{"product_id":"mcintosh-ma6900-integrated-amplifier-all-analog-with-built-in-phono-and-eq","title":"McIntosh MA6900 Integrated Amplifier - All Analog with Built-In Phono and EQ","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGeneral:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is the last of the real McIntosh all analog integrated amps, in gorgeous condition and fully tested.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUnlike modern integrated amplifiers, this unit has what we believe to be two distinct advantages.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor starters, instead of digital encoders it utilizes real potentiometers to manage the volume, balance, and EQ. This is the old school way and how McIntosh built their reputation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSecond, there is no DAC built into this unit. No superfluous, outdated converter, sitting there just making noise and taking up bandwidth from the power supply.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe EQ is also a really nice feature to get the most out of your vintage speakers. It even has a built in phono section for connecting basic turntables.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTried and true McIntosh patented Power Guard helps to keep things from going wrong (and fast) to your speakers due to overdriving\/clipping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn this MA6900 the glass is impeccable, and the paintwork is devoid of any scratches or dents.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFreshly serviced, this unit received new bulls all around and new power supply capacitors. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIncludes remote, reprint of the owner's manual on heavyweight paper, and the McIntosh-made official shipping carton guaranteeing safe transport.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest of all, this unit recently came back from the McIntosh service department with a clean bill of health.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStandout McIntosh Features include:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Power Output\u003cbr\u003eThe MA6900 consists of two separate power amplifier channels, each capable of 200 watts into 2, 4 or 8 ohm speakers with less than 0.005% distortion.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Electronic Input Switching\u003cbr\u003eDigital Logic integrated circuits drive Electromagnetic Switches on all six inputs and operating functions for reliable, noiseless, distortion free switching.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Power Guard\u003cbr\u003eBoth channels include the patented McIntosh Power Guard circuit that prevents the amplifier from being overdriven into clipping, with its harsh distorted sound that can also damage your valuable loudspeakers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Sentry Monitor and Thermal Protection\u003cbr\u003eMcIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protection circuits ensure the MA6900 will have a long and trouble free operating life. Built-in Thermal Protection Circuits guard against overheating.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePatented Autoformers\u003cbr\u003eMcIntosh designed and manufactured Output Autoformers provide an ideal match between the amplifier output stages and speaker loads of 2, 4 and 8 ohms. The Autoformers also provide perfect DC protection for your valuable loudspeakers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Illuminated Power Meters\u003cbr\u003eThe Illuminated Power Output Meters on the MA6900 are peak responding, and indicate the power output of the amplifier.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSkyFi Cosmetic Notes:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLight wear to all top surfaces including metal covers and transformers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSkyFi Technical Notes:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis unit recently came back from the McIntosh service department with a clean bill of health.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBrand Background:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMcIntosh Laboratory is an American manufacturer of handcrafted high-end audio equipment based in Binghamton, New York. The company was founded in 1949 by Frank McIntosh. The company designs and produces audio amplifiers, stereo tuners and other consumer electronics products.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eOwnership:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSecond Owner\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eConnections:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRCA, XLR, 5 Way Binding Posts, Ground Post\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eGeneral Sound:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNeutral sound with little to no coloration\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCosmetic Condition:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e8\/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/pages\/our-rating-scale\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWorking Condition:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWorking perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eIncluded:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUnit, remote, manual and power cord.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePacking:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOriginal Manufacturers Packing\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eOriginal MSRP:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e$5,500.00\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSpecs:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePower Output\u003cbr\u003eMinimum sine wave continuous average power output per channel, all channels operating is:\u003cbr\u003e200 watts into 2 ohm load\u003cbr\u003e200 watts into 4 ohm load\u003cbr\u003e200 watts into 8 ohm load\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRated Power Band\u003cbr\u003e20Hz to 20,000Hz\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTotal Harmonic Distortion\u003cbr\u003eMaximum Total Harmonic Distortion at any power level from 250 milliwatts to rated power output is: 0.005% for 2, 4 or 8 ohm loads\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDynamic Headroom\u003cbr\u003e2.4dB\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrequency Response\u003cbr\u003e+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz +0, -3dB from 10Hz to 100,000Hz\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSensitivity\u003cbr\u003ePhono, 2.5mV for 2.5V rated output (0.5mV IHF) High Level, 250mV for 2.5V rated output (50mV IHF) Power Amplifier Input, 2.5V for rated output\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSignal To Noise Ratio (A Weighted)\u003cbr\u003e90dB (84dB IHF) below 10mV input, Phono Input 100dB (90dB IHF) below rated output, High Level 110dB below rated output, \u003cbr\u003ePower Amplifier\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIntermodulation Distortion\u003cbr\u003eMaximum Intermodulation Distortion if instantaneous peak output per channel does not exceed twice the rated output, for any combination of frequencies from 20Hz to 20,000Hz, with all channels operating is:\u003cbr\u003e0.005% for 2, 4 or 8 ohm loads\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInput Impedance\u003cbr\u003ePhono, 47K ohms, 65pF High Level, 22K ohms\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaximum Input Signal\u003cbr\u003ePhono, 90mV High Level, 8V\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePreamplifier Maximum Voltage Output\u003cbr\u003ePhono, 8V at tape output\u003cbr\u003eHigh Level, 8V at tape output Main Out, 8V at preamp output\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVoltage Gain\u003cbr\u003eHigh Level to Tape: 0dB High Level to Main: 20dB\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWide Band Damping Factor\u003cbr\u003eGreater than 40\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePower Requirements\u003cbr\u003e100 Volts, 50\/60Hz at 5.2 Amps 110 Volts, 50\/60Hz at 4.8 Amps 120 Volts, 50\/60Hz at 4.4 Amps 220 Volts, 50\/60Hz at 2.45 Amps 230 Volts, 50\/60Hz at 2.35 Amps 240 Volts, 50\/60Hz at 2.25 Amps\u003cbr\u003eNote: Refer to the rear panel of the MA6900 for the correct voltage.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFront Panel: 17-1\/2 inches (44.45cm) wide, 7-1\/8 inches (18.10cm) high. Depth behind front mounting panel is 16- 1\/2 inches (41.91cm). Clearance required in front of the Front Panel is 1 inch (2.54cm) for knobs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e75 lbs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eApproximate Age:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2007\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLink to Manual:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0003\/3275\/9084\/files\/McIntosh-MA6900-Integrated-Amplifier-Owners-Manual.pdf?v=1638554488\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eClick Here\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eRecommended Cables:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-hero-interconnects-pair-rca-ultraplate-or-wbt-connectors-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - RCA Interconnects\u003c\/a\u003e - Better\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-silver-streak-interconnects-pair-rca-ultraplate-or-wbt-connectors\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - RCA Interconnects\u003c\/a\u003e - Best\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Kimber Kable - TAK-CU - New Speciality Series Tonearm Cable, New - SkyFi Audio\" href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-tak-cu-phono-cable-with-wbt-connectors\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Phono Interconnects\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/collections\/our-kimber-kable-collection\/products\/kimber-kable-ascent-series-hero-analog-interconnects-pair-balanced-xlr-connectors-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors\u003c\/a\u003e - Better \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/collections\/our-kimber-kable-collection\/products\/kimber-kable-summit-series-silver-streak-analog-interconnects-pair-balanced-xlr-connectors-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors\u003c\/a\u003e - Best \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-8tc-8-tc-ascent-speaker-cables-pair-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Speaker Cables\u003c\/a\u003e - Better\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-summit-series-monocle-xl-speaker-cables-pair-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Summit Series Monocle XL Speaker Cables (PAIR)\u003c\/a\u003e - Best\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-summit-series-bifocal-xl-bi-wire-speaker-cables-pair-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Summit Series BiFocal XL Bi-Wire Speaker Cables (PAIR)\u003c\/a\u003e - Best If Applicable \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-pk14-pk-14-ascent-power-cord-brand-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Power Cords\u003c\/a\u003e - Better \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-ascent-series-pk10-pk-10-power-cord-brand-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Power Cords\u003c\/a\u003e - Best\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Kimber Kable Coaxial Digital Interconnect SkyFi Audio\" href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/collections\/our-kimber-kable-collection\/products\/kimber-kable-d-60-digital-interconnect-rca-bnc-or-wbt-terminations-brand-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Coaxial Digital Interconnect\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Kimber Kable Optical Digital Interconnect SkyFi Audio\" href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/collections\/our-kimber-kable-collection\/products\/kimber-kable-opt-1-optical-digital-interconnect-toslink-connector-brand-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Optical Digital Interconnect\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTesting Process:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf the device has the ability to decouple the preamplifier from the power amplifier, we remove the jumpers and independently test each section. If the device cannot be decoupled, we assess the electronic condition of the piece by analyzing the speaker level output only. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe start by connecting the \"Pre-Out\" jacks of the integrated to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface. The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1 KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe then switch to a 1 KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOnce the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf the preamp section is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNext we test the power amplifier section by connecting the integrated amplifier speaker outputs to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which acts as a dummy load, DC offset monitor, and oscilloscope interface. We start with a low level 1 KHz test signal at the \"Main In” jacks and slowly increase its amplitude while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of noise, clipping, distortion, or improper channel balance. We continue increasing the signal level until the amplifier reaches clipping.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt this point we take an output power measurement and compare it to the spec sheet of the amplifier to verify proper performance. We finish off the bench evaluation with a 1 KHz square wave check and a 20 Hz to 20 KHz sine sweep to assess the amplifier’s frequency response characteristics. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis battery of tests will usually reveal if the amplifier has any issues that need further attention. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf the preamp and power amp both pass these tests, we reconnect the sections and verify that the preamp section can drive the power amp to rated power with a 1KHz tone on one of the line level inputs. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBefore the device leaves the bench, we perform a listening test with actual music using a variety of preferred test tracks. Our benches are outfitted with familiar monitor speakers which help us identify inconsistencies that will not always show up on our test gear. The main things that we are listening for are hum or noise with no signal present, proper center image, clicks, pops, or any other obvious undesirable audio characteristics. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf the unit passes all of these tests it moves to our long term testing rig where we simulate real word operating conditions for 6-8 hours minimum. This allows us to monitor the unit for signs of thermal runaway or intermittent issues that only crop up when the unit has fully come up to temperature.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"McIntosh","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47125591523582,"sku":"104908","price":0.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0003\/3275\/9084\/files\/mcintosh-ma6900-integrated-amplifier-all-analog-with-built-in-phono-and-eq-600.jpg?v=1757443628","url":"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/en-au\/products\/mcintosh-ma6900-integrated-amplifier-all-analog-with-built-in-phono-and-eq","provider":"SkyFi Audio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}