IEC input on my Mc462 just failed 😞

[PHC1]

Not sure if you were running a stock power cord or succumbed to temptation?

Thou shall resist temptation and not stick the serpents of Eden into thy plastic receptacle...

Thou shall not covet thy neighbors amp in temptation of its more exotic parts...


In all seriousness, there was a thread recently about shoving heavy cords into those receptacles and even using various materials to make a tighter fit after they stretch the plastic? Why be surprised then when a plastic part cracks/fails?

That is definitely not the fault of McIntosh if an aftermarket cord that put too much strain on the receptacle was used.

We also discussed that McIntosh does not use fancy "here today, gone tomorrow" parts. So how convenient is it that you can order that part from a parts source instead of it being some limited run of boutique parts never to be found in another few years?

Seems like an easy enough fix and perhaps get a spare or two just in case. I know those serpents will try to snake their way back in there....

[jayvis1]

These IEC receptacles are usually basic off the shelf items used in a number of electrical applications unless they are custom for certain OEM housings. The quality of the plastic (usually a type of nylon) varies depending on the manufacturer's requirements for the use of regrind. The use of higher percentages of regrind (recycled plastic) in the molding of the receptacle can cause brittleness. I'm sure that McIntosh has a maximum limit on the percentage of regrind used, but control of that requirement is usually dependent on the supplier's quality control. The thing that seems strangest to me is that the receptacle pins seem short (per the OP). Could McIntosh have used the wrong receptacle in this application, is the receptacle itself not to design specs, or did the OP use something other than the stock power cord? I'd send as many photos as possible to McIntosh, or better yet, send the bad one back to them so they can confirm that the receptacle is the correct one or if it is defective. They should have plenty of this type of component in stock. I wouldn't send or take my amp in for this type of repair. Much easier and safer to perform the fix yourself, assuming you get the correct part. Oh, and it's another reason to only use the power cord designed to properly fit the receptacle.

[Tony007]

I wouldn’t waste my time bringing the amp anywhere. What if some collateral damage occurs in the transport and handling. An iec inlet takes 15 minutes to install on a mac amp. Get the part from digikey. They ship fast. Hope you get it up and running soon.

[SAM992]

Originally Posted by jayvis1

These IEC receptacles are usually basic off the shelf items used in a number of electrical applications unless they are custom for certain OEM housings. The quality of the plastic (usually a type of nylon) varies depending on the manufacturer's requirements for the use of regrind. The use of higher percentages of regrind (recycled plastic) in the molding of the receptacle can cause brittleness. I'm sure that McIntosh has a maximum limit on the percentage of regrind used, but control of that requirement is usually dependent on the supplier's quality control. The thing that seems strangest to me is that the receptacle pins seem short (per the OP). Could McIntosh have used the wrong receptacle in this application, is the receptacle itself not to design specs, or did the OP use something other than the stock power cord? I'd send as many photos as possible to McIntosh, or better yet, send the bad one back to them so they can confirm that the receptacle is the correct one or if it is defective. They should have plenty of this type of component in stock. I wouldn't send or take my amp in for this type of repair. Much easier and safer to perform the fix yourself, assuming you get the correct part. Oh, and it's another reason to only use the power cord designed to properly fit the receptacle.

Originally Posted by Tony007

I wouldn’t waste my time bringing the amp anywhere. What if some collateral damage occurs in the transport and handling. An iec inlet takes 15 minutes to install on a mac amp. Get the part from digikey. They ship fast. Hope you get it up and running soon.

you both are paying attention.... it's a 5 minute repair, the part is an $0.88 part and it's on it's way to me .. However I also ordered two other $3.00 parts to see if they are of higher quality / better grade..

[SAM992]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Not sure if you were running a stock power cord or succumbed to temptation?

Thou shall resist temptation and not stick the serpents of Eden into thy plastic receptacle...

Thou shall not covet thy neighbors amp in temptation of its more exotic parts...


In all seriousness, there was a thread recently about shoving heavy cords into those receptacles and even using various materials to make a tighter fit after they stretch the plastic? Why be surprised then when a plastic part cracks/fails?

That is definitely not the fault of McIntosh if an aftermarket cord that put too much strain on the receptacle was used.

We also discussed that McIntosh does not use fancy "here today, gone tomorrow" parts. So how convenient is it that you can order that part from a parts source instead of it being some limited run of boutique parts never to be found in another few years?

Seems like an easy enough fix and perhaps get a spare or two just in case. I know those serpents will try to snake their way back in there....

you can't be serious... 50% of owners of such amps are using after market power chords (see post #10 above)... neither my Accuphase or my dCS have such cheap, hard plastic IECs ... I was told directly by McIntosh that they are having issues with supply chain and having to resort to other options.... clearly this IEC came from AlliExpress and was proudly made in China.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by SAM992

you can't be serious... 50% of owners of such amps are using after market power chords (see post #10 above)... neither my Accuphase or my dCS have such cheap, hard plastic IECs ... I was told directly by McIntosh that they are having issues with supply chain and having to resort to other options.... clearly this IEC came from AlliExpress and was proudly made in China.

Well, that conversation will lead us to a very different topic about the power cords and AC meeting transformers at the door and primary, core, secondary windings and how there is no physical connection and it is all induced voltage through the core of the transformer... so the power cord has zero effect on the voltage stored in capacitors for the voltage rails and such...

But I digress. Stick whatever makes you feel better into the rear of the amp.

[SAM992]

Originally Posted by keef

Sorry to hear that happened! It’s also disappointing to hear the IEC is so inadequate. Especially when most owners use aftermarket cords that are like ship tow lines!

Good luck with what sounds like an easy fix.

Originally Posted by PHC1

Well, that conversation will lead us to a very different topic about the power cords and AC meeting transformers at the door and primary, core, secondary windings and how there is no physical connection and it is all induced voltage through the core of the transformer... so the power cord has zero effect on the voltage stored in capacitors for the voltage rails and such...

But I digress. Stick whatever makes you feel better into the rear of the amp.

Firstly the cable I'm using isn't a monster, by any measure, I've seen those ... it's a relatively light weight that uses a standard Furtech IEC male.

Secondly, I don't pretend that cables sound different... I just use them because they look cool and are usually of a much higher quality. I have 6 more of these powering all of the rest of my stuff without any issues.

Here is the exact cable: https://www.thecableco.com/b10-power-cord.html

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by SAM992

Firstly the cable I'm using isn't a monster, by any measure, I've seen those ... it's a relatively light weight that uses a standard Furtech IEC male.

Secondly, I don't pretend that cables sound different... I just use them because they look cool and are usually of a much higher quality. I have 6 more of these powering all of the rest of my stuff without any issues.

Here is the exact cable: https://www.thecableco.com/b10-power-cord.html

Now there is a rational approach. They still will not do anything for the sound but it is a peace of mind.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by SAM992

Soooooo bummed ..

I was moving some cables around getting ready for a new component to arrive soon and I heard a snap or almost loud click sound from the back of the MC462 when I went to pull the power cable ... I went to put the cable back in snug and the whole IEC was loose and appears to have fallen into the chassis of the amp!

So mad as this thing is barely a month old. Now I have to lug it to a repair center and during COVID that’s gonna be an adventure.

Has anyone dealt with this type of repair before? Seems pretty straight forward.

Does McIntosh have you find someone to fix it or do they have their own people? I’m in the SF Bay Area and know of a great place but he’s not part of their authorized network.

First, terribly sorry this happened. When you buy Mac you expect it to work. If you bought the 462 new from a dealer there should be no problem with getting the unit replaced with a new one. My dealer would be out in a blue livid second as soon as my new unit arrived.

This brings up an issue that I have never understood. Any unit that I buy better be new out of the box never opened until it is installed by the dealer or by me. How is it that folks get to audition all this expensive gear in home including cables and cords before buying? All I can say is I don't want any gear that has been on the back seat or trunk of any vehicle or in anybody's rack. As far as I'm concerned it's a used piece and I don't want it. Or, I want to know it and receive a 40% discount. It's not even a demo at that point.

Best

Charles

[SAM992]

Originally Posted by Charles

If you bought the 462 new from a dealer there should be no problem with getting the unit replaced with a new one. My dealer would be out in a blue livid second as soon as my new unit arrived.

Charles

I did, and he's a good dealer but McIntosh is back ordered 2-3 months on these right now... thus my point about using AlliExpress quality parts.. when I spoke to Tim Deis (their manger of production) he told me they're having to go to alternate suppliers for parts to keep their line moving.. I didn't read that to mean they're using crap parts.. I pray the rest of the unit has the same quality as it was originally designed for.

Even if the dealer could get me a brand new unit tomorrow ... the hassle of moving it back and forth isn't worth it... never mind that I have an EE degree, this repair is so easy your 11 year old daughter can do it.