McIntosh MA7900

I just don't understand why they put the thing in there....gotta' keep up with the times I suppose.
At this level, most will use outboard DAC's ......even phono pre's for that matter.

 

Absolutely .

There is no point to pay a lot more than the new DAC. Outboard DAC is the way to go ...

 

The amp is hooked up and I'm using the Krell integrated as a preamp until C2300 gets here Tuesday. Biggest thing I've noticed is better bass at lower volume levels. I unpacked and loaded the MC402 into my rack by myself. I was sweating pretty good by the time I was done. What a beast!

 

Just out of curiosity, how did you manage to buy your Mac's via mail order? My understanding is Mac limits online purchases to certain models only ...

 

Both units are used, bought on Audiogon.

 

The MA8900, with new DAC, is only $500 more than the MA7900.

 

I love my MA7900.....more than anything ya see in my profile.

 

I would have gone for it if it had had two tape loops ...

 

I hear ya'!!! Same here with my all analogue MA6600!

 

I got the C2300 preamplifier today. All hooked up and sounding fantastic! I have a little ground loop hum coming in on the MC input to ferret out. Moving it around increases and decreases the hum. I'll work on it more tomorrow. Tickled to death!

 

Still enjoying your Mac's? Have you vanquished that ground loop hum?

 

I had the C2300 for 1 day and it's been in the shop ever since. Turns out that McIntosh put out a service bulletin about the problem I was having with the MC phono pre. It needs 2 capacitors replaced.

 

So the service should have no out of your pocket cost for you other than shipping?

 

The original warranty is long over and I am the second owner so it's all on me. I have a guy here in town doing it for me.

 

I don't believe Mac's warranty is transferable. Among the high-end audio, Bryston has the best warranty on its amplifier/preamp - twenty year transferable warranty ...

 

That is really good. Does Bryston have the same warranty on SACD/CD players?

 

Probably not for obvious reasons ...

BTW, Odyssey Audio has 10-year warranty on its amps ...

 

Well, I got the C2300 back from having the service completed that McIntosh update required. It was still making the same noise on the MC phonostage. When I first got it, I thought about switching the tubes from MM phonostage into the MC and see if it was nothing more than a bad tube. After waiting a month to get it back, I wasn't in the mood to wait another month! I unplugged it, pulled the cover, swapped the tubes and it's dead quiet! Sounds great! I wish I had had the balls to do it a month ago.

 

Glad it worked out. The C2300 is first rate. Enjoy

 

Does the C2300 have any tape loop(s)?

 

Not sure, why?

 

I have no interests in any preamp that does not have at least one tape loop. Onboard DAC means nothing to me since I can always get an outboard DAC. I still listen to my tapes and so having at least one tape loop is important ...

 

Check the manual online.

 

You may want to look towards a vintage preamp as most modern preamps do not have a tape loop.

 

I agree, that's why I got the last tube pre that McIntosh made without an onboard DAC. No tape loop.