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In Reply to: RE: Need Info On McIntosh MA6200 posted by airtime on September 22, 2015 at 13:16:40
"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.
Follow Ups:
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Oh sorry... Both are 8 Ohms.
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.
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.
Edits: 09/27/15
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.
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.
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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