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I have found 2 companies on line who refurbish and sell vintage Mac components. Has anyone ever had a bad experience with Mcintosh Audio?
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That's a good story and cautionary tale to those who might think it's too expensive or risky to ship equipment to someone who knows what he's doing.
I bought my MR-77 from a dealer in ATL, and when a tube conked out shortly after, he sent it to Audio Classics, where RM (I can't spell his name) performed a LOT of work for the cost of the tube.
????? What tube? The 77 is a ss tuner. Are you referring to a MR67?
Don Brian Levy, J.D.
Toronto ON Canada
What would I do without you to keep me straight?
Although it was 14 years ago, I still have the AudioClassics repair record and description. I don't see a tube involved. I thought it was a tube for the signal strength like in the FM-3.
RM spent three hours on the MR-77, replacing parts(a 2N415 transistor, several resistors an NTE 506 diode and a capacitor) plus making mods to the IF tailbiting and B- power supply. I would give the whole description but it's too long.
Cost was nominal, although I don't have that invoice.
When I was a kid during the 60's in Chicago, I lusted after the great looking McIntosh gear that I would see at audio stores. The stuff was way out of reach for me then. About 11 years ago I bought a MR-74 tuner from Tom Manley at McIntoshAudio, just to have a nice old McIntosh component with the cool green glass front in my system. It was listed as near mint on the McIntoshAudio website and it was better than that when it arrived. The refinished slant leg walnut cabinet looked like new, the tuner's glass faceplate was perfect (there were some small scratches on the silver knobs - you need a flashlight to see them), and the chassis interior and circuit boards were pristine. The tuner looked almost new. All lights and controls operated smoothly and functioned perfectly, including the tuning dial mechanism. It was shipped in bomb-proof packing and included a very high quality reproduction of the original owner's manual and a set of newly measured bench performance specs from Terry DeWick. And of course it sounded great (still does). It sits in a special place in my system setup and I love looking at it. Tom is a fully trustworthy guy who deals in first class refurbished equipment. He's a great guy to do business with. You are not taking any risk buying from him.
A few months ago, the tuner lost its stereo separation, producing only monoaural output. I took it to my local "authorized McIntosh repair center" who told me that the IF Cans needed to be replaced at a cost of perhaps $700. So, I sent it to Terry DeWick who fixed it by replacing a resistor and adjusting the MPX circuit. Total charge: $180 plus shipping. It sounds like new. Terry is the man for vintage audio repair and rebuilding.
So, if you are looking for a nice piece of vintage McIntosh gear, you can't go wrong with these fellows.
From personal experience +1 for Terry for repairs as to any make.
Don Brian Levy, J.D.
Toronto ON Canada
I am doing my taxes today and reviewing my 2013 expenses. Terry DeWick charged me only $122 to fix the MR-74 - the rest were shipping charges. I should point out that he has always been responsive and helpful with my emailed questions, etc. He's going to get all my future repair work.
Terry's great if you need repairs. However I don't think he buys and sells gear?
He charged me about $60 to fix a Marantz 2330 once. What an honest guy. Heck, I would have charged more just because the stereo weighted so damn much! Heck, I would have charged $60 just because it pissed me off lifting it!
charles
Yes, I think Terry is not directly involved in the sales end of things. But he works closely with McIntoshAudio as the electronic rehab specialist. The link to "DeWick Repairs" is prominantly displayed on the McIntoshAudio home page.
I would contact the ripoff artist and let him know. You can do it by sending him a copy of the receipt. And another thing that might be the issue. The local tech that gave you that astronomical number might be sending it out for repair and tacking on a few $$$$$$ for himself.
The "authorized McIntosh repair center" wanted to send the tuner to Audio Classics for the IF Can work and the local shop estimated $700 for the whole job including their diagnostics, Audio Classics charges, and shipping both ways. I declined. I think it was mere incompetence on the part of the local outfit rather than willful fraud.
I have had 2 experiences with Audio Classics back in the early '90s, both positive.I bought my MX110 Z series that was listed in very good condition B1 from memory and it arrived in a new Mc box and not a blemish on it. I was able to speak with Richard M who had gone through it prior to shipping and I asked about mods. In his opinion nothing could be done to a Z series that would make it noticeably better in any way. I agree with him the Z series may be as fine a tuner and preamp as there is.
A law firm client purchased an Audio Research D76a from them but it arrived poorly packed and there were consequences. The client asked me to handle the matter assuming he would need a lawyer to get satisfaction. I sent photos to Audio Classics along with the UPS report and disclaimer of liability due to poor packing and they agreed with the UPS adjuster. Audio Classics issued a full refund including shipping and a certificate against some future purchase. Audio Classics after requesting an email by me said they did not want the unit and the client could dispose of it. As I had a D76a as my main amp in my own system, I kept it as my fee figuring it could be a source for parts though the exterior was damaged and almost all the tubes were smashed; the boards, frame, etc. were good. I loaded it up with a spare set of tubes and it worked. I was able to get replacement parts from ARC though they did not physically quite match the originals or the parts on mine.
The client BTW bought a McIntosh MC2600 from them and it came in a new Mc shipping crate for a 2600. Later he also bought a MX110z and a MC225 from them.
I would very highly recommend them to buy from as they were honest, quick in followup and know their stuff. When spending the amounts Mc units go for, the premium paid to buy from them is not unreasonable considering the possible cost of buying a bargain and then sending off to get it working to spec.
Don Brian Levy, J.D.
Toronto ON Canada
Edits: 02/21/14
I also had an experience with shipping damage. And they were right there filing claims and replacing gear. Luckily it was only the glass faceplate on (I believe) a Mac 2205 amp. I opted to just take a replacement face plate, replace it myself and move on. But they were willing to stand behind any decision I would have made.
When you're buying gear of this caliber, SPEND the money!
charles
Yup, I bought a McIntosh MA6100 integrated amp & Thorens TD-125 turntable from McIntoshaudio about a year ago, bought them both sight unseen and when they arrived they were 'much' better than I was expecting, excellent. I would recommend both Terry DeWick & Tom Manley without hesitation.EDIT: Curious as to why you posted your question here in the 'Shady Lane' forum. Tom & Terry are two of the nicest and honest gentlemen I know, and are most certainly 'not' shady by any stretch of the imagination.
the gold standard in refurbushing Mac gear for the last twenty years. You might give them a call.
My personal experience:
Audioclassics.com - honest, reliable and stand by any shipping damage. You're in good hands with them! I recommend them highly.
charles
I've used them for repairs to my Mcintosh gear and have been very pleased.
Sim
I "third" them. My wife and I visited them over 20 years ago in their old shop in the basement of the post office, and they could not have been nicer to both of us. I went home with an MC-7270 which to this day performs flawlessly. I also got my MR-78 (w/ Richard Modafferi's mods) from them. I called them once for some advice on an MC-502 (which I had bought elsewhere), and they spent plenty of time with me to make sure I got the info I needed, and the correct replacement front panel lamp. I could not have been treated better.
They are not the least expensive, but you get top quality and superb customer service, and they stand behind what they sell.
"They are not the least expensive, but you get top quality"I WOULD pay more for their guarentee, that what you get is exactly as described if not better. And working with no monkey business.
In todays ebay, and similar markets, being essentially a dumping ground for "recycled" used gear, why take a chance on something you are going to enjoy so much almost every day.
You spend more on your cell phone. I don't but maybe you do?
charles
Edits: 02/20/14
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