MA6500 and B&W 805
 

Hi all,

After a many year hiatus from audio, I’m jumping back in now that I have a home that will accommodate a listening room. I visited my local dealer and he has a few pieces I’m interested in. They were a single owner used and were purchased in 2004. The integrated is the MA6500 and the speakers are the B&W 805 signature with the tiger eye finish and stands.

They’ve been checked out by a tech and both work well and honestly, they sound amazing. I’ve always bought new but the deal here seems pretty good, $4000 for both. My first question is, assuming these are in very nice working order, should there be any hesitation buying 13 year old components? Could I do better for $4k? I am just a little gun shy about buying equipment more than 10 years old for two reasons: first, is the technology outdated? Second, will they continue to perform for many more years? Any help is appreciated.

That's a decent buy. The speakers might be a bit dated but amps don't tend to change much and McIntosh is pretty much 'time-less'. If were me, would try to negotiate the best price on the MA6500 and go for something more 'modern' for speakers, like the KEF LS50 (on clearance for $999 several places) and a couple of decent ICs, like the Kimber Silver Streak, to connect your CDP, TT, whatever. The MA6500 is an excellent place to start dipping-your-toe back into this great, enjoyable, relaxing hobby.

The MA6500 was introduced in 1999. Compared to a modern unit like the MA6700 there have been numerous and substantial design and technology improvements. You might want to do some research before making a decision on the MA6500. Value is in the eyes of the beholder.

Only you know how much you can or want to spend. I owned an MA6500 for 12 years and had no problems with it. It was a stellar performer and I'd think a one owner unit that was well taken care of could provide many more years of trouble free use. I would probably explore other options for more modern speakers because they will be the major variable in system sound quality. But if you really like the sound of the old B&W's with the MA6500, go for it and enjoy.

For that combo I would offer $3500; 1100 for speakers and 2400 for MA6500. Nothing wrong with the 805 - a nice speaker if stands included.

i think this a decent deal.
the MA6500 is a fine integrated. i would be more concerned about the mileage on the speakers.

Thanks all. I’m thinking that the Mac piece is something I can probably resell for what I paid for it easily, once I can scrape funds together to upgrade to the 6600 or 6700. The speakers are also a concern, but again, perhaps thinking of it as a stepping stone, they’ll serve me well and likely fetch what I pay for them when it’s time to upgrade.

With a name like Rubytuesday I feel like I need to chime in and help a brother out. This isn't a terrible deal but I'm thinking you can do better for 4K. Your paying extra for the blue meters. :D

For example Sony makes a small class A integrated that beats the newest Mac entry level integrated.

Some questions for you. Did he let you take these home to try out? What state are you in? What are you going to use for cables and sources?

Welcome back to the party!

Of course, to many people there are other amps that are superior to a McIntosh. But the OP inquired on a McIntosh MA6500 integrated on a McIntosh users forum, not a general integrated amp or Sony forum. With McIntosh, you aren't only paying extra for the blue meters. You're paying for performance, American made build quality, long term reliability, and stellar resale value. You won't get that with a Malaysian built Sony.

Robd-

Thanks for the suggestion, I’ve never really been a fan of Sony. It is a consigned piece so doubt I will have the chance to do an in-home audition.

Jayvis-

Truth be told, I really am just looking for the best sound I can for the dollars I have to spend. It felt like the Mac might be a good deal, and a good amp to start with. I have no doubt I’ll be upgrading it as soon as funds allow, but since I won’t know when that will be, I want something that I’ll enjoy while I have it. The resale value and reliability certainly is also important as a stepping stone piece.