an attempt to expand it's client base beyond the traditional? Or it could be as simple as discrete component sourcing challenges in our present world of supply chain issues. Inquiring minds would love to know!
I think Vilip means that contemporary McIntosh is not as warm or slow compared to years past. They are still warmer and more forgiving than strictly neutral, but current McIntosh is definitely faster and more transparent than before.
@@adrianlow2114 Got it!
Would you say that the ma8950 is still warmer & fluid than the h390? Would (ma8950) it be a better match with Olympica nova 3?
You guys get to play in an Adult Candy Store..... Jealous. I really enjoy your podcast....
C53 is a preamp. Not sure how you are comparing an integrated amp to a preamp, Lewis.
HEY GUYS TAKE IT EASY!!!GOD BLESS EVERYONE!!!& EVERYTHING!!
Same to you!
It takes time to learn how to listen....It's not about what you really like it's identifying and assessing what you hear....Personally tubes brings something else to the table regardless of its distortion, music is closer and more realistic with tubes.
I think Christian has a future working on the set of a reality show, e.g., Real Housewives of Toronto or perhaps Real Audiophiles of Toronto is better. Spicy!
Why is Adrian out of focus?
What's going on with the UA-cam video quality ?
Remove the pre amp / power amp jumper "the nail" and use a decent interconnect cable in its place. Huge improvement! How a company that will sell you cables for $$$ thinks it's OK to connect the pre and to the power amp with a nail is beyond me.
Great video guys but I think Vilip got up with his grumpy pants on that day. As you said Adrian Hi-Fi is subjective VERY much so and no one's opinion is wrong or should be discarded.
Still Love ya Vilip.😁🎧👍
I too don't like the holier than thou attitude towards Lewis, especially Vilip. You guys can do better.
Can you re-review it? Because we sense a tension. I'm from Winnipeg I will never get a chance to spend 2 weeks so compare stuff. Please. When I moved in Canada Winnipeg, I had the unique opportunity to have the lowest McIntosh in my room. Zero bass, so I switched with Moon (kind of ok) but the voices were so pure. Now I have more budget.
This so-called review really rubbed me the wrong way. Villip's attitude, both in his verbal exchange with Lewis and his body language, exhibited an attitude that once he's spoken there's nothing else to be said, which for me was very off-putting. And the guy on the right's patronizing attitude toward Lewis was no better... that it was an absolutely wonderful amp but simply the wrong time of the month for Lewis to be listening to music... that Lewis simply wasn't in a good mood and obviously doesn't have enough sense or self awareness to realize that he shouldn't have been listening to music that day... or at least not reviewing audio systems that day.
Vilips poor attitude is always like that. Ive been to the store and initial impression of his attitude to me was one ultra high on ego. Lewis is a much more mature and humble human being that willing to listen and have an open mind. Villip needs to shut up, let people talk and listen. His constant interruptions in every video show his poor attitude. No wonder he has no Laura
I have to agree. Villip’s body language and disapproving facial expressions could not be more off putting, rude and just plain unprofessional. I don’t care if you guys agree or not, but there is no excuse for Villip to behave that way. It is usually you agree with Villip or he thinks you’re stupid. Grow up Villip!
I assume you mean me when you refer to the guy on the right ... my point re our mood when we listen was a general one, NOT directed to Lewis at all. Perhaps I wasn't being clear.
Villip’s constant interruptions and peanut gallery comments aren’t cute/funny anymore. He does offer some good insights but the other stuff is over the top. I don’t like that Lewis seemed brow beaten into changing his position.
None of them have any manners if u notice ..smack heads .
Don't say anything negative about the things we sell. 👌
I don't like them. It takes two men to lift them and we need to be quick in and out before anyone wakes up.
😂
Adrian, thanks for your thoughts. Your teammate’s comments are silly. Hope to visit you someday.
Look forward to meeting you
Philip your enthusiasm was underwhelming. Lewis YOURE FIRED!
This is called HONESTY…rarely found in the audio selling industry. Big thumbs up 👍🏼
Jeez, everyone seemed to be in a bad mood not the best day for an audio review, should have done the video on a different day imo.
We shoot the videos before we open the store in the morning - and I am not a morning person.
cry us a river.... not an excuse for arrogance and disrespect towards Lewis
@@SantanKGhey1234 Lewis can defend himself. And your total disrespect is unworthy.
Time to audition a real Canadian Audiophile product, Bryston.......
'BASE CONTROL'? C'mon man....
Some more expensive sound generators for rich people with deep pockets.
I just can’t imagine any of you truly telling a difference in a blind A/B test with the 8900. Let alone talking about characteristic comparisons weeks or months apart. Sorry.
are you saying that you have AB'd each?
@@jearley22 No. I have not. I didn’t say it’s impossible to hear a difference. I just can’t imagine hearing one. They are unbelievably similar. I’ve talked to some folks at McIntosh as well about sonic differences. They basically said there aren’t any. I also don’t think that these reviewers could talk to the differences if not directly AB testing. If any of them haven’t heard the 8900 for a few weeks or months it’s pointless.
@@trey81373 I appreciate the dialog, just don't know how you can say that the units are unbelievably similar if you haven't heard the new one. Im anxious to hear from more people who have heard it.
@@jearley22 Fair enough. Either way I’m sure it’s a fantastic integrated.
@@trey81373 I hope so, Ive got one on order.
Prefacing your review by saying that you forgot all about it doesn't inspire me to watch. Waiting for the AudioNote.
Slow. Rolled off. But pretty to look at.
Adrian, im dissapointed in you. You should value Lewis opinion. Why are you saying hes wrong, yet its ok to have separate opinions? Do you think Lewis will want to freely speak his mind on future videos? Or should these videos be scripted based on Villips PMS hormones in the moment? This is the worst video in AE history
Not sure how you came to this conclusion. I told Lewis that he has every right to his opinion and to stand by it. I even suggested the title for the thumbnail. If I didn't respect Lewis' opinion, I could have simply not uploaded this video. And for what it's worth, Lewis knows how much I treasure him.
You are a stand up guy Adrian, but i dont think this video should have gone up... Yes im sure you value Lewis, however the responces to him and his body language shows he wasnt happy.... at least can be percieved by the audience
@@SantanKGhey1234 your observation is just strange.
Even from the beginning the context of the review is the older 8900 vs 8950?
Villip’s review is based off of this.
Lewis seems off topic giving his review the comparing it to Hegel?
Who is Lewis anyhow. He’s a guest? Newcomer? He should learn how to follow proper format of the guys who run the show.
Seems like for whatever reason you want Lewis to run the show. 😂🤣
@@f430ferrari5 😂bye flipp
@@SantanKGhey1234 yup.
Why do we keep trying to list solid state amps as the last word in hifi audio. It feels like putting lipstick on a pig with the exception of pure class A. Valves or tubes are where real music is for the most part.
Tubes require too much maintenance and care and generate too much heat. Who wants to turn on in the summer in hot weather.
Canada is different a bit. Must be nice in the winter.
Instead of lisiting to the same old audiophile approved crap to test amps on be daring grab a copy of Richard Thompsons acoustic classics volume 1 its all Good!
Three old guys who prolly can’t hear anything above 8k. Hilarious.
You feel the need to put others down. Why?
Did i put them down?
Is there anything in music at 8k?