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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
mylogic
841 posts
 

“Is my new amp TOO GOOD?”
 

Nothing is too good……

Unless it is too good to believe.

dwest1023
355 posts
 

I recently had the exact same problem with a new Micromega m 100. Certain female voices, I could hear what sounded like clipping. I did not notice this at first listen out of the box. I thought I had a bad tweeter, so I switch speakers and experienced the same static. To eliminate my sources, I plugged in a set headphones and again experienced static with seemingly high pitched female vocalists . I changed out the amp to my Electrocompaniet and perfect sound returned. My solution was to retuned the Micromega and my dealer is going to test a new one and ship me another amp. Never experienced anything like this before, and I have 7 recently purchased amps.

thecarpathian's avatar
thecarpathian
6,111 posts
 

An amp can be too good like a person can be too healthy.

Post removed 
prr's avatar
prr
5 posts
 

When buying HIFI gear at this level it should never need or have to go through a break in period to get it to go from bright, scrill, fussy, boomy or other type of BAD. It should and will go from Sounds Great to Sweeeet.

Check your cables, interconnects etc.  If all is good take the new gear back to the HIFI store a tell them you are very concerned something is wrong and need their help. I would hope they respond correctly. If not request your amp you traded in and a refund of your money. Don't be angry or rude as that would serve no good outcome. I hope all works out for you.   

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