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Would you buy a 12-14 year old Integrated?

My local dealer has a McIntosh 6900 integrated amp for sale from original customer.  I'd like to know if you would be comfortable buying a model that is 12-14 years old and if SS equipment can lose SQ over time?  The price is right and I've wanted to try McIntosh.  Not really a post about the love or hate of McIntosh, but whether vintage gear can still be quality.  I'd like it to be my last Integrated purchase.  

On a side note, the price is right, but that said, for about $800 more, I could get into the MA7900.  What are your thoughts?
128x128dhpeck
dhpeck's avatar
dhpeck OP
59 posts
 
wow, never thought about replacing old capacitors. Is that an issue that will effect SQ?
aolprodj's avatar
aolprodj
77 posts
 
Go with the MA7900 I had a 6900 and  a MA 7900 the sound quality is much better.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,390 posts
 
I bought a used MA6500 a few months back from Audio Classics.  I have no idea where that would be compared to the 6900.  Make sure the amp has the autotransformers as those are reason for the full and lush McIntosh sound. 
inna
7,296 posts
 
I have a 16 year old Redgum integrated and for the last five years that I've had it the sound is exactly the same. Well, that was wrong, the sound is better because of upgrades in other parts of the system. I am going to send it to Australia for a check-up and to replace the input selector switch that the previous owner played too much with. I expect it to last trouble free for another 7-10 years.
I don't know McIntosh, but if 7900 sounds better and you can manage extra $800, that would probably be the preferrable choice. Unless for whatever reasons you want the 6900, of course.
I also have 18 year old Audiolab integrated that I no longer use, just play it for a few hours every year, the rest of the time it spends in the closet.
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