McCormack MAP-1

I hate to see this loyal friend go, but I’m moving up to an 11.1 system. The McCormack MAP-1 is a six-channel analog pre amplifier designed to preserve the musical integrity of the high resolution DVD-A and SACD audio formats. Unlike most SSPs, the MAP-1 is an audiophile quality pre amplifier that processes the analog-only outputs  without first converting to digital and re-converting to analog, allowing you to fully enjoy the musicality of those formats. There is NO analog/digital conversion done by the MAP-1 at all. This lends itself to some remarkably clean playback of multichannel audio SACDs and audio DVDs. The MAP-1 has 2 six-channel inputs, 1 six-channel output, 1 two channel tape-output, and 3 two-channel inputs.
The MAP-1 is a good solution if you're wanting to include a simple home theater in a quality music system. Combined with my Oppo BDP-95, it made the most of the Oppo's built-in Dolby Digital processing to enjoy movie surround sound without compromising music playback performance, only requiring the occasional-on-the-fly tweak to the center channel to bring up dialogue in movies. But where it really shines is on the music side. If you are focused on accurate, great quality audio that gives you both 2-channel and 5.1 options, this is a gem. My SACD’s sounded lovely and the MAP-1 includes a surround processing mode called ARM (ambiance retrieval mode) that I always liked as much more than any of the Dolby or other surround modes out there. It’s really amazing. Activating ARM while playing from a 2 channel source immediately routes a signal to the other channels with remarkable separation and clarity, without muddying up the mains. and brought my stereo 2-channel discs alive.
Be aware that this unit is designed to be the heart of an excellent multi-channel audio system that has the ability to playback your favorite movie in surround sound, provided that your DVD player does its own processing (look for the various Dolby and DTS logos on the face of your DVD player if in doubt). It does not have any provision for HDMI.
It was designed by Steve McCormack, built in Fairfax, Va. at the Conrad Johnson facility. The controls are few and simple (no "on-screen" menus that demand a television monitor to navigate through.
The user interface has been designed for convenient and intuitive operation. A setup mode allows convenient adjustment of the relative levels of all channels. The MAP-1 has a full function remote control which duplicates all front panel functions.
Comes with original box, power cord and remote, plus 4-page printed manual. See the photos. Unit has a minor scuff mark on the top and one side from my gear rack and a unit that sat on top of it, but no scratches, very clean and lovingly cared for, and works flawlessly.
Specifications:
Multi-channel Line Stage:
Gain: 31.5 dB
Hum and Noise: 100 dB below 2.5 volts out
THD and IMD: less than .1% at 1 volt out
Optional Phono Stage:
Gain: 40 dB or 54 dB selected by jumpers
Hum and Noise:
80 dB relative to 10mv input (40 dB gain)
Mechanical:
Dimensions: 3.5”H x 11.25”D x 19”W
Weight: 24 lbs. boxed