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In search of my first Mcintosh amp.

Scott Shular

Scott Shular

New Member
Hello all. First time posting to this forum. I’ve started to read up and search for my first Mcintosh amp or preamp/amp etc.
the extent of my Mcintosh gear is a pair of XR14’s and a MQ101. Very happy with the speakers using several different Marantz and Sansui receivers.
I’ve been primarily looking for a ma6100 (ma6200’s rarely appear on ‘bay). Also considering separates, maybe a c26 or c28, even a ‘MX’ tuner/preamp and a power amp.
So just looking for your advice, thoughts and where to search. I have never used bartertown but think I’ll subscribe to support the site and see what’s available and maybe sell some gear myself.
Thanks all!
 
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You will definitely want an amplifier that produces at least 100W per channel @ 8 ohms. A higher wattage specification is advised.

The MA6100 & MA6200 are a bit underpowered for your speakers. If an integrated appeals to you then consider the MA6500 or MA6600. Both models will power your speakers and provide some headroom.

If you go with a pre-amp & power amp combination, I can personally recommend the C28. It's a great pre with good features. Couple that pre with a MC202 or similar amplifier and you'd have a great combination. There are a lot of combos to investigate so here is a link to a valuable McIntosh specific website with specs and descriptions that may be of some help:

http://www.mcintoshcompendium.com/mcintoshproducts.htm

Purchasing a used McIntosh, or any other used component, can be risky. I have dealt with Audio Classics on several occasions. Each and every one of my transactions with them was pleasant, easy and they stand behind the products they sell. Check them out at the link below:

https://www.audioclassics.com/

Good luck with your system upgrades.
 
My first Mac system consisted of a MC-2105 and C-28, still have them and love the combo very much. Just recently picked up a MC-2200 / C-26 combo and MC-452 / C50 also.
 
According to the Mcintosh Compendium the XR 14 was rated at 100 watts. As these were designed and tested by Roger Russell when he said 100 watts thats what he meant. He would take amps with power guard with the same power rating of the speaker and get out some rock and roll music and run it for hours and hours with the power guard lites flashing 50 % of the time. Now Mac amps are notorious for putting out more than rated power before the Power Guard went into effect. Any where from 25 to 50% . It didn't matter if it was continuous or short peaks. So you want a Mcintosh amp with Power Guard rated from 80 or so to 100 watts. 7100 would be a great choice for something from the past. A new 275 if you like tubes I would be care full with the MC 152 because its is capable of putting out over 210 watts even though its rated at only 150 watts. MA 6500 come to mind, too. But stay away from the older 2000 series amps with out power guard. Some of your drivers are no longer available and when 2105's 2100's 250's and 2505's clip they can take out tweeters rather quickly. That said I have a 2505 I have used since 1970 or 71 and it has been a very faithful performer. though I do need to clean the controls. But then I seldom push it over 1/3 its power rating and most of the time less than 10%.
 
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Thanks for the advice be ice so far all! I should add that the XR14’s are just one set of speakers I have. Also have Klipsch Heresys, Klipsch Quartets, KLH Model 5’s (original) and Large Advents.
Oh, and a wife who’s constantly telling me to ‘turn it down’ so i don’t need to blow the windows out.
I’ve been mostly looking for an integrated for my budget. If I go separates I’d likely get one piece (pre amp or amp) and supplement with other gear until I can afford it.
I notice MA6200’s are tough to come by….
 
I'll change an old piece of Porsche buying wisdom to fit:

There's nothing more expensive than a cheap McIntosh

You're looking at equipment that is several decades old, be sure it's in good working condition, and buying from a reputable seller vs an auction site from someone who bought it at an estate sale is often a better choice in the long-run.
 
Scott Shular said:
Thanks for the advice be ice so far all! I should add that the XR14’s are just one set of speakers I have. Also have Klipsch Heresys, Klipsch Quartets, KLH Model 5’s (original) and Large Advents.
Oh, and a wife who’s constantly telling me to ‘turn it down’ so i don’t need to blow the windows out.
I’ve been mostly looking for an integrated for my budget. If I go separates I’d likely get one piece (pre amp or amp) and supplement with other gear until I can afford it.
I notice MA6200’s are tough to come by….
Click to expand...

A MA 6100 will also serve you well and wisely. And 70 watts/channel. I am listening to mine right now. Your speakers are all fine with one (the XR 14 would be the pair to need more).
 
Such depends on how deep are your pockets?
I think in that one funny movie "Grumpy Old Men", Burgess Merdith said" "Whizz in one Hand, and Crap in the other and see which gets full first"!? LOL

One Amp I lusted after, and still would like buying today if I could get my hands on a superb example, would be the MC-352. One overlooked Amp, the MC-402. Nobody liked an Amp that looked like the front of their Building I reckon. And then going beefier, the MC-501 Monoblocks.

I always felt when these Amps were made, Mac took another turn in design, potent like earlier Amps, but Mac was now becoming a more serious contender.

The MC-352 as I understand was Ryan at Audio Classic's personal choice for an Amp. Once I think he said he was using two?

Me, I'll take just one, mint in box, used by some little old lady on Sundays!

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa7j45-mcintosh-mc-352-solid-state
 
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Scott Shular said:
I notice MA6200’s are tough to come by….
Click to expand...

Preamp/amp sections of the MAC4100 are nearly identical to the MA6200 and usually sells for about the same. It also has FET input switching shared with the more expensive separate preamplifiers which the MA6200 does not have.

When new, the MA6200 was priced at only $100 less than the MAC4100 which is why it's less common today.
 
SaturationPt said:
Bargain-hunters really weren't ever McIntosh's customers.
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Possibly but almost everybody likes getting the most for their dollar and the sales numbers of the respective units bear this out.
C_dk said that during the dark economic times of the late 70s/early 80s, his store sold a MAC4100 and a pair of Mc speakers each week which kept them going through the bad times. Without the MAC4100, McIntosh itself would probably have gone under.

When you figure the MAC4100 sold for $1,249 less ($4,200 in today's funds) than the comparable MA6200 + MR75 combination, it was really a no brainer.
 
I would say keep your options open. You never can tell exactly what you may find.

The MQ will definitely tax the power amp when playing at spirited levels. So, I'd likely want an amp with Power Guard. That would rule out the 6100 for me.
 
62caddy said:
Possibly but almost everybody likes getting the most for their dollar and the sales numbers of the respective units bear this out.
C_dk said that during the dark economic times of the late 70s/early 80s, his store sold a MAC4100 and a pair of Mc speakers each week which kept them going through the bad times. Without the MAC4100, McIntosh itself would probably have gone under.

When you figure the MAC4100 sold for $1,249 less ($4,200 in today's funds) than the comparable MA6200 + MR75 combination, it was really a no brainer.
Click to expand...

I do miss Chris's posts and conversation.
 
damacman said:
I would say keep your options open. You never can tell exactly what you may find.

The MQ will definitely tax the power amp when playing at spirited levels. So, I'd likely want an amp with Power Guard. That would rule out the 6100 for me.
Click to expand...
I’m not sure I need Power Guard. I have Kelly and she makes sure no amp or speakers are ever pushed to their limits…
 
Hey all, just wanted to get some quick thoughts on fair price on a super clean but all original MA6100. Again, super clean and pretty, case and all.

I've also been watching a MX113 preamp/tuner on local craigslist. Pictures look clean but owner says it hasn't been fired up in many years. Listed for $500.

Thanks in advance!
 
The OP never said what his budget is (unless I missed it). There has been an explosion of Mac prices over the last year and my personal feeling is that amps like the MA6100 are wildly over priced considering their age and design. I wouldn't start with anything less than a C33 and MC2120/2125. My "personal" rule of thumb... if it has twist-prong filter caps, move on.
 
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I think John, that you have a point but, ...

It’s hard to say what a person has in mind. Does he want something super vintage and stylish? Something with excellent SQ? Something that’s a good value? Just wants the McIntosh name on it and stay within a budget?

I think that one thing that potential buyers overlook is how practical it truly is to have a pice of vintage audio that is unrestored and going to be used regularly, ... it isn’t. Further, like a classic car, one that is a great price because it’s needy, will likely be very expensive to keep running properly.

McIntosh gear demands a fair investment. If you’re buying old ‘60s/‘70s gear because you feel you can buy it for an affordable price, you should probably be putting the same money into a fully-restored marantz. Buy serviced (properly and completely) or buy with an open checkbook for restoration and repairs.
 
Guys thank you for the advice, good points but what I am asking is for opinions on a fair price of a super clean and yes all original ma6100.

I have had several old pieces, still have several and I’m used to dealing with equipment that needs some attention. I’ve never ventured into Mcintosh and that’s what I’m looking at. Currently own Marantz 2220b, 2270, Fisher 500b, Sansui 7000 and a Carver m500t with a C1 preamp. Just to give you an idea where I’m coming from….
 
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