Micromega M-One Integrated - any first hand experience?


Hi all,

I'm looking for a modern all-in-one integrated amp that includes a really nice phono stage. (I know, I know, this comes up a lot in the forums!)

The Micromega M-One looks like it might fit the bill – simple in form, good range of connectivity options, rumoured to sound great at shows, etc...  But I haven't seen many decent reviews of it. And that seems a bit odd.

The Parasound Halo (as a comparable integrated) is well covered – lots of opinions on it from the audio media. But this M-One has stayed under the radar even though it's been out for several months. Weird.

I know there's a thread on this amp already, but it was started by a dealer – a very knowledgeable and nice one at that – and it kind of lost focus.

I'm just hoping for an unbiased opinion from anyone who's had first hand experience with the M-One and is willing to share any thoughts on its sound and operation.

Thanks for reading this, guys.
Stefan
stefanwegner
I have a M-One and can state that the phono stage is superb. I use it with my vintage Thorens TD 160 and the combo, despite being unusual, works really well. Totally recommend. 
can i ask a follow up regarding the phono stage? i'm not seeing any literature on the specs of the M-1, other than the sensitivity is 1.2mv and 12mv for MC and MM, respectively. can anyone with more experience in this matter recommend appropriate cartridge output levels for the M-1? in other words, would a MM 2mv output cartridge work with the 12mv sensitivity phono stage (without haveing to crank it up to very high volume levels) or do we need more information about the pre-amp before making that determination? do the cartridge outputs need to match (or closely approximate) the input sensitivity figures or are there other measures to be looking at and comparing? i realize i may not be asking the right question, but that's because i'm not exactly sure how to ask... i'm hoping i've said enough to warrant someone to chime in here. thanks!
I bought an M150 two weeks ago.  The sound is quite good; you can't say that it can't be bettered but it delivers a sound you expect at this price.  The room correction is superb and takes the amp to a higher level.

The big problem is the software.  My amp has been 'aging' rapidly, losing some functions every day.  First, it was the buttons on the amp that stopped working, so that I can only use the remote.  Then, the volume control stopped working so that the volume was fixed at a loud level.  Then even the remote stopped working.  Yesterday, it can't be turned on at all. 

The build and reliability of this amp is disappointing to the extreme.  Amplifiers (non-valve) are usually the most reliable part of the hifi system.  To make matters worse, even the Micromega.com website is difficult to access; I can only access it from my mobile phone but not my computer.  Micromega admit that they are not software experts, but IMHO, the M150 is not a marketable product at all with this degree of unreliability.

By all means burn your money and splash out on this expensive toy.  I did get two weeks of immense pleasure out of it. But I would advise before making the plunge, wait for the company to sort out the software problems first.
That is frustrating, but it isn't the experience of most of us who own the 100 or 150.  If you bought new, have you contacted your dealer?  Otherwise I would try following the procedure to install all of the updates from memory stick.  I've never had issues getting to their website from any device.  Even simpler, have you tried unplugging the power cord for a bit and plugging in again (only guessing on that).
Second what benb says, in spite of our oblique boy-fight on free vs pay-for 'value' in hifi  :  ).   Do what he suggests.

fwiw, given my experience with my M-100 I'm confident in its reliability and performance. So far I rate the unit's overall 'quality' 9 of 10 (only due to weird one-off corruption of network firmware during a UPnP listening session, easily addressed by re-install of the network update).

Also, Micromega seems pretty responsive to support inquiries, as does their distributor here in USA (Audio Plus Service in NY). I've had no problems reaching the Micromega website. Try a traceroute from your home network using www.micromega.com, to see where it fails.