Avedis Ma5 too Bright!!!!

[elambo]

I think the number 28K scares people. In reality, it's useful for many things, typically those which don't already have a lot of ultra high end (like cymbals, piccolos, etc.).

[gutr2]

My experience with the MA5 is the same as the OP's.
I found its high mids/highs quite annoying (even without 28k engaged) it brought up sibilance on some female vocals where other preamps didn't.
At the time I was demoing quite a few preamps and the MA5 was my least favorite. The only thing I really liked it on was electric bass.