In search of my first Mcintosh amp.

[jlovda]

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.

I should have been clearer. I assume ANY piece of vintage Mcintosh equipment needs to be, at a minimum, restored and recapped. Your first paragraph reminds me of something I heard regarding speakers. Efficiency, low frequency response and size (or is it price) ... pick any two.

 

[mpeterson]

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.

Hate to be overly simisitic but comparing a moving vehicle that travels over a variety of landscapes, is stored outside, and deals with the elements to an amp which sits inside of your living room, is not really fair.

Be patient and buy a used amp locally for your best bang for your buck.

 

[seacliffe301]

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…

Ahh, but what about the days where she's out running errands? LOL
As for an amp recommendation... I'm partial to the 2155. Close to 200w/ch when healthy, Power Guard, blue meters. What else can I say.

Lots of preamp options. C28, C32-33-34. Hold out for separates, you will never regret that decision.

 

[jblnut]

The 752/754 are solid choices for a first McIntosh amp and won't break the bank. Plus they are not so old that they need a huge amount of work to sound their best. My 754 just needed a little work on the output relay 10 years ago and has been perfect in daily use since then.

Jblnut

 

[KentTeffeteller]

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….

$900-$1000 retail for a nice MA 6100. But sometimes you can get a nice one cheaper. Allow $150-$200 for servicing as necessary.

 

[seacliffe301]

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….

I see that you've mentioned a 6100, have you ever heard one? I ask because a friend of mine had one back in the early 80's, still young enough that components were within spec per Mac clinics. Compared to my C28/2505 combo it was very underwhelming. He later sold the 6100 and replaced it with a 1700. Night & day difference. I never thought much about this until reading in this Forum from a member who claimed that the 6100 was better as a preamp, or an amp, but not as an integrated amp. Maybe he was on to something there. Any other thoughts out there?

 

[Scott Shular]

I see that you've mentioned a 6100, have you ever heard one? I ask because a friend of mine had one back in the early 80's, still young enough that components were within spec per Mac clinics. Compared to my C28/2505 combo it was very underwhelming. He later sold the 6100 and replaced it with a 1700. Night & day difference. I never thought much about this until reading in this Forum from a member who claimed that the 6100 was better as a preamp, or an amp, but not as an integrated amp. Maybe he was on to something there. Any other thoughts out there?

Hey, thanks.. So I've traditionally leaned towards either receivers or integrateds from a simplicity standpoint (it's all there) and in this case perhaps budget. I'm not opposed to separates, I would likely end up finding one piece now and the other a little bit later down the line. I have extra preamps and amp option to get me by. Earlier in this thread I mentioned some of the pieces I have now to give an idea where I was coming from.

I know it's not what this is all about but I do like the classic look of the black glass units. That being said I've heard some great stuff about the 1700's and a few others.

I've been patiently waiting for local options but haven't seen them. I'm hesitant about ebay but when I do go the eby route I communicate a lot with the seller, questions, pics etc. Seems recently I've seen ma6100's go between $900 (a little on the ugly side) to $1600-1700 for nicer units. Many priced way above that. There was one very nice unit for $1500 shipped which is why I asked my original question about fair price.

I'll also add that there is a local MX113 (tuner preamp) that while looks very clean, owner says it hasn't been powered up in many years and has no means of testing. $500.

 

[daveg3588]

Scott, a member here "Crispy circuits" lives in East Aurora, he has the ability to test and check-out the MX113. He has done work for me. Also I have an MC2200 in my main system if you would like a local listen to a vintage Mac.

 

[Scott Shular]

Scott, a member here "Crispy circuits" lives in East Aurora, he has the ability to test and check-out the MX113. He has done work for me. Also I have an MC2200 in my main system if you would like a local listen to a vintage Mac.

Crispy Circuits... Don? He's fantastic. I've bought tube amps from him and he's always been fantastic. Wasn't sure how much he was into solid state. And I may take you up on that listen, I'm in OP, right in the village.

 

[daveg3588]

PM me when you're ready.

 

[mpeterson]

Crispy Circuits... Don? He's fantastic. I've bought tube amps from him and he's always been fantastic. Wasn't sure how much he was into solid state. And I may take you up on that listen, I'm in OP, right in the village.

Hi, Nice coincidence - I am based here in Buffalo too. I am looking for someone to tune-up my Mc2205. Maybe you can send me a PM of Crispy Circuits contact information? I could not find him on the AK search.

 

[daveg3588]

Hi, Nice coincidence - I am based here in Buffalo too. I am looking for someone to tune-up my Mc2205. Maybe you can send me a PM of Crispy Circuits contact information? I could not find him on the AK search.

Speaker Shop is sales and service for Mac, Audio Classics if you are willing to drive. You would have to carry the 2205 down into Don's basement!

 

[Scott Shular]

Hi, Nice coincidence - I am based here in Buffalo too. I am looking for someone to tune-up my Mc2205. Maybe you can send me a PM of Crispy Circuits contact information? I could not find him on the AK search.

I can check with Don but I’m not sure that’s something he’d be looking to take on at this point. He loves the tubes, does wonders fixin up old amps and converting console amps to stand alones. But I’ll ask. I would agree maybe Speaker Shop…

 

[Scott Shular]

Hey all just wanted to follow up where I landed. I found a very nice MA6200 and so far I’m thrilled with it. I have been researching panel lamp options and after an unsuccessful search for LED’s I think I’ll stick with incandescents.
So as I mentioned I have the amp with a pair of XR14’s and the MQ101. Which brings me to…. Is that overkill considering the equalizer in the MA6200 plus the three tone controls on the MQ? So much adjusting!
So yeah, super happy, love the sound of my first Mcintosh adventure.
My only issue is I’ve had some channel drop out at low volume. It rights itself when I adjust the volume up. I’m reading up and researching my options. I’ve cleaned all the switches and POTS with the exception of the sealed volume attenuator. I’ve read I can sneak some faderlube under the green plastic cover.

Thanks.

 

[damacman]

The MQ can certainly be used with the MA6200 as a room EQ in addition to the seat of your pants graphic of the 6200. However, boosting chews up power at those frequencies - doubling output at a given frequency for every 3dB of boost. Keep that in mind as your 6200 has only so much power to offer.

Fortunately, it also has Power Guard. So when you start flashing those lamps 20% of the time, you've reached the limit of what the 6200 can offer.

Have fun!