Suggestion from owners please

[Jerome W]

Interesting.
Never heard the MA6900. On the paper, it looks like a great integrated.
But heard the MA6850 and the MA2275. Agree with you. The 6850 is terrific and the 2275 was very far under my 220/ 275 combo.

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[JWJW]

I agree....MA2275 wasn't too hot....I owned for 60 days and upgraded to the MA7000. My vote, do it right and save up for the MA7000.

[jdandy]

I think if I was looking for a McIntosh integrated amplifier, the MA7000 would be the one to bring home. This beauty is a keeper.

[syd123]

I own a MA6600 and chose it over the MA7000 for the following reasons...

1. Because the MA6600 is processor controlled, you can trim each of the input levels. ..I find this hugely useful as our Apple TV, cable box, DVD Player, and Turntable all have different output levels.

2. You can turn the lights of the MA6600 off and adjust the display brightness (the owners manual of the MA7000 makes no mention of being able to do this). This is essential as the unit is situated beneath our flatscreen TV and the bright meters - while usually a welcome sight - are distracting during movies.

3. The additional 50 watts on tap with MA7000 is essentially meaningless given that my speakers are already very efficient (Paradigm Signature S8 v2s.). I RARELY get the needles to crest 30 watts. ..If I came anywhere near 200 watts I'd have the police at my door ..Even with inefficient speakers, an add'l 50 watts doesn't really accomplish much (IMHO)

Yes, the MA7000 looks great with its sculpted handles, but the MA6600 is about 95% as pretty and is 120% as practical (again, IMHO).

[Masterlu]

syd123... Welcome!

[Formerly YB-2]

Another couple of pluses for the MA6600 are the ThermalTrak transistors and the ability to use the TM2 HD/FM/AM tuner module.

[syd123]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Another couple of pluses for the MA6600 are the ThermalTrak transistors and the ability to use the TM2 HD/FM/AM tuner module.

(Thanks MasterLu!)

YB,

..Unless the Owner's Manual of the MA7000 is incorrect, it also has the ThermalTrak feature. ..From the manual,

"incorporate(s) a new design known as Thermal-
Trak™. Refer to figure 12. This allows for the
instantaneous and accurate monitoring of the
Power Transistor Temperature. The MA7000
Power Output Circuitry has a specially designed
bias circuit to take full advantage of
the ThermalTrak™ Power Transistors and thus
precisely controls the power amplifier operation
over a wide range of music conditions"

I do recall reading of differences in the pre-amp section (the MA6600 utilizing much newer technologies) but I can't recall what they are. To reiterate, for me, the inability to turn off the meter lights on the MA7000 was the biggest deal-breaker.

[Daausby]

Originally Posted by syd123

I own a MA6600 and chose it over the MA7000 for the following reasons...

1. Because the MA6600 is processor controlled, you can trim each of the input levels. ..I find this hugely useful as our Apple TV, cable box, DVD Player, and Turntable all have different output levels.

2. You can turn the lights of the MA6600 off and adjust the display brightness (the owners manual of the MA7000 makes no mention of being able to do this). This is essential as the unit is situated beneath our flatscreen TV and the bright meters - while usually a welcome sight - are distracting during movies.

3. The additional 50 watts on tap with MA7000 is essentially meaningless given that my speakers are already very efficient (Paradigm Signature S8 v2s.). I RARELY get the needles to crest 30 watts. ..If I came anywhere near 200 watts I'd have the police at my door ..Even with inefficient speakers, an add'l 50 watts doesn't really accomplish much (IMHO)

Yes, the MA7000 looks great with its sculpted handles, but the MA6600 is about 95% as pretty and is 120% as practical (again, IMHO).

I agree with you 100% the MA 6600 is the better Buy, I own a 6600 and didn't buy a 7000 for some of the same reasons.The 6600 is also the newest intergrated in the Mac line up,and it can also be fitted with a turner module if you like radio broadcast.I didn't feel the extra 50 watts was that significant for me,200 watts is plenty for my speakers,and I like the optical volume on the 6600 oppose to the analogue control on the 7000.

[jwhite613]

syd123... Welcome To AA!!!

[MrAcoustat]

Originally Posted by miner

In my listening room I am McIntosh driven. In the living area my gear for background music is Rotel. I am thinking about replacing my Rotel RC-1090 and RB-1092 with a Mc integrated. I am intrigued by the MA2275 but not sure if it is enough for my B&W N804 speakers, and don't want to drop the coin for the MA7000 - but it is very nice unit. MA6600 or MA6300 a possibility also. Please chime in with your thoughts.

If you want something good at a reasonable price may i suggest this one it won a weekend showdown against a McIntosh MA-7000 even if it is almost $3,000.00 cheaper yes whe where three audiophiles in that showdown and the verdict was anonymous this little gem was the Classé CAP-2100 great little integrated amplifier.

[IMG]file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Andre/Mes%20documents/Mes%20images/Classe%20CAP-2100.jpg[/IMG]