Has Anyone Compared the 2 McIntosh Integrateds?

I really do appreciate the specific input from you all. Moniker: I have not heard these specific units yet (though I have heard other Mac stuff). I am looking for a dealer that actually has either of them to be honest. I have one dealer close by but they only carry the Mac seperates. I'll keep checking this thread for more information and if I get any more I will re-post here or email you directly. I am beginning to like the idea of going with the 6500 and spending the extra money on new music. I'll be keeping my eyes open for a slightly used and cared for one. Thanks again to everyone!

I think the MA6900 will have better long term value if that's important to you. Soundwise, it's what I prefer too. As Tellig says, the Autoformers humanize the sound. But it's like asking if the 5 series BMWs are better than the 3 series BMWs. They're different, but both are still BMWs.

Schlep: Do you own the 6900? What speakers were they driving? Did you get to compare the two amps directly?

Interesting thread. For a different prospective I thought I would add my experience. I am using a C-15 together with a MC-202. The C-15 is, IMHO, a much underrated pre. You can probably find one used for about $8-900. Together with a 202 it makes a wonderful combination. Rich deep bass, and absolutely no fatigue, but still tons of detail. Whereas with other amps I often found myself skipping through CDs, now I find that I listen all the way through, to me this says that the system is less fatiguing. I auditioned the 202 with a C-42 pre, and to be honest the differences are very small vis a vi the C-15. The 42 has a few nice features, including balanced connections, that the 15 lacks but any audible differences are pretty minor IMHO. You could probably score a 202 for 2500 used, together with 900 for the C15 and you would have a great sounding system, and more flexibility in the future. Just a thought.

MA6900 is backordered! I was just at a local McIntosh dealer to demo the 2 integrateds being discussed in this thread. The dealer had just sold his last MA6900 to another customer that had ordered it a few weeks ago. They just learned from McIntosh that because of the press that the MA6900 is getting the demand is running very high worldwide. This model is expected to be backordered for several months. If you're ancy you may have to settle for the MA6500 for now. BTW, I preferred the MA6900. This being a long-term purchase I was willing to invest more for the long haul.