2. amps-preamps
  3. 1073867742

Too Bright Big Blue Meters : Re: McIntosh MA6900


Hi to All,

I'm new to this, so I hope my question doesn't cause too much ado. Thx in advance for all info.

I just got bought the McIntosh MA6900 ! WOW !!!

I Love it, but the unit I have seems to have extrememly overly bright Blue/Green Meters.

Many of the pics of the Mc stuff on the web, the meters seem alot darker deeper Cobalt like Blue, much more attractive & seductive ...

The main reason the brightness bothers me,is that the 6900 sits right next to my new 30" Wdescreen HD TV just to the left & below by about 10", so it is very distracting while watch TV esp. late at night when all is dark ,they light up the roon like searchlights.( I didn't realize this would be so intense and glaring, on it's own the 6900 at night wouldn't cause this annoyance but as it stands it is very distracting from the total movie experience in the dark.

I have no option to move the 6900 or the TV , so my question is,is there an option to turn down the brightness or to change the colour to a deeper darker blue colour? (Without voiding the warranty or screwing around with it)

Thx very much , hope there is a easy/cheap solution to this problem.

Regards, TK
charandacafe
fishwater
178 posts
 
I cover my bright LED's on ADC with a washcloth when I am listening, doesn't look pretty but mute's the intense light.
velo62
255 posts
 
All Mcintosh meters are clear and white, its the cellophane gelatin paper behind the glass that is taped over the meters that give it its blue color. Over the years smoking or age sometimes fade or discolor the meters shade. Mcintosh will sell a sheet of this cellaphane, get enough for all your units to get a matching shade should you decide to install a new strip.
rodney01
28 posts
 
I have my Mcintosh equiqments inside the shelf with tinted glass. They look just right to me.

Rodney,
aball
2,018 posts
 
Your meters may have a problem. If you have a dealer near you, you should see if his McIntosh amps in stock are as bright as yours. The 6900s I have seen did not seem all that bright to me. You could stick a resistor in the circuit to dim them but you need to know what you are doing. I would make sure there isn't something wrong with yours first though. Let us know what you find out.

The lights can be switched off on the amps and not the integrateds unfortunately. Arthur
charandacafe OP
15 posts
 

Hi All,

Thx very much for your responses & suggestions.

Actually, I'm sure there is nothing wrong with them as I bought it from a local dealer & I know the salesman very well, and it was powered up when I was there, just didn't notice it then.

I tend to agree with Budrew, they look to have a light bright greenish blue tint to them, and I think you're correct they can't be turned off short of unplugging the bulbs(not a good solution, same as a dish cloth :( ... )

Also tinted glass isn't an option either as it is on an amp stand, eqip. rack problematic ...

Also I don't want to screw around with putting a resistor in there,as I don't know what I'm doing ( my friend & salesman does, but not as it is new now,maybe later)

But I will call McI and ask them about the gel replacment (and if it is a problem to change)

I'm not saying it looks bad or is too bright( it's not, it's beautiful ), just that in it's current postion and during late night DVD movie watching , it is very distracting & annoying.

But THX Again for your info...

1 MORE Thing.

I am currently using a Shunyata Powersnake Diamondback power cord on the 6900, and am thinking/planning to get the Audience power cord for the 6900 and putting the Diamondback on my CDP. I've heard this would be an inexpensive and very good upgrade for the MA6900 ...

What are your thoughts on this ( This is all in CDN $, so the costs here are much higher for even inexpensive US$ cables.

Thx again in advance for your help on this.

Regards , TK

More to discover