MCINTOSH LABS INTRODUCES NEW HEADPHONE AMP MODEL MHA 100

[IceClass]

Has there really still not been a Jude review of the MHA100?

 

[HemiSam]

I was previously using an old headamp kgss which i sold to offset the mha100 cost.

There are differences. Its been some time since i compared, but as i recall maily the bass resolution is slightly less deep/clean sounding on the wee. I wouldnt feel confident making any larger comparisons on memory alone

 
 
That is helpful...thank you!  I know the memory is hellish, especially with audio stuff.  Appreciate you sharing your best recollection.
 
HS

 

[JustinS]

Guys, can I ask for any help/advice wiith setting up profiles. I can set up the first (profile1) but once this has been done, how do you then go on to set up profile2, without erasing profile1? Apologies if I am being a tad stupid with this, but very frustrating.

Many thanks.

 

[MickeyVee]

@JustinS When you press and hold the Profile button to save, just rotate it (the small inner knob) and you'll see a new Profile2 that you can save to.

 

[groovyd]

My comments on firmware sluggishness was for the D100 not the MHA... I just assumed it may share the same base code (probably even written by the same engineer).  For me specifically the delay occurs for some seconds immediately following changing any other control button or knob then it freezes other input changes.  For example up the volume and immediately hitting mute doesn't happen until the second or third press or a few seconds wait.  To me it is terrible annoying especially since I am a firmware engineer and know these sort of things are not good embedded ui design.  At least I would never let this sort of thing happen were I writing the firmware.  For a product in this price range becoming unresponsive to a user's input is an embarrassment in my opinion.  They really need to bump the revision and fix it.
 
Another small thing I would prefer is for it to only show the input device for some seconds after changing the input.  I like seeing the bit rate and depth while playing audio (as this is a DAC) but to always show the input is a bit unnecessary.  I am a minimalist at heart, so I can see how this is really just a preference but think it would look nicer. To be honest I never change inputs as it is always just hooked to my Mac via USB.
 
Am thinking of getting the MC302 (300wpc) or the new and compact MC152 (150wpc) amplifier to drive some Paradigm towers and eventually the MHP1000 and any tube-based version of the MHA100 without DAC if they ever make one to round out my Mac kit...

 

[HemiSam]

  My comments on firmware sluggishness was for the D100 not the MHA... I just assumed it may share the same base code (probably even written by the same engineer).  For me specifically the delay occurs for some seconds immediately following changing any other control button or knob then it freezes other input changes.  For example up the volume and immediately hitting mute doesn't happen until the second or third press or a few seconds wait.  To me it is terrible annoying especially since I am a firmware engineer and know these sort of things are not good embedded ui design.  At least I would never let this sort of thing happen were I writing the firmware.  For a product in this price range becoming unresponsive to a user's input is an embarrassment in my opinion.  They really need to bump the revision and fix it.
 
Another small thing I would prefer is for it to only show the input device for some seconds after changing the input.  I like seeing the bit rate and depth while playing audio (as this is a DAC) but to always show the input is a bit unnecessary.  I am a minimalist at heart, so I can see how this is really just a preference but think it would look nicer. To be honest I never change inputs as it is always just hooked to my Mac via USB.
 
Am thinking of getting the MC302 (300wpc) or the new and compact MC152 (150wpc) amplifier to drive some Paradigm towers and eventually the MHP1000 and any tube-based version of the MHA100 without DAC if they ever make one to round out my Mac kit...

 
Ah...thanks for your post, groovyd.  I confused your earlier post to be related to the MHA100.
 
The MHA is an interesting product for me only because I am looking for a better amp for my Koss electrostats so I could use say a Woo WEE or a Stax transformer box via the speaker amp section.  Otherwise, the speaker section would be of zero value in my present setup.  The one-box design is attractive as I am space limited, but if I do not gain much in the way of the DAC then the price point begins to look questionable.  I'm struggling with the value proposition here.  I could get over the price point if the DAC were great and as best I can tell it is simply good.  I have both the DAC in my Woo WA7 and a Beresford Caiman Mkii I'm using currently to good effect.
 
HS

 

[Neo Zuko]

There seems to be a bit a rivalry between McIntosh fans and non-McIntosh fans. How does the Ragnorock compaired to the MHA100? I figured it couldn't hurt to ask around.

 

[21qz]

Just want to put it out that if anyone is not satisfied w their mha 100, I'm looking to buy it at a fair price. Proceed!

 

[JustinS]

Mickey, thanks buddy, now all sorted!! Must stay off the vino when I'm trying to do something that takes concentration!!

 

[JustinS]

Just want to put it out that if anyone is not satisfied w their mha 100, I'm looking to buy it at a fair price. Proceed!

It might help you if you state where (what country) you live.

Good luck.

 

[IceClass]

Read the thread again from the beginning and a few more online reviews.
Sod it. I'm taking the leap and ordering one.
 
Now, can anyone recommend a dealer in Canada? I'm in the sticks and would need to order by phone and have it shipped.

 

[JustinS]

Congrats Icy!!

 

[MickeyVee]

You can try Bay Bloor Radio in Toronto.  They would probably ship.  Ask for Jeff H.  There are also a number of other smaller McIntosh dealers in TO but not sure they ship. It's a big box and probably 30 pounds or more so don't choke on shipping charges.  
 
Quote:

  Read the thread again from the beginning and a few more online reviews.
Sod it. I'm taking the leap and ordering one.
 
Now, can anyone recommend a dealer in Canada? I'm in the sticks and would need to order by phone and have it shipped.

 

[ShySugarDaddy]

Closed my eyes, took a deep breathe and sold a kidney.
Oh man.... at first i wasn't impressed with the mha100, but after pairing it with the d100's DAC.

Sorry for the noob impression with the Mac combo. New silver cable and DAC is not yet burned in.
Highs- Softened up , Slight (barely/sometimes noticeable) sibilance that I experienced with the MHA-100 internal DAC was completely wiped out. 
Mids- Those full-chested prominent mids are now gentle and more tonally balanced. 
Lows- Became more dynamic.
Soundstage- Wide! very wide. 
Imaging- Not perfect but still far more superior than the internal DAC. Background tones that are barely noticeable popped out.
 
Even thought the new DAC and cable is not yet properly burned in, I would say that I enjoyed this combo more than my Lau/Cantata. It's less precise and less accurate than my Lau/cantata, but its more fun. Songs filled with soul are delivered to you gracefully.

 

[groovyd]

Love the rack, what is it?  Might need one like it if I do get the MC302 or MC152 speaker amp...