McIntosh MX950 19 speaker system - no surround modes?

[pmichaelmd]

Greetings, have just noticed that our upgraded McIntosh system on the Wagoneer III does not appear to have surround settings. I notice that the Alpine system does and am wondering if the McIntosh sound is considered so naturally amazing that surround modeling was deemed unnecessary?
One of my other vehicles is a Karma Revero GT which also has no surround settings, but the engineers who put that unbranded system together knew their business because it sounds as good as the B&O systems on my old Audis and the Bowers system on my old BMW.

 

[Newwagon]

Surround was there for awhile on the McIntosh but went away with one of the updates.

 

[DocSkip]

Greetings, have just noticed that our upgraded McIntosh system on the Wagoneer III does not appear to have surround settings. I notice that the Alpine system does and am wondering if the McIntosh sound is considered so naturally amazing that surround modeling was deemed unnecessary?
One of my other vehicles is a Karma Revero GT which also has no surround settings, but the engineers who put that unbranded system together knew their business because it sounds as good as the B&O systems on my old Audis and the Bowers system on my old BMW.

I published another thread specifically around the lackluster sound of this McIntosh "premium" system. 19speakers in the W/III and its just not what I expected for the money, hype, and options. Not sure yet what my next move is - but its definitely in need of some upgrade. Will turn it over to a stereo geek to help me sleuth a better sound. #Shame @WagoneerCxSvc - this was an easy one and its cheap sounding.......IMHO

 

[pmichaelmd]

That is strange, to remove an option for surround with an update. I understand that they were trying to separate the Grand Wagoneer from the Wagoneer, but at what cost? A more premium stereo, electric side mirrors...things that are present on the WIII competition. Upon reading the reviews, it seems as if they intimate that opening the music source through the McIntosh app conveys some sort of surround mode. Once I have tweaked the EQ I am happy with the sound, but am still at a loss with regard to the omission of a surround mode (esp if the Alpine unit below the MX950 has one).

 

[Gatzu]

That is strange, to remove an option for surround with an update. I understand that they were trying to separate the Grand Wagoneer from the Wagoneer, but at what cost? A more premium stereo, electric side mirrors...things that are present on the WIII competition. Upon reading the reviews, it seems as if they intimate that opening the music source through the McIntosh app conveys some sort of surround mode. Once I have tweaked the EQ I am happy with the sound, but am still at a loss with regard to the omission of a surround mode (esp if the Alpine unit below the MX950 has one).

The option for surround sound went away with Grand Wagoneer as well. Just wanted to clarify that for you. Not sure why but it’ll be back soon. Hopefully this large February software update will bring it back

 

[pmichaelmd]

The option for surround sound went away with Grand Wagoneer as well. Just wanted to clarify that for you. Not sure why but it’ll be back soon. Hopefully this large February software update will bring it back

Have they set a release date for the update? I need to read up on anticipated feature updates and fixes.

 

[Gatzu]

Have they set a release date for the update? I need to read up on anticipated feature updates and fixes.

Just said it will be in February and they hope it stays that way

 

[Qppwkdeiwb]

I will say, after being in an GCL loner for a week. The alpine system in that offers much more punch. It’s not the the MX is bad, I just always find myself looking for a bit more. In addition I continue to find new rattles in the car.

 

[Gatzu]

I will say, after being in an GCL loner for a week. The alpine system in that offers much more punch. It’s not the the MX is bad, I just always find myself looking for a bit more. In addition I continue to find new rattles in the car.

100% agree. That system in my loaner sounded great!

 

[pmichaelmd]

I will say, after being in an GCL loner for a week. The alpine system in that offers much more punch. It’s not the the MX is bad, I just always find myself looking for a bit more. In addition I continue to find new rattles in the car.

Interesting, we had a WSII loaner and the Alpine in that vehicle had more punch than the McIntosh. Maybe some software tweaks will improve the MX950.

 

[eleceng1979]

I’m a GCL owner and the Mac system is worse than my 2012 and 2019 alpine GC system. Over on the GCL forum we have been discussing the facts that Mac didn’t make the touchscreen, amplifier, or speakers. We believe their contribution was imaging/EQ/delays, overall system tuning, pretty logos and analog meters. The hardware is sourced from Harmon Kardon.

the replacement door 6x9’s cost less than $60 each. Cheapest Mac speaker ever.

 

[Gatzu]

I’m a GCL owner and the Mac system is worse than my 2012 and 2019 alpine GC system. Over on the GCL forum we have been discussing the facts that Mac didn’t make the touchscreen, amplifier, or speakers. We believe their contribution was imaging/EQ/delays, overall system tuning, pretty logos and analog meters. The hardware is sourced from Harmon Kardon.

the replacement door 6x9’s cost less than $60 each. Cheapest Mac speaker ever.

Wow!!! Now that’s interesting. I really hope some sort of software update can make these sound better somehow. Was expecting an amazing sound in this very expensive vehicle

 

[Dahammer]

I found this https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/automo...QL-TktyRiwbD0rUd-p0Blb1jwO8ha2v-kK9I_iVfYiaYw
Question: If you were using, say, an iPhone and paired it with Bluetooth, is the volume all the way up on iPhone?
Question 2-Did you go into music settings, and is Dolby Atoms check off or on and Audio quality off?.

 

[Gatzu]

I found this https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/automo...QL-TktyRiwbD0rUd-p0Blb1jwO8ha2v-kK9I_iVfYiaYw
Question: If you were using, say, an iPhone and paired it with Bluetooth, is the volume all the way up on iPhone?
Question 2-Did you go into music settings, and is Dolby Atoms check off or on and Audio quality off?.

You have no control over turning up the volume when using CarPlay.
dolby is set to automatic. Lossless audio is selected

 

[Dahammer]

If you need help with CarPlay - Apple Support

If CarPlay doesn't work like you expect, check your settings, connection, and vehicle compatibility.

support.apple.com

If you need help with CarPlay​

If CarPlay doesn't work like you expect, learn what to do.

First, make sure that your country or region supports CarPlay and that your car supports CarPlay. If you're unsure if your car supports CarPlay, contact the vehicle manufacturer.
Make sure that your iPhone has the latest version of iOS. If your iPhone is updated to the latest version of iOS, follow these steps — checking CarPlay after each step:

1. Check your connection to your CarPlay stereo:
   • If you have a wired connection, try connecting again with a different USB cable to a different USB port if you have one.
   • If you have a wireless connection, make sure that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled under Settings > Wi-Fi and Settings > Bluetooth.
2. If CarPlay doesn't activate automatically, look for the CarPlay logo on your car's display.
3. Restart your iPhone and your car.
4. Make sure that Siri is on.
5. If your iPhone isn't detected by CarPlay, make sure that CarPlay isn't restricted. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions, tap Allowed Apps and make sure that CarPlay is enabled.
6. Go to Settings > General > CarPlay, tap your car, then tap Forget This Car. Then set up CarPlay again.
7. Make sure that your CarPlay stereo is using the latest firmware from the car manufacturer. Check your car's manual for more information

 

[Dahammer]

Check this video