McIntosh MA6100

[timo]

Hello all. From time-to-time Audio Classics will have a Mac MA6100 for sale in pretty good condition, and I'd like to know what the Forum has to say about this integrated amp? I've always been curious about the Mac sound and was wondering if the MA6100 was a good place to start. A lot of people speak highly of the 6200, but I've never seen that come up for sale at Audio Classics. I already have a refurbished Scott integrated tube amp as my main amp, and was looking to get a vintage solid state amp for my second system, preferably a Mac, as I've already done Mission, Rotel, Creek, Jolida,et al, and they've all left me wanting. I listen to only vinyl and the Creek 5350, before it died, felt cold and sterile, without the warmth and lushness that the tube Scott imparts to vinyl. Any thoughts on the 6100 would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Casino]

Timo, I had a 6100 for about 15 years and it was a fine unit. Clear, somewhat tube-like mellow sound. Built like a tank. Back in the late 80's I traded it in and got an MA6200. Got every cent back I paid for it towards the new unit.

Anyway, now I have Mac separates. My original intent was to sell the MA6200 when I got the separates - but so far I find myself unable to part with it. In all the years I've owned it, it has never needed service. Both the 6100 and 6200 are rock-solid and IMO, worth seeking out if they're within the power range you need. And, of course, service and parts are available if a repair is ever needed.

As you probably know, these integrateds have versatility even today's separates don't have - two phono inputs, the ability to route BOTH channels to the left or right, EITHER channel to both speakers, and reverse channels (great for troubleshooting your system - you don't have to switch speaker cables to see if a "noise" originates in the speaker or source).

Anyway, given the choice, I'd go for the 6200 (and I like the styling a bit better), but the 6100 looks a little more "vintage" and is an excellent unit as well.

[JorgeGvb]

I also have a MA6200 that I bought from another forum member last year. The unit looks like it is brand new! I really love the sound of it. I recently purchased a tube preamp that I am experimenting with too.

[rcarlton]

MA-6100 can have problems with the on/off volume switch that no amount of Deoxit can fix. The replacement switch from McIntosh is not much better. See similar problems with the C-28 and MAC-1900 switch among others.