2. amps-preamps
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is buying used Mcintosh equipment online bad idea?

was trying to build system like my college buddies had 35 years ago, and bought a MA-6200 that has static in one channel that the local dealer cannot isolate now. Fixed it once, but one loud listening session, and it started humming loudly, and the speaker overload lights came on. Turned it off and when I tried it again, the static was back in same channel but worse.

Tried to buy a used 2100 and bypass the power amp, but regardless of gain settings, the sound is distorted at anything above talking level volume with this amp. Changed out audio source, preamp, cables, speaker wires, and distortion remains. Returning it for refund. Have I done anything wrong in setting this up?

Live <2 hours from Austin, and may try taking the MA-6200 in to a vintage stereo shop there. I run a pair of Klipsch original Heresy that were late model, but are over 25 years old. Not a lot of heavy use on them, and have not tried swapping them out.

Is all this old McIntosh equipment probably in need of having a full test and update before buying them, or at least a listen to them? Just found this website, so I did not buy this stuff here.
blackwbg
theo's avatar
theo
2,699 posts
 
Tonykay, as an owner of a number of McIntosh pre amps, and amps I too have had a hum issue. I have found that the power supply is the culprit in most cases and was easily resolved with softer feet or isolating the vibration resonating from the cabinet.
Blackwbg, I would take caution on the older gear as many things deteriote over time regardless of manufacture. It is the nature of electronics, but if you can by with the option to return, by all means go for it. A good alternative, although more costly is audioclassics.com as mentioned. I have never bought a bad piece lfrom them.
whitecap
121 posts
 
What a silly question. ANY vintage gear that has not been serviced or updated, Mac or any other manufacturer, electronics or speakers, may, and probably does, need some work. That's a surprise to you? Please, not another inane Mac bashing thread.
simao's avatar
simao
1,839 posts
 
As Audio Classics is in Vestal, NY, I'm not surprised they do most of their business with Mac - which is headquartered in Binghampton, NY, about five minutes away.

If you like the Mac a lot, call up either Mac itself or Audio Classics and see what they say!
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Audio Classics in NY state great for Mac.
joekapahulu
251 posts
 
I have bought multiple McIntosh online from private buyers on EBay and Agon. I ship them to Terry DeWickfor a going over before shipping to Hawaii I where I live.I have had good luck. I buy from experienced sellers with track records to protect. Otherwise, I avoid sellers who don't have extensive history or knowledge on audio. The good ones are easy to spot.They often have had the piece inspected and fixed to get a good price. If I was in a hurry to buy I would go to Audio Classics or Terry DeWicks used page. Both of these are good sources with grading systems, fair prices and reputations to protect. McIntosh themselves refer people to both sources and they work with each other too. For your device, the closest Mac expert I know to TX is called Audio Dr in Phoenix AZ. He is online and does good work for fair prices. Probably folks in TX too but I don't know them.
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