McIntosh MA 6500 reliability etc....

MA6500 has more power (into 4 Ohms) than 6900. It also sounds more dynamic and "in control" than the bigger brother. The 6900 uses their autorormer technology, which brings some midrange magic and HF refinement, but at an expense of dynamics.

Having had a 6500 and knowing the 6900 very well, I have to say it does seem like the 6500 has more power, and is more dynamic. We used the 6500 for a while with Revel F30s in a room that is 35x18 and it was crazy how the 6500 had zero strain at very high volume levels playing techno.

Give it a try for a while and see if you think you need more power. It really depends on what volume level you like to listen to as to how much power you really need.

Arthur

My Mac MA230 has been plugging along for 40 years. It will probably outlast me!

I owned a MA6500 for a while. Great amp. Very powerful and dynamic. Sold it and immediately wished I had it back. Had to go to tubes to get the same smooth sound at a fraction of the power. Oh well.

If you buy new, you should have no problem with service. Read the threads: even used, reliability is unquestioned.

Hi Folks,
Mine is having no trouble feeding the Maggies. They never sounded better actually. Deepest stage and dynamics I've yet heard. Imaging is great too. I can understand the differences with the 6900 however. It's neat to read all of your observations. I really am falling more in love with this integrated all the time. I just wish their pricing weren't so high. Like everything else, the high end is seeing fairly large increases lately in everything. Cardas Cross cables for 1 meter are close to $600 now. Wow! Anyway, I'm having fun with the amp and appreciate all your comments. Thank you again!