McIntosh MEN220 Update

[Haurock]

Originally Posted by jdandy

I think you are incorrect about McIntosh's intention not correct this issue. I don't believe McIntosh will abandon loyal customers who purchased the MEN220 for their sound systems, nor risk the negative impact that would certainly follow by ignoring a design error to the detriment of those who purchased the component. I don't believe I am wrong in having faith that McIntosh will correct the MEN220 balanced output issue to everyone's satisfaction.

+1

I agree Dan. I think the introduction of the MEN220 and what it can do is simply too important to McIntosh to not correct this situation, both for future customers and those who already own the MEN220. In the interim, I believe all sales of the MEN220 will virtually stop, until the flaw is addressed. I know I'm not going to buy one anytime soon.

It may take a while, but I think they need customers who are ecstatic on this product in every way not just some ways.

[hkval]

I have total faith in McIntosh as well. Since the time of the Mac Clinics back in the 60's, I have complete confidence that they will make it right. Mac's reputation is built on it's history, product and service. Hopefully, that will never change.

[jwc]

I think they will issue a nice textured blue and black tape that reads "do not use" to place over the XLR outputs.

jc

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by jwc

I think they will issue a nice textured blue and black tape that reads "do not use" to place over the XLR outputs.

JC.......Ouch! That hurts.

[howiebrou]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Howie.......The MEN220 is working very well using unbalanced interconnects, and installed in my C1000P processor loop, so this has had the affect of reducing my stress level about the balanced output issue. It hasn't reduced my desire to have the MEN220 operating as represented when I purchased it. Ultimately, I want the MEN220 to be installed between my preamplifier and the two power amplifiers using balanced interconnects. This was my intention when I purchased the MEN220, and it remains so.

I think you are incorrect about McIntosh's intention not correct this issue. I don't believe McIntosh will abandon loyal customers who purchased the MEN220 for their sound systems, nor risk the negative impact that would certainly follow by ignoring a design error to the detriment of those who purchased the component. I don't believe I am wrong in having faith that McIntosh will correct the MEN220 balanced output issue to everyone's satisfaction.

I hope you're right Dan!

[Still-One]

In the meantime we just keeping listening.

[Cryo Man]

I too had a case of thermal shutdown when I hooked up my new to me MEN220 to my Classe CA300 amplifier through the balanced outputs of the MEN 220 to the balance inputs of the Classe. I have never had this happen before, and at the levels I was running (about -20dB on my Mac C2300 meters) which is about 10 watts or so on the CA300, I wouldn't expect it to shut down thermally. I re-connected using the unbalanced output/input and have since run at well over 100 watts (-10dB on the Mac C2300) without a problem.

The rest of my system is a Mac MCD301, Magnepan 1.7's, two Paradigm PW2200 sub-woofers, and a VPI 19Mk. IV with SME 309 and Shelter 501 Mk II.

Since installing the MEN 220 and doing a RoomPerfect set-up, and using the High/Low outputs, the transition from the sub-woofers to the Maggie's is seamless, and the clarity of the entire system has improved at all sound levels. Now I need to get some longer unbalance cables to run from my MEN 220 to the Classe.

Other than the balanced output issue, I recommend the MEN 220 strongly!

[GaryProtein]

Send it back to McIntosh. They have fixed the balanced in/out problem for many people and the problem is specific to a run of serial numbers.

They will fix it and return it to you in short order.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Cryo Man

I too had a case of thermal shutdown when I hooked up my new to me MEN220 to my Classe CA300 amplifier through the balanced outputs of the MEN 220 to the balance inputs of the Classe. I have never had this happen before, and at the levels I was running (about -20dB on my Mac C2300 meters) which is about 10 watts or so on the CA300, I wouldn't expect it to shut down thermally. I re-connected using the unbalanced output/input and have since run at well over 100 watts (-10dB on the Mac C2300) without a problem.

The rest of my system is a Mac MCD301, Magnepan 1.7's, two Paradigm PW2200 sub-woofers, and a VPI 19Mk. IV with SME 309 and Shelter 501 Mk II.

Since installing the MEN 220 and doing a RoomPerfect set-up, and using the High/Low outputs, the transition from the sub-woofers to the Maggie's is seamless, and the clarity of the entire system has improved at all sound levels. Now I need to get some longer unbalance cables to run from my MEN 220 to the Classe.

Other than the balanced output issue, I recommend the MEN 220 strongly!

Cryo Man.......Welcome to Audio Aficionado.

McIntosh originally designed a retrofit daughterboard that connected to the original motherboard as the solution for correcting the balanced output issue. It worked perfectly, but was time consuming to install and required a thoroughly trained and dedicated service tech to perform the work. Since that time, McIntosh has redesigned the motherboard to incorporate the modifications for a true balanced output, and the daughterboard retrofit is no longer necessary. Your MEN220, providing it is one of the original units with the design flaw, will have a brand new motherboard installed at the factory. For this to happen you will need to contact Sharon Butt in the McIntosh service department at 1-800-538-6576.

[GaryProtein]

I procrastinated for almost two years before sending mine back for the new motherboard a few months ago because I didn't want to be without it, but I finally made myself do it!

Their service was fast and they solved the problem.

jdandy gave you the names and phone numbers you need.

DON'T buy any more unbalanced cables--you don't need them. Keep what you have. Stay balanced for long cable runs.