2. amps-preamps
  3. 139660-110055

Time for a Pre change? Need the wisdom...

I bought a mac C 41preamp and a pair of AA 10T’s. 

There is a harsh edge riding on the high end... I cant get rid of it.  I have changed everything out and still cant remove it...... I have the opportunity to buy a Parasound A21 and a P6....  What’s the feeling here on this era of Mac? I have had people I respect and in the business prefer the Parasound over the Mac. 

Is the Mac on the bright side and is the P6 in the same ballpark. I have emailed AA about the harshness... maybe xover or maybe bad tweets? It’s killing me. I feel if I clean house (amp- pre) with new equipment I will have a better chance at getting to the relaxing listening days again.

All opinions are welcome... I have a thick skin as I know everything... lol
captbeaver

Showing 3 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
16,644 posts
 
Sorry, let me restate.
I have never paid a lot of attention to Mac's so I personally don't have a strong opinion, but one that I have heard from others. That the one time I did any critical listening with Macintosh gear and it was terrible does not mean they are or that they all are.
My recommendation to the OP was to look elsewhere for just such a reason.

I find my current Class D amps exactly as bright as Parasound A21/A23 amplifiers.

I apologize if I gave anyone the impression I felt I knew a great deal about the sound of Macintosh gear because  I really don't.

Best,
E
erik_squires
16,644 posts
 
Have you yourself heard a Mac to verify this? McIntosh is not bright or harsh sounding. If anything, they are more laid back. If you haven't heard the McIntosh equipment yourself, then you really don't know what they sound like.   I would love for some other McIntosh owners to chime in.

One of the worst sounding systems was with Macs, but also Triangle speakers. Absolute ear drills to me. I did not follow up, but from time to time I hear this comment about some components. << shrug >>
Best,
E
erik_squires
16,644 posts
 
I've heard some complain about some Mc's being bright to harsh, but first, room acoustics and speaker placement.

If you have bare floors between the speakers try covering them up with pillows or rugs as an experiment.
Next, try crossing the tweets far behind your head, or far in front. Knowing what kind of speakers you own would help this.

If you are listening with your back to a wall, cover it with something as well.
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