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Output Wattage Doesn't Match Left-to-Right???

bonaccmj

bonaccmj

New Member
Hi everyone, it's been a while since I've posted anything. Anyway, I recently came into a McIntosh MA6850 integrated amp. It is an absolutely wonderful piece of equipment and has virtually ensured that I will be totally deaf one day! It's got so much power!!! I've run into a slightly troubling issue however. According to the peak power meters on the front, the left side output is a bit lower than the right. Not really substantially; it's about one full tick lower than the right side. The balance between the two sides is fine though. I can't hear any difference between the two speakers. Is this something I should be worried about? Is there a possibility the problem is just with the meters themselves? The amp hasn't been used in years, by the way. Is this normal?

Oh, I should also note that this occurs no matter what input I use, it's consistent whether I listen to CDs or vinyl. I think it seems to get a bit better when the amp is warmed up, too, but maybe I'm imagining it...
 
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Did you buy it from a dealer? That is a easy adjustment to make if you have a proper test bench.
 
damacman: They do read at the same position (at zero) when the music isn't playing. They only read differently once I put a CD or record on.

c_dk: Nope, I got the amp from a family member. It probably hasn't been used in years. Until now, of course.
 
bonaccmj said:
damacman: They do read at the same position (at zero) when the music isn't playing. They only read differently once I put a CD or record on.

c_dk: Nope, I got the amp from a family member. It probably hasn't been used in years. Until now, of course.
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Since this happens with two different sources, it's fair to say the meter calibration is off. Reversing the RCAs of one of the sources would allow you to verify - if the problem changes sides, the source is to blame.

As c_dk says, this is an easy adjustment for a McIntosh service center.
 
damacman said:
Since this happens with two different sources, it's fair to say the meter calibration is off. Reversing the RCAs of one of the sources would allow you to verify - if the problem changes sides, the source is to blame.

As c_dk says, this is an easy adjustment for a McIntosh service center.
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Ah, OK. That's good to hear. So in other words, my amp isn't in any danger, is it?
 
Check your connections, right and left.

The left channel generally reads a little higher due to where the bass drum is mixed into most recordings.

Another interesting thing (related) was if people blew only one tweeter, it was generally the left one because of this.

Oh, and it could also be a meter adjustment thing.

-edit- been so long I mixed left and right, it's the right channel where the kick drum is usually mixed.
 
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According to the peak power meters on the front, the left side output is a bit lower than the right.

Why do you think that stereo mean two identical levels ?
 
I've seen this on every McIntosh amp I've owned. It's always been the left a tick lower than the right and it's never bothered me enough to hassle with. Just be happy that the sound is great and that your meters are functioning.
 
Single source, Y-Lead into both channels, from a tone generator, speakers disconnected.
What does it look like now?
Connect the speakers, is it still the same?
If its different, measure the AC voltage on the speaker output to verify if it is the meter drive circuit or the amplifier....

I've never noticed my meters being lower on the left, that sounds like some "tales of mystery from the internet"
My 2205 reads higher on the right sometimes because the Meter drive circuit has an intermittent fault.
Reminds me, I must actually fix it one of these days when I get some time...
 
"I've never noticed my meters being lower on the left, that sounds like some "tales of mystery from the internet".

Funny, it's not a mystery to my eyes or experience. Yes, these items are not inexpensive, but everyone must remember that they are NOT state of the art scientific measuring devices. The McIntosh meters are mainly there for aesthetics. A tiny bit difference in the meters is probably within the total tolerance stack-up and most likely not indicative of some internal electrical problem.
 
Place the unit in the mono mode and then check the meters. Then check the image presented by the speakers. It should be equally spaced between the speakers. If not use the balance control to center the image between the speakers. Then check your meters. In a perfect world the meters will be equal and the image will be centered. Then return the unit to the stereo mode using a piece of music with a centered soloist. The needles should be equal. If the balance control isn't centered, and the meters still aren't equal. Its time to see the the doctor.
 
jayvis said:
"I've never noticed my meters being lower on the left, that sounds like some "tales of mystery from the internet".

Funny, it's not a mystery to my eyes or experience. Yes, these items are not inexpensive, but everyone must remember that they are NOT state of the art scientific measuring devices. The McIntosh meters are mainly there for aesthetics. A tiny bit difference in the meters is probably within the total tolerance stack-up and most likely not indicative of some internal electrical problem.
Click to expand...

The meters are accurate when functioning correctly, whilst they are aesthetically pleasing that's not the only reason they are there, they function is accurately as any audio level meter I have experienced in my 30 odd years of Pro audio and servicing of pro and domestic gear.
A lot of development has gone into the McIntosh meter drive circuit, I wouldn't be dismissing McIntosh level meters....

There are a lot of reasons meters can be uneven from a fault in the meter driver circuit, the amplifier itself including the pre-amp and/or the source, the CD player, tuner, disc player, turntable, it could also be in the Mix as well....
There is some good info in this thread to narrow down the source of the issue, if there is indeed one at all...

Well, lets see what the OP comes back with.....
 
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