MA 6900

Last Fall, without any thought, I purchased a Numark TT200 turntable to play my long unused collection of LPs. Too bad!.. but at least I am back to a hobby I thoroughly enjoy, without wasting too much coin. Stereophile and Absolute Sound show possibilities limited only by my wallet. I decided to move slowly and learn. I refurbished my 28 year old MA 6100 integrated amp, added a Cambridge Audio Azur 640 v. 2 CD player and a pair of Monitor Audio RS6 speakers. Not bad, but a budget system to be sure. I plan to upgrade and would appreciate knowledgable comments about the MA 6900 integrated amp. Looks beautiful on paper, but it seems that McIntosh does not get the respect in terms of sonic quality that it once did. Am I wrong? Comments are great build, long history, great support, etc. How would you spend 5 grand on an integrated or separates? I am also considering a Mapleshade Sampson v2 rack.

June 3, 2007 - 6:00am

Jim Tavegia

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Re: MA 6900

I have not listened to an older Mac in a while, but I would be hard pressed to think it could not be a solid class c piece, maybe more depending upon its condition. Anyone who owns Mac anything needs to offer no apology.

If you ever need repairs or service Terry DeWick might be a good choice. He also has an excellent assortment of used Mac that seems to be at fair prices.

Terry DeWick

June 21, 2007 - 6:06am

David123

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Re: MA 6900

Jim,

Sorry about not answering sooner. Things are crazy for me now. I am not apologizing for the Mac. Just wanted people to know from where I will upgrade. I have really enjoyed the MA 6100 for many years and this is why I am considering another. I want it to be my last amp purchase, so I want to be careful. I am surprized that no one who owns or knows the MA 6900 replied.

Regards to all

June 21, 2007 - 6:37am

Jim Tavegia

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Re: MA 6900

They are probably to busy enjoying the heck out of it to bother with posting here. I would bet that it is still sonically Stereophile Class C...at least. That is plenty good enough to get your toe a tappin.

Enjoy.

Jim

June 21, 2007 - 5:53pm

Jan Vigne

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Re: MA 6900

To say Mac is Mac is not that far from wrong. If you have liked the McIntosh sound, I would suggest the best way to spend $5k is here; http://mcintoshlaboratory.tripod.com/int/ma2275.htm

This integrated is a simplified version of the MC275 power amp; http://stereophile.com/tubepoweramps/704mac/, which is currently a class A recommended component in tube power amplifiers. The pre amp section is based on the C22 which is the classic Mac tube pre amp. The current version of this pre amp is the C2200; http://mcintoshlaboratory.tripod.com/cc/c2200.htm

McIntosh gets plenty of respect, particularly when you hear a forty five year old amplifier design producing such terrific sound. Look at the recommended components listings for more Mac products.

June 22, 2007 - 3:07pm

David123

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Re: MA 6900

Thanks again Jim and Jan,

Jim...I still enjoy the 28 year old MA 6100, but I am thinking of purchasing the current SS integrated MA 6900 as an upgrade. Jan's suggestion about the MA 2275 is an excellent one ( I need to listen to some tube units) although the price is $1500 more than I wanted to pay. Those bucks are earmarked for a Project 9.1 TT with Sumiko cartridge.

Regards

June 22, 2007 - 5:05pm

Jim Tavegia

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Re: MA 6900

Great minds think alike. The Project 9 would be my choice as well. Enjoy.

Jim

June 18, 2010 - 1:38pm

stevennsimon

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Joined: Apr 28 2007 - 5:34am

Re: MA 6900

I bought an MA6900 in 2003. I'm still using it. If you want a reviewer's perspective, read Sam Tellig's review in Stereophile, which was, as I recall, unreservedly positive. I mean, he really liked it. I have used mine with big Martin Logans and Totem Arros (overkill in that case) and have been completely satisfied. In other systems I use a Cambridge Audio Azur 840 and a chunky Adcom rig and although it's difficult to compare (different speakers, rooms, etc), the MA6900 is better to my ears: more detail, but also less fatiguing.

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