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Ming-Da / Meixing
Reference MC-3 & MC-7 Modification
by
Response Audio
Response
Audio is not a retail seller of these products.
This product is available for
world wide shipping.
Arrangements have now been made allowing you to purchase a
full Response Audio Reference Ming-Da MC-7 preamp from the
US importer. See below for details.
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 These
Reference Series preamps are for the most critical,
dedicated audio enthusiast who wants the absolute BEST BANG
FOR THE BUCK, bar none, from a no frills preamp. Match one
of these dedicated two channel preamps to any power
amplifier of your choice and you will have a high resolution
system that will satisfy your listening enjoyment for many
years.
What you can expect from the Ming-Da preamps is a full body
presentation that does not sacrifice any resolution, detail
or transparency. Due to being a tube rectified unit, these
pieces will not have the same level of dynamic "speed" as
their solid state counterparts which gives you a bit more
body down below.
If you already own one of the Ming-Da preamps and looking to
bring out the most potential it has to offer, you owe it to
yourself to consider our Reference modifications that will
leave you with an audio value of a lifetime.
You can look under the hood of any high-end tube preamp or
amplifier and realize they have nothing over our modified
products, in fact, many of them do not even meet up to the
standards of our modified units in terms of internal
components, sound quality and attention to detail and
quality control.
At this time, we are offering upgrades to the MC-3 and MC-7
preamps only. We are no longer offering upgrades to other
Ming-Da products. I have found these two preamps to be
exceptional values, offering the end user a truly musically
involving presentation. Response Audio has been working with
these products for several years and currently runs 3 of the
MC-3 preamps, one Reference and two custom Signatures, in
our showroom integrated into some very highly regarded
systems.
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MC-3R
New units not
available |
MC-7R |
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Input Signal path coupling capacitors have been
replaced with SoniCraft SoniCap Platinum Reference
Grade Teflon capacitors.
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Output stage capacitors are replaced with the new VH
Audio V-Cap OIMP "Oil Impregnated Metalized
Polypropylene" capacitors as a standard.
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There is also the option of using the V-Cap Teflon
capacitors at the output stage. See pricing below.
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Output signal wire is replaced with our custom
shielded 22 awg high purity copper.
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Inner stage capacitors replaced with SoniCap high
voltage units.
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Power supply filter caps are bypassed with high
voltage Sonicraft Sonicap capacitors.
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First stage power supply filter capacitor off
rectifier tube replaced with high quality, low ESR
Panasonic unit.
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Volume attenuation circuit added on an individual
basis to best match the amplifier being used and
personal listening habits. Contact us prior to
ordering for information. Standard attenuation is
10dB. Also available is a 20dB circuit.
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Fully tested
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Warranty - 1 year parts and labor on workmanship
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Price: $675 + return shipping
OPTIONS:
- Custom Shielded Mundorf Silver/Gold signal wire
used for output stage: $45
- Bybee Quantum Purifiers used at signal input
stage: $200 pr.
- V-Cap
Teflon capacitors at input signal stage $45
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Input Signal path coupling capacitors replaced with
SoniCap Platinum Teflon
capacitors.
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Output stage capacitors within the MC-7 are replaced
with VH Audio V-Cap OIMP "Oil Impregnated Metalized
Polypropylene" capacitors.
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Signal tube cathode bypass capacitors replacing with
ELNA Cerafine units.
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Output signal wire is replaced with our custom
shielded 22 awg high purity copper.
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Inner stage capacitors replaced with SoniCap Gen II
high voltage units.
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Feedback capacitors replaced with SoniCap Gen II
film capacitors.
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First stage power supply filter capacitor off
rectifier tube replaced with high quality, low ESR
Panasonic unit. It is then bypassed with a high
voltage Sonicraft Sonicap Gen II capacitor.
-
Volume attenuation circuit added on an individual
basis to best match the amplifier being used and
personal listening habits. Contact us prior to
ordering for information. Standard attenuation is
10dB. Also available is 6dB and 20dB attenuation.
-
Fully tested
-
Warranty - 1 year parts and labor on modification
workmanship
-
Price: $675 + return shipping
OPTIONS:
- Custom Shielded Mundorf Silver/Gold signal wire
used for output stage: $45
- Bybee Quantum Purifiers used at signal input
stage: $200 pr.
-
V-Cap Teflon capacitors at input signal stage
$45
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A classic from Ming DA
and Response Audio is the all tube two double
triodes per channel, tube rectification preamp with
choke filtering, mostly direct coupling, DC heaters
in the first stage, completely hard wired, Gold
plated terminals. The Reference MC-7 utilizes only
Audiophile components by SoniCap Platinum, Elna
Cerafine, VH Audio V-Cap, Solen, Rubycon, Japanese
Alps “blue” volume pot. Uses 1 5Z3P (5U4) rectifying
tube, 2 12AX7s and 2 12 AU7s
Class ‘A’ Sound
Using a 12AX7 for gain
and a 12AU7 for output muscle. The MC7R has a very
extended frequency response with a smooth warm
sound, and the enormous overload margin The Ming DA
MC 7R will handle the dynamics and transients of
the most demanding input source. An extremely short
path gives less chance of degradation.
A polished stainless steel chassis is, chosen for
its non-magnetic neutral sonic qualities. The front
& rear plate is 10/6mm solid anodized alloy plate.
The steel transformer housing has an enamel crackle
finish. The two transformers and choke are encased
in resin to minimize noise Inside the chassis is a
painted steel sub chassis. The knobs are gold plated
alloy. High quality Teflon and Film caps are used in
the signal path. Resistors are oversized 2w metal
oxide and wire wound chosen to suit their
application. The volume control is the famous blue
‘Alps’ potentiometer, chosen for its superior sound
quality.
· Output impedance 100K
· Input voltage: 100mV-2000mV
· Input impedance:100K
· Total harmonic distortion ≤0.003%
· Frequency respond:10Hz~75KHz±1dB
· Signal-to-noise ratio 91dB
· Input; 4 sets RCA
· Output: 2 sets RCA
· Vacuum
tubes: 5Z3×1 rectifying tube 12AX7×2 - 12AU7×2
· Supply voltage: AC110V/220V 50Hz/60Hz
· Power consumption 45W
· Volume 34L×22W×12H
· Weight 9.5kg
NEW,
FULLY MODIFIED MC-7
We
have made arrangements for you to purchased brand
new, fully modified units with the US importer,
Pacific Valve. International orders may also order
from Pacific Valve and have the unit shipped to us.
How does it work? Through the PLACE ORDER NOW link
below, you will place and pay for your Response
Audio Reference MC-7 order with Pacific Valve
Company. At that time, Pacific Valve will send me a
new Ming-Da MC-7 preamplifier as well as your
shipping address to perform the Reference
modifications. Once the unit is completed and
tested, the unit will be shipped direct to you for
your listening enjoyment. Please note that you will
be responsible for shipping charges from Response
Audio (13760) to your location.
What
we ask from you:
First:
Please contact us prior to placing your order to
confirm turnaround times. After you place your order
with Pacific Valve Company, please also confirm your
contact information with us as well in an email.
Please use "Ming-Da Reference MC-7 order" in the
subject box and include the following in your email:
Name
Shipping Address
Contact phone number(s)
Email address
Any
options you have chosen to be included in your new
unit. Additional options are paid to Response Audio.
PLACE ORDER NOW -
Full Details and Ordering Information
OPTIONS:
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Custom Shielded Mundorf Silver/Gold signal wire
used for output stage: $45
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Bybee Quantum Purifiers used at signal input
stage: $200 pr.
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Reference
Ming-Da MC7 tube preamp - Consumer Review
This
is a handsome
unit which, in stock form, can be had new or lightly used
for as little as $500. The build quality is very good, the
wiring is point-to-point and the volume pot is from Alps.
I bought a lightly used MC-7R for my bedroom system, but
first gave it a listen through my main system with an Audio
Note DAC 4.1x Signature upstream and both Blue Circle BC-8
and AtmaSphere M60 monoblocks downstream to actively biamped
custom loudspeakers. In such a highly resolving system the
stock Ming Da showed both its strengths and limitations. The
midrange was glorious. The soundstage was wide and
reasonably deep, with that "air" enveloping instruments and
performers that I've only experienced with quality tubed
systems. Alas, the bass was mushy, the highs rolled off and
microdetail retrieval was poor compared to a $3000+ Musical
Design SP-3 SS preamp (outboard 1.2 Farad psu, all Black
Gate caps and tantalum resistors, yada yada) it replaced.
I
visited the Response Audio website after reading a 'Gon
classified ad for Ming Da mods and found that Bill Baker
offered a "Signature Mod" package for my preamp model and
its near twin, the MC-3R. Being a cautious sort, I phoned
him for more info and found him to be down to earth, patient
and knowledgeable. Off my MC-7R went!
The Signature modded preamp barely resembled the stock unit
(musically, that is). The midrange magic remained, but the
bass was now quite articulate, allowing the powerhouse BC-8
monoblocks to really strut their stuff. Treble extension was
much improved, complementing the OTL amps' transparency.
Micro-detail retrieval was much better, though not quite up
to my SS pre. Overall, though, I actually preferred the
modded Ming Da in my main system. There's nothing like the
realism of tubes done right. And this for less than $300
over the cost of the stock unit!
Shortly thereafter, Bill announced his "Reference Mods"
featuring the new VH Audio "V-Caps". (Teflon units in the
signal path with the new V-Cap Oil impregnated output
capacitors). I called him and learned that the new mods
raised the preamps sonically to a level competitive with the
world's best. A pretty bold assertion, but I'd come to trust
Bill's ear and work - so off again the MC-7R went!
I've now had the opportunity to hear the "Reference Moddded"
MC-7R in my home for about 75 hours. In short, it doesn't
just merit the designation of "extraordinary value for its
price" (for me, under $2000 total including cost of the
stock unit). Rather, it truly lives up to the advance claim
of "as good as it gets"! It is quiet, with micro-detail
retrieval capable of realistically extracting the ambience
of every venue on live CD recordings (I love live music...)I
own - be it jazz, rock, chorale. The "air" around singers
and instruments is uncanny. The holography of great tube
gear is there in a big way. Highs soar gracefully. On
well-recorded CDs the attack and decay of cymbal crashes and
the like are nothing short of lifelike.
I've also put the "Reference Modded" MC-7R into my bedroom
system (Tube Technology Fulcrum CDT > NorthStar DAC192 >
Ming Da MC-7R > Ming Da MC805-A monoblocks > Zalytron
Phenomenal 3 loudspeakers) with the same result. This system
cannot produce the dynamics and scale of the actively
biamped floorstanders (Raven R3.1 ribbons/dual 12 inch PHL
4530s) in my main rig, but has that "SET thing" going in a
big way with those 805 output tubes. Yet the midrange
realism, "air" and holographic soundstage of SETs came
through even more beautifully with the "Reference Modded"
MC-7R in the signal path. So much so that I snapped up a
demo MC-7R from Bill for future "Reference Mods" and use in
this system as well.
My SS preamp (great as it is)? Well, make me an offer...
I really can't find the words to describe the deliciously
"you are there" experience that the "Reference Modded" Ming
Da MC-7R has brought to both of my systems in a far from
subtle way. It is such a blessing AND relief to have found a
preamp to keep for life.
Please note that I use NOS 12AU7 and 12AX7 tubes in the
MC-7R, of the $15-$50 per variety - nothing terribly exotic
in my stash. The stock Chinese rectifier needs no
substitution, with rugged and inexpensive NOS military
replacements available from "DIY Hi Fi" on the web.
Music used during review:
A Love Supreme - John Coltrane
O Christmas Tree (A Bluegrass Collection) - various
A Childe is Born - The Bell' Arte Singers
Inside - Dave Van Ronk
Shaking the Tree - Peter Gabriel
Lotus - Santana
My Goals Beyond - Mahavishnu Orchestra
Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers (self-titled on Impulse)
Bad Brains (self-titled on Rohr)
I, Eye, Aye - Rahsaan Roland Kirk
Have Moicy - Michael Hurley, Unholy Modal Rounder, Jeffrey
Frederick and the Clamtones
Blackheart Man - Bunny Wailer
Original Rockers - Augustus Pablo
Absent Lovers- King Crimson
Squeezing Out Sparks/Live Sparks - Graham Parker and the
Rumour
Win This Record - El Rayo X
More Guitar and Faithless - Richard Thompson Band
John B.
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