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In Reply to: REVIEW: Ming Da MC34AB07 Integrated Amplifier (Tube) posted by Doc Sarvis on November 2, 2009 at 11:47:52:
Hi Doc and others,
I have owned an MC34ab for 2 years now. (the first one imported to NZ). It was purchased after a lot of reading of various manufactures issues (instamelt transformers etc) and the reputation Ming Da seemed to have for quality of build. There were no units to listen to first. It sounded god awful for the first period of time, and was still a bit strident after 'break in'. Changing the pre amp valves to NoS made a HUGE difference. GEC 6SN7 and Mullard ECC81.
JJ KT77's later completed the transformation (thanks to Doc Sardonicus's original review suggestion). The blue Jinvina's (EL34) really are a weak link sonicaly. From new and cold with a local audiophile/tech as guest/biaser we were both 'gob smacked' at the sonic difference.
NO power supply/circuit problems for the last 18 months with the KT77's.
I must admit I only run the amp in triode never pentode, driving a pair of the WOD kitset KSL9 ( 8inch Audax aerogel driver & matching tweeter) two way speakers in high quaility enclosures. (Cabinet maker Rimu outer shell).
The amp has never run hot, in fact the valves are probably no more than 50c in temperature even after hours of continuous use; power supply humpty is not even noticably warm.
The amp is not as thin sonicaly (low level) as described by Doc Sarvis, but that may well be due to the load/eficency the KSL9's present. However I would agree it wants a lttle bit of drive to start to really perform.
The base is full and well controlled, the high frequencies are smooth but full. Music taste here is mainly 'rock' music, (Led Zep to Eagles) but vocalists like Sinaid O'connor, Annie lennox and Sonia Christina (curved air) are clear and by no means 'shrill' which I have noticed on many SS systems. T
he base may not have the 'power' of a SS system, but it is in no way 'lacking'. A very good test track I use for shrillness and base reproduction is from a Curved Air LP/CD Love Child; track, paris by night. Apart from a couple of minutes of repetitive high note sequences which will anhilate ears quickly (if shrill) the track then goes into a similar sequence with base notes. The amp is able to follow this, which is an overlay of Piano and electric base; the different instruments resolve very clearly.
Vocals and mid range are a wonderful listening experience. Other musical taste here ranges from Patricia Barber, Afro Celt and Classical to hevia and King Crimson. I have never found the amp to be 'lacking and unpleasant'.
Maybe as Doc Sardonicus suggested not 'perfect audio truth' but it's about musical pleasure surely, not technical excelence?
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Follow Ups
- RE: REVIEW: Ming Da MC34AB07 Integrated Amplifier (Tube) - TubedNZ 23:12:18 12/12/09 (0)
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