Sopra 2 Bass

Leaves me wondering what a clip sounds like vs something else...

Im my experience when an amp clips you would hear that same pop of the driver hitting its excursion limits followed immediately by heavy distortion and lack of volume due to a blown driver. The amp it self would suffer no damage.

Since I wasn't at your party and was unable to experience the volume level you were reproducing, it is impossible for me to know for sure, and I certainly do not want to contradict your dealer, but I've been in your shoes more times than I care to count, and I still think that there was a low end dynamic spike in that track and with you having the 25 Hz control and possibly the 50 Hz control adjusted were you do, that was just a little more low end power than that 7" driver wanted to see. Had it been the amp reaching its limit I think that driver would have been toasted, but again that is just my opinion.

I'm also wondering it I should have been a bit more patient and waited for the MA-12000.

Not sure why you think the MA12000 would work better. If you had run out of power with the MA9000 the fifty extra watts probably would not have bought you anything. You would more than likely need an amp that could deliver 600 watts or more if you are clipping a 300 watt amp.

In short, I'm in it deep.

I hear what you are saying (typing?) It's very easy to get sucked in. The best thing to do is just take a breath and relax. It sounds like you are enjoying what you have so no real need to rush. Figure out what you want to improve (sounds like you have) and proceed slowly. Do your homework. In my opinion, though it's not being asked for (too bad I'm giving it anyway) is that the improvement in DAC's in the next few years will be greater than the improvement is subs so unless you are extremely unhappy with what you have now, you might be better off upgrading that later.

@audiorusty Definitely no distortion. The "pop" almost seemed like part of the track as the music was almost behind it and uninterrupted, if that makes sense? The sound is still pristine. No damage as far as I can tell. Next time, if there's a next time, I push past 60% I will have the tone control disabled and will be watching the power guard lights with my finger on the mute or volume control. 

Sorry, I should have elaborated. The MA12000 is more attractive, not just in looks, but having the newer DAC and tube pre-amp... I bet it just sounds better for the few extra $k. 

Regarding DACs, that's what I'm afraid of... the tech race. Been there done that with camera gear. I now have a dusty Canon 1Ds Mark III and tons of glass that I probably can no longer sell because I missed the value window. I blink and there are now several versions of the same glass and my cell phone takes nearly identical raw images... I would laugh if not for the tears.

This hifi chase is already one filled with second guesses, returns, and the feeling I may never "get there". I not only need a seat belt, but a four point harness! (A sick bag would be nice too) Happy you're all on the same ride and helping me in so many ways. :)

I also have the same speakers as you, and the lack of bass really bothered me as well. But then I added four Rel subs and that made all the difference. Now they sound absolutely stunning. 
Check out my setup here
https://www.instagram.com/vinylxlifex

@wbhendrix - Sweet setup. I raised an eyebrow during this post when I learned that most go with two subs instead of one as I thought one was enough. I went from budget 2.1 music / home theater into the deep end of true hifi in one giant leap. My second eyebrow has now joined my first, far north of my eyeballs hearing you have four subs. How did you know you needed more than two? How were you able to dial-in all four? 

@wbhendrix -  Also noticed in many hifi room pics and videos there are corner treatments (bass traps?). Is this something you always had? Something identified as a need and solution? I am wondering if they are a "must" regardless of room and something I should buy?

Update for everyone: After chewing on upgrading my MA-9000's DAC to the newer one vs. stepping-up to the new MA-12000, I am stepping-up. Deal is done. It's now a waiting game as McIntosh is backed-up. The good news is it was ordered the day I purchased the 9000, so I have a few week lead-time. I am not expecting a massive difference, but have read some consistent things about better lows, a bit warmer sound, etc. I like everything I'm reading and know I will not be disappointed. I love the tube pre, and the look. As I've noted before, I'm in deep!

In the meantime, the dealer asked that I continue to use the MA-9000 to break it in for them. They do not want it back until the 12000 arrives. I'm slowly converting the room to a listening room. My wife is calling it a lounge, but is the term "lounge" fair if it can only sit four?

I really enjoyed this string. I too am a newbie and love this hi-fi journey.iizjjzi, I hope you are having fun. I'm considering the focal Sopra N2 as well, but after this string I think I'll hang on to my Dyn 60i contours. They aren't quite your N2s but they produce prodigious, room-rattling, neighbor infuriating bass. And that has value.