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
Buying anything used is a gamble, even McIntosh. I have three Mac pieces in my history. The first, an MX-130 preamp (bought on Audiogon) arrived with a low-level hum that does not come through the speakers. The seller included a McIntosh UR12 touch screen remote so I have lived with the hum. My next piece, an MVP-871 "Universal Disc" player, bought as a demo from Magnolia A/V (which McIntosh refused to warranty), never worked right and was eventually replaced with an Oppo 105D. Finally, I recently purchased a factory sealed Mac 275, Mk6, (from Magnolia) as I do have faith in their amps. So... to sum it up, it's Caveat Emptor, even with McIntosh (or maybe, especially with McIntosh).
Check out this website and determine if it offers any equipment and/or repair options to match your needs http://www.mcintoshaudio.com/
If you are buying the gear because you like it, than its worth fixing. McIntosh isn't for everyone, but it is a unique brand that some people really like. If its working and in good condition, the products tend to hold their value. A good resource for vintage McIntosh and to have it repaired is Audio Classics in Vestal NY. I was there once and they really know McIntosh inside and out. People from all over the country seem to know about them, so they must be very familiar, and willing, to ship back and forth if you can't make it into the store. Actually, they're in the middle of nowhere, so shipping probably accounts for most, if not all of their business. They have an excellent reputation.