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Is my new amp TOO GOOD?

I recently took advantage of the McIntosh Upgrade program.  I traded my MA352 integrated hybrid for the C2800 tube preamp + MC462 ss power amp.  I have a large room with Revel Studio 2 speakers (with beryllium tweeters), and two SVS subs.  I also have some room treatments on the walls.   

I traded up because I wanted to see if I could more detail with the extra watts while keeping the tube sound I like.  

So now I have much more detail, but its sometimes too much.  Higher frequencies - like high pitched loud vocals, and some of the detail now sounds almost like static.  If I turn the volume way up I can hear that its another guitar or a background vocal.

I have turned the treble down from -1 to -4, and I can't listen at 90 db all the time.

Does anyone have any suggestions about adjusting the eq/

 

mojo771
marco1's avatar
marco1
706 posts
 

If you did the upgrade program I’m assuming you went through a Mac dealer.  I’d be talking to the dealer or Mac directly if you haven’t already, and if you have what do they say?

mojo771 OP
111 posts
 

Two great responses. 

I didn't think about break in.  

You both mentioned speaker position.  Right now they are a pretty good 11 foot triangle, toed slightly out.  

I've had 2 other people listen and they think everything is ok, so it must just be my ears, and why I like tubes so much.  

I actually bought this amp a couple years ago, but with a ss preamp.  It hurt my ears so much I had to return it.

So I could add more room treatment - I have several absorption on the sides, and a combo of absorb / deflectors in the back.  And i can move the speakers, but, which way?

mojo771 OP
111 posts
 

The guy from the dealer was extremely helpful but I don't think that experienced, so no, I haven't gone back to them.

McIntosh, love their stuff, but I've never once received a response to a few questions/problems in the past.  not once.  Not even when I had a new product / purchase question.  I would have to give their customer support an F-

So I'm hoping for some ideas from the experts here :)

mojo771 OP
111 posts
 

The guy from the dealer was extremely helpful but I don't think that experienced, so no, I haven't gone back to them.

McIntosh, love their stuff, but I've never once received a response to a few questions/problems in the past.  not once.  Not even when I had a new product / purchase question.  I would have to give their customer support an F-

So I'm hoping for some ideas from the experts here :)

mojo771 OP
111 posts
 

The guy from the dealer was extremely helpful but I don't think that experienced, so no, I haven't gone back to them.

McIntosh, love their stuff, but I've never once received a response to a few questions/problems in the past.  not once.  Not even when I had a new product / purchase question.  I would have to give their customer support an F-

So I'm hoping for some ideas from the experts here :)

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