Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Ming Da MCA-34 Amplifier (Tube) by raindances

Model:	MCA-34
Category:	Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$450
Description:	Integrated tube amplifier
Manufacturer URL:	Ming Da
Model Picture:	View

Review by raindances on December 26, 2009 at 07:40:32
IP Address: 65.13.157.204 Add Your Review
for the MCA-34

This is for the Ming-Da MC34A, by the way.

I modified a unit for a friend so it could run tubes with parallel heaters and thus accept 12V tubes.

This amp blew me away. It has the most extended highs I have ever heard with a budget tube amp and a fairly extended bass too. This means it has really good transformers for its price point. It sounds incredibly open.

If you want to get started on tube amps, this a a good starting choice. Watch out for mains voltages though, as the Chinese version is rated 110/220V and the internal voltages run too high in either the USA or UK. Buy the export version.

Product Weakness:	Needs to be modified to use commonly available western tubes.
Product Strengths:	Very open sound.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: NA
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): NA
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Pioneer universal player
Speakers: Mission M70
Cables/Interconnects: Not a believer
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz/rock
Room Size (LxWxH): 14 x 8 x 9
Type of Audition/Review: Home Audition

Amplifier:	NA
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	NA
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Pioneer universal player
Speakers:	Mission M70
Cables/Interconnects:	Not a believer
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz/rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	14 x 8 x 9
Type of Audition/Review:	Home Audition