[Pure-Evil]

ok. SO..... I have an Emotiva UPA-7 that I just got..and it's great. As good as the LPA-1 I had before and I love it. That being said....


I just picked up a McIntosh MC7106 that I have bridged to 320wpc @ 8 ohms. and let me tell you it sounds a thousand times better!

I have never been a believer in different sound from one amp to the next..but I have to admit that maybe I was wrong.


I realize that the power is more than doubled, and maybe that's what would account for the improvement in sound quality? I have always believe that more power and head room is key to good SQ but maybe there IS something to the difference in amplifiers by themselves?


I'm going to play with the amps a little more tonight and change the McIntosh to the 105wpc non bridged to see if there is still any difference in sound (didn't have time last night)


I have owned an MC7106 before and I loved it, but stupidly sold it for a profit. I've been kicking myself ever since and so when I got the chance to pick up a MINT brand new condition with box, manual everything etc last night I jumped on it.


Any thoughts on this because honestl I'm at a loss. I love my Emotiva amp..but if the sound is that much improved by having a McIntosh amplifier...well...then I'll probably find some more and get rid of the Emotiva UPA-7.


TIA...and NO I'm not trying to start a flame war or anything. This is an honest and serious question.

 

[pgwalsh]

You've already made your choice, McIntosh. Whether the difference is real or not, you perceive it to be and that matters. Stick with what you like so you don't start kicking yourself again. I'd be super happy to have a piece of McIntosh equipment in my house, just in case you don't keep it.

 

[Pure-Evil]

ya i know. but i honestly don't think it's a false perception. i'm going to get a few people over who know NOTHING about audio and have them listen to both and see what they think. I think newbies are often the BEST judges because they have no preconceived expectations

 

[Pure-Evil]

I have a Carver A760x (380wpc @ 8ohms) coming soon and I'm going to do a 3 way comparison to see if there are really differences and if so what they are. It might be purely related to the increase in power and head room etc. since I love listening to music a higher volumes

 

[Audiodork]

Hello,

Regardless of whether folks believe that there are difference or not, what cannot be disputed is that McIntosh's are built to last. Something that is exceedingly rare is this day and age. While Amplifiers like Emotiva provide tremendous value, there is something to be said for Amplifiers Made in America, use super high grade Parts, etc.. It is why I love my Aragon 8008bb so much.


While not as beautiful as McIntosh, Aragon's really are something special. At least the original Mondial Designs Models that now Indy Audio Labs have brought back to life. However, only the Palladium Monoblocks and 8008 MKII (almost identical to the BB with higher Input Impedance) Still awesome they are available again.

Cheers,

AD

 

[Pure-Evil]

I agree with you there about the McIntosh equipment. There's a good reason it commands such high resale price even 15 years later. Luckily, the MC7106 that I just picked up was from a dealer in BRAND NEW CONDITION with original box, paperwork, bill of sale etc. You'd swear it was just opened yesterday!!! which is rare in itself as the glass on McIntosh stuff tends to bubble, crack etc.


I originally bought this one to flip it for a profit too..but...after listening to it again I think it just might stay with me.....

 

[runnin']

I'm not surprised, Emotiva makes entry level gear and I used to be called an Emo fan boy around here. All amps or receivers do not sound the same and the double blind tester fans will simply not believe the ears on their own heads. But live and let live I say, there are more important things to debate.


Emo's XPA amps may be a step up from the UPA line, but the rest of their gear so far (DAC and CD player) are maybe marginally better than equivalent priced competition, but that's about it.

 

[MichaelJHuman]

It does not sound 1000 times better. It's hyperbole like that that creates false expectations in audio.


I suggest you have a friend help out, and conduct a careful listening test, come back here when it's done, and better quantify the difference in a more helpful manner than (it sounds 1000 times better.) At least, if you want your observations to be respected.


No I am not saying you are making up the difference. I am saying your evaluation of it being 1000 times better is meaningless.


Harsh, probably. But true.

 

[digital desire]

I'd be willing to bet that, properly level matched, in a blind a/b, you would not be able to tell the difference.

 

[Dr_Mark]

You have a higher end pcs of equipment. It sounds better due to the components. Enjoy and have fun.

 

[Pure-Evil]

I find it amazing that the MC7106 was $4000 in 1997 here in Canada. Just wow

 

[Just cruising]



Quote:
Originally Posted by digital desire /forum/post/20792460


I'd be willing to bet that, properly level matched, in a blind a/b, you would not be able to tell the difference.

What he said X 1000

 

[patgilm]

I'll take a MC207 please. I would love to own one someday but I can't justify the price right now.

 

[Kabillyhop]



Quote:
Originally Posted by digital desire /forum/post/20792460


I'd be willing to bet that, properly level matched, in a blind a/b, you would not be able to tell the difference.

Depends on the volume and music you are playing. I've never heard either of these amps but more than twice the power will always sound better unless the volumes are matched so low that it doesn't matter.

 

[sb1]

I've never heard a difference in amps I've owned. Regardless of price. I have, however, self-justified my purchases before.

 

[amirm]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Kabillyhop /forum/post/20793128


Depends on the volume and music you are playing. I've never heard either of these amps but more than twice the power will always sound better unless the volumes are matched so low that it doesn't matter.

Saved me typing the same thing

.

 

[runnin']

I have noticed a difference in amps and I don't feel threatened by it. It is what it is.

 

[MichaelJHuman]

My objection was not about whether there was a difference. Just, you know, 1000 times better makes no sense.

 

[saprano]

My new pioneer SC-37 sounds 1000x better than my onkyo 705.

 

[amirm]



Quote:
Originally Posted by MichaelJHuman /forum/post/20793578


My objection was not about whether there was a difference. Just, you know, 1000 times better makes no sense.

Diet coke is almost as sweet as regular coke. But for someone like me, the regular coke tastes 1000 times better

.


Between us chickens, when someone says 1000 times, it is a figure of speech, not literal ratios

.