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Need Info On McIntosh MA6200

129.71.207.140
Posted on September 22, 2015 at 10:04:37
4Play
Audiophile

Posts: 40
Location: WV
Joined: August 20, 2015
 I hope there are some McIntosh gurus who can answer my questions.

I have a MA5100 integrated amplifier that I purchased used last year. It's going on it's third trip to Audio Classics. This is my very first McIntosh component and I am starting to loose faith in this unit. I am hoping it will be issue free... To Be Continued. I don't want to get into any discussion regarding the issue, but I will say it is nothing major.

There is a possibility that I may be able to work a trade for an MA6200. Done some research, this is a sweet integrated! 5 Band Equalizer plus a lot of other goodies that the MA5100 does not have.

My question... In the McIntosh Heirarchy, where does the MA6200 stand? I know it's a little better than the MA5100, but comparing it to the other integrateds, how does it match up? Not sure if my question is coming out clear. I know the newer integrated amps probably are superior, but I hope you know what I'm asking. Would I be better off waiting to get a better integrated, or should I go ahead and try to make the trade. This is a worse case scenario in case I get bad news from AC.

I need opinions/ideas/recommendations on what would be the best fit. I want to stick with integrated amps. The current listening area is 11ft wide x 14ft long. When I retire, the listening room may be the same size or a little bigger.

Needless to say, I am waiting to hear from AC to see if they have found anything before I do anything. I would like to keep the MA5100, but if I'm not satisfied with the outcome, then I will consider moving forward with the trade.

Ok guys, give me your opinions/ideas/recommendations. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

 

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RE: Need Info On McIntosh MA6200, posted on September 22, 2015 at 10:57:04
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 The 5100 was a rush job from McIntosh to compete in the integrated market. As you have found out that amp is not that good. One particular problem was a zener diode in the filter section that keeps blowing out. I wouldn't hold out to much hope for it's bigger brother.

Again Mac didn't put too much time into designing these units. It is a wonder they are even still working - at times as you've found out.

Just been there if you just want a Mac to look at. but to use every day - it ain't happening! I dumped mine years ago.

charles

 

Addendum, posted on September 22, 2015 at 11:03:48
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 You should consider the Stereotech 1200. It was made by McIntosh or perhaps farmed out???? Maybe Mac was working on it or they just acquired the design. Either way it is one SWEET sounding receiver. And a Mac.

don't go down the same road twice.

charles

 

RE: Need Info On McIntosh MA6200, posted on September 22, 2015 at 11:43:03
6bq5
Audiophile

Posts: 4385
Location: SF Bay
Joined: August 16, 2001
 I can not speak to the newer gear-
However I will ask: What is it that you are looking for from McIntosh Gear?
The House sound comes mainly from its transformers / autoformers (OPTs on SS amps) There are a lot of aspects to recommend them- but I am not sure how many of the newer SS Amps have the Autoformers employed in the signal path.

On a separate note: I heartily recommend the folks at Audio Classics - a great group of people!
Happy Listening

 

RE: Need Info On McIntosh MA6200, posted on September 22, 2015 at 12:22:35
4Play
Audiophile

Posts: 40
Location: WV
Joined: August 20, 2015
 Airtime wrote:
[Quote]You should consider the Stereotech 1200. It was made by McIntosh or perhaps farmed out???? Maybe Mac was working on it or they just acquired the design. Either way it is one SWEET sounding receiver. And a Mac.

don't go down the same road twice.

charles
[/Quote]

Wow! No love for McIntosh in this forum. I must say I am surprised by the replies so far.

I do have a backup if everything falls through. I have a Harman/Kardon Citation 19 amp and a Citation 17. The 19 has already been repaired and serviced. The 17 is due to come home this week. I know I said I wanted to stck with integrateds and that is true. However, I don't think the Citation 19 and 17 are anything to sneeze at.

In case you are not familiar with H/K, the Citation series were considered high end and comparable to McIntosh. Sidney Harman was a visionary and he knew what he wanted from his components. He was an amazing man. I can see why Jimmy Carter wanted him in his cabinet.

6bq5 wrote:
I can not speak to the newer gear-
However I will ask: What is it that you are looking for from McIntosh Gear?
The House sound comes mainly from its transformers / autoformers (OPTs on SS amps) There are a lot of aspects to recommend them- but I am not sure how many of the newer SS Amps have the Autoformers employed in the signal path.

[B]On a separate note: I heartily recommend the folks at Audio Classics - a great group of people![/B]
Happy Listening
[/Quote]

I have nothing but the utmost respect for Steve Rowell and Ryan Kilpatrick. These are some of the best I have personally dealt with in all my life. I have nothing but praise and I would recommend AC highly.

So, what is it that I am looking for from McIntosh. Just by your question, I will assume you are young. You didn't grow up in tMy Dad was a Chevrolet-Buick dealer. He would get one Corvette per year from Chevrolet, with the exception of the Indy Pace Car and the 25th Anniversary, that year we got three. Being a young boy growing up in the business, the Corvette was the epitome of automobile status. Every boy dreamed of one day owning a Corvette.

McIntosh is the same for me. Back in the early 1970s, we had an Audio store that sold top brand components... Tandberg, Rotel, B&O, Harman/Kardon, and Mcintosh. These are just some of what they sold and I'm sure there were a few others. My first experience of seeing and hearing McIntosh, even back then I could not afford McIntosh. I cannot afford to buy new McIntosh today. The pre-owned market is the only way we 99 percenters can afford. Every young boy aspires to own something very special, and that's what McIntosh means to me.

If you had the opportunity to own something you've always wanted, would you scratch that itch, or would you forget about it? I think we all know the answer.

 

RE: Need Info On McIntosh MA6200, posted on September 22, 2015 at 12:37:52
6bq5
Audiophile

Posts: 4385
Location: SF Bay
Joined: August 16, 2001
 "So, what is it that I am looking for from McIntosh. Just by your question, I will assume you are young..."-
Actually I did grow up in the late '60s-'70s - and, as Luck would have it, I have my father's C-8, Mc-30 (2 of ea) and Fisher 80, along with a bunch of other gear...
If you want that McIntosh sound - I'd either go for the new(er) MC-275, or NEW MC75, or get an older tube amp.
If you want the SS path - MC 2105 it the one I lust after...

Good luck
Happy Listening

 

RE: Need Info On McIntosh MA6200, posted on September 22, 2015 at 12:45:38
4Play
Audiophile

Posts: 40
Location: WV
Joined: August 20, 2015
 6bq5... I meant no disrespect in my statement. I happy for you that you had a Father who was into the hobby and he passed it on to you. However, I was not so fortunate. Mine was never into audio. What I learned, I learned on my own. I remember being on Christmas break from college, and my Dad's friend called and he was talking about getting his son a stereo outfit. Dad told him to hold on and he gave me the phone. I educated him a little, we spent a half hour to forty-five minutes. His son ended up with a nice audio system.

What I was getting at is young boys always aspire to own something special, and McIntosh was it for me.

 

RE: Need Info On McIntosh MA6200, posted on September 22, 2015 at 13:08:26
6bq5
Audiophile

Posts: 4385
Location: SF Bay
Joined: August 16, 2001
 No worries on the age question-
I originally thought you were younger - hence the 'what are you looking for'
I get the lure of what we cherished when we were young- I had been working on my dad for years on the old McIntosh gear - he had stopped using it about when Radio Shack stopped selling tubes...
It is worth it - and I love using the MR-74 as my daily tuner - nothing quite like the McIntosh light show!
Good luck with getting a piece of the dream!
Happy Listening

 

RE: Need Info On McIntosh MA6200, posted on September 22, 2015 at 13:16:40
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 The guys at AC are tops!!! I've purchased a lot of (McIntosh) gear from them over the years.

Wow do I understand that itch thing when it comes to McIntosh. Had it BAD!!!!

If it's the look you're going after then consider their tubed gear. I'm just not a big fan of a lot of their gear. Some of it's good and some not so good.

I've had the 2105 and it was quite dull sounding. Save up for their tubed stuff. Some of the best audio made.

 

RE: Need Info On McIntosh MA6200, posted on September 22, 2015 at 13:47:52
4Play
Audiophile

Posts: 40
Location: WV
Joined: August 20, 2015
 "The guys at AC are tops!!! I've purchased a lot of (McIntosh) gear from them over the years.

Wow do I understand that itch thing when it comes to McIntosh. Had it BAD!!!!

If it's the look you're going after then consider their tubed gear. I'm just not a big fan of a lot of their gear. Some of it's good and some not so good.

I've had the 2105 and it was quite dull sounding. Save up for their tubed stuff. Some of the best audio made."

Well, since you brought up tubes, I also have a tube integrated amp that I love. Not going to name the product so we can keep the bashing to a minimum. It's 40WPC and sounds damn good. Yeah, I had an itch for tubes that I had to scratch.

Since I will be retiring in two years, I wanted to have two systems. One for my wife and one for me. For amp/preamp, I have the Ma5100, H/K Citstion 19 and Citation 17, Teac NP-H750 integrated amp/USB DAC/network audio player, and the tube integrated. For speakers, I have a pair of Ascend Acoustics CMT-340SE and a pair of Focal 806V bookshelf with a pair of Focal stands. I also have a Marantz NA7004 network audio player. For turntables, I have a custom AR XB, Dual 1219 idler and Dual 721 direct drive (not in use), Denon DP-300F automatic, and a Pioneer 518 (not in use). I think I have it covered. Oh, I have a Panamax 4300 line conditioner, so I am working on getting another one for the second system. Everything is used except for the Ascends and Focals, and the Teac.

I think I have done pretty well for myself.

 

RE: Need Info On McIntosh MA6200, posted on September 22, 2015 at 14:34:00
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 I'm in the EXACT situation. I too was working on my "final" two setups. I like to have two setups to switch back and forth with. Keeps life interesting.

My two setups are:

System one
VTA ST-70 Dynaco kit from Bob Latino - WOW!!!! Best buy in audio EVER!
Preamp for the Dynaco is a Conrad Johnson Classic 2SE. Another great piece.

System two that I switch between
Sherwood S-5000 circa 1958 integrated amp restored by Mike Samra. Another WOW piece.

Speakers are DIY sub with Keiger plate amp
Zaph Audio SR-71 DIY speakers - great!

Source - and you're going to enjoy this - a Marantz NA-7004. Best DAC around.

Scratch that itch!! but do it right.

 

RE: Need Info On McIntosh MA6200, posted on September 22, 2015 at 14:59:41
4Play
Audiophile

Posts: 40
Location: WV
Joined: August 20, 2015
 airtime wrote:
"Source - and you're going to enjoy this - a Marantz NA-7004. Best DAC around."

airtime... You just go with your bad self!!!

This is one reason why an integrated works well for me, or should I say separates. I will take a network audio player over a standard tuner any day. Over 20,000 channels at my disposal, every genre of music you like, news, sports, talk radio, comedy, holiday music, even local channels. You get a whole lot more for the same price or cheaper.

We need to get back on track. The MA6200 piques my interest. Maybe I posted the wrong topic as I had no idea that McIntosh is frowned upon. If there any inmates who love McIntosh, please help me out. I want to make the last choice the final choice.

 

RE: Need Info On McIntosh MA6200, posted on September 22, 2015 at 16:03:49
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 Also post in the vintage forum. It is slow there right now.

I'm assuming you want an integrated.

What music do you need it for?

How loud do you need it?

What are your listening preferences? Detail, bass, etc...

Don't feel like we all hate every thing Mc. I'm a big fan of their C26 preamp. Although it wasn't widely liked - I liked it! The 6100 uses that preamp in it and I did like that one very much. I also had for a brief time the 6200. It was a very good piece. However I wasn't a big fan of the equalizer in the 6200 clogging up the audio signal path. it did sound like it bogged the music down. If I was going back to Mac I'd go with the 6100. But yes the 6200 looks sweet.

You should also consider having it re-capped after you get it. It REALLY needs it!!!!

You can email me if you need to go more info.

charles
charles

 

Forgot and it's important, posted on September 22, 2015 at 16:22:00
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 If your speakers are low impedance DO NOT USE either the 5100 or the 6100. That may be what's blowing out your 5100. The series did not handle low impedance swings well.

If you can - get the 6100 with money to restore and recap it.

If not save up a few extra bucks and get a later model. Like the 6300 or 6400. Or even earlier the ma240 - sweet tube/ss hybrid.

 

RE: Need Info On McIntosh MA6200, posted on September 22, 2015 at 16:43:21
4Play
Audiophile

Posts: 40
Location: WV
Joined: August 20, 2015
 airtime wrote:
"You should also consider having it re-capped after you get it. It REALLY needs it!!!!"

The MA6200 has already been serviced/repaired/tested by a very highly respected McIntosh tech. I know without a shadow of a doubt the MA6200 will perform flawlessly. It even comes with a one year warranty parts/labor.

airtime wrote:
"If your speakers are low impedance DO NOT USE either the 5100 or the 6100. That may be what's blowing out your 5100. The series did not handle low impedance swings well."

The Ascend Acoustics CMT-340SE and Focal 806V impedance is 90dB. They are very efficient, no issues whatsoever.

 

RE: Need Info On McIntosh MA6200, posted on September 22, 2015 at 17:32:20
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 No not efficiency it is the impedance. What ohms are your speakers? If it dips below 4 ohms - boom goes the McIntosh.

Servicing and a full restoration are two very different things. Servicing is just to make sure its working. Recapping is restoration to it's original if not better condition. Also extending the life of the stereo for many years.

 

RE: Need Info On McIntosh MA6200, posted on September 22, 2015 at 17:40:31
4Play
Audiophile

Posts: 40
Location: WV
Joined: August 20, 2015
 Oh sorry... Both are 8 Ohms.

 

MA6300, posted on September 27, 2015 at 10:46:02
Alex F.
Audiophile

Posts: 877
Location: Florida
Joined: February 29, 2004
 I never heard an MA6400 (I have an MA6500 that I enjoy very much), but I would avoid an MA6300 if you're after a traditional Mac sound. I purchased a 6300 when it was introduced in 2006. The preamp section is typical McIntosh but the power-amp section is very bright and in your face in the upper mids and treble. It eventually went back to the dealer. I had hoped it was a defective unit but I learned later it was operating as designed. A peculiar product in the McIntosh lineup.

 

RE: MA6300, posted on October 3, 2015 at 17:30:08
4Play
Audiophile

Posts: 40
Location: WV
Joined: August 20, 2015
 Alex F. wrote:
"I never heard an MA6400 (I have an MA6500 that I enjoy very much), but I would avoid an MA6300 if you're after a traditional Mac sound. I purchased a 6300 when it was introduced in 2006. The preamp section is typical McIntosh but the power-amp section is very bright and in your face in the upper mids and treble. It eventually went back to the dealer. I had hoped it was a defective unit but I learned later it was operating as designed. A peculiar product in the McIntosh lineup."

The model in question for this thread is the MA6200.

Just got my MA5100 back from Audio Classics. The sound is night/day difference from before. The sound is more fuller and deeper than before. This is the best sound my MA5100 has produced since I put it in my audio system over a year ago.

 

RE: MA6300, posted on October 4, 2015 at 10:44:00
Alex F.
Audiophile

Posts: 877
Location: Florida
Joined: February 29, 2004
 Yes, I know you were asking about the MA6200. But I was responding to the suggestion above for you to consider an MA6300 or MA6400 as an alternative.

I'm glad your MA5100 is back in working order and sounding better than ever.

 

RE: MA6300, posted on October 4, 2015 at 11:56:59
4Play
Audiophile

Posts: 40
Location: WV
Joined: August 20, 2015
 The MA6300 and 6400 are way out of reach. The only chance I have is with a MA6200. I know without a doubt that I will have to make payments. The only alternative would be to find someone who is looking to buy an MA5100, but I do not see that happening.

 

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