McIntosh Announces MC3500 Vacuum Tube Amplifier Mk II Read More. Qobuz Expands in Asia Acquiring E-Onkyo Mark Levinson Introduces New Turntable, Amplifier, and Pre-Amplifier Read More. Stereophile Review of Bel Canto REF600M Amplifiers Read More. New Audio Show Coming to Los Angeles, Summer 2017. Big on Performance, Compact in Size: Roon-Tested McIntosh MA5300 Integrated Amplifier Supports DSD256 and DXD 384kHz, Features 8-Channel 32-Bit/192kHz DAC, Phono Preamp, Much More. Dressed to the proverbial nines with cutting-edge technology, requiring no warm-up time for optimal performance, and featuring high-resolution DSD256 and DX Power Control input jack receives turn-on signals from a McIntosh component Power Control output jack sends turn-on signals to another McIntosh component Data In jack receives control data from a McIntosh Control Center IR input for connecting an IR receiver remote control detachable power cord 17-1/2"W x 6"H x 19"D weight: 26 lbs. DAC iFI Pro iDSD; Hegel HD 30; Ressonense LabInvicta Mirus (Pro). 25 results for mcintosh ma 6900. Save this search. McINTOSH MA-230 STEREO AMPLIFIER Repair, Parts, w/ manual, brochure. powers up Opens in a new window or tab. I own a McIntosh MA 6900 Integrated Amp. I'm thinking of replacing the stock power cord with an upgrade. I notice that power cords are described as either 15 Amp or 20 amp. Which rating applies to the 6900? Thanks Xy6d2. Never let it be said that variety is in short supply amongst hi-fi designers. In direct contrast to nearly every other integrated amplifier in this series, the McIntosh MA6900 stands out like an off-roader amongst grocery carts. Indeed, two specifications make it immediately apparent that the McIntosh arrived from a completely different direction than especially the slim-line Krell and Pink Triangle or the diminutive Red Rose Rosette this device measures a massive 17 1/2x7 1/16x18 1/8in WHD including connectors and it weighs a serious 41lb. Additional Resources• Read a Ken Kessler review of the Pink Triangle Inergral Integrated Amp Reviewed.• Check out this review of Krell's FBI top-of-the-line Integrated amp reviewed. Because McIntosh is as much a tradition as it is a hi-fi manufacturer, and because its current owners haven't dumped all over its legacy as has happened with other luxury products I can name car and watch companies which have been whored to death, there is no identity crisis. The MA6900 unashamedly reeks of retro, of Mac-ism, with its real glass front panel, its gilded knobs, its massive 'Peak Responding Output Meters' - blue-lit analogue dials being as important to McIntosh as the round cream-coloured modulometers are to Nagra. Mac's meters are calibrated in 'watts output', and they 'respond 95% full scale to a single cycle tone burst at 2kHz - almost 10 times faster than a professional VU meter.' They look so cool when the room is dimply lit that you're forgiven for shutting off the lights just to bask in their glow. It's genuine time-warp stuff, despite the modernism imparted by its suitability for custom installation and home theatre integration. There's a shopping list here which is true to the Binghampton Creed, just as Jaguars X-type aside... should boast wood and leather interiors a stainless steel chassis; the massive, proprietary 'Output Autoformers' which provide amplifier matching for 2, 4 and 8 ohm speaker loads; controls - fashion be damned! - for loudness compensation, mono selection and five-band equalization via rotaries operating at 30, 150, 500, 1500 and 10k Hz, +/-12dB, the design being an 'Exclusive McIntosh Equalizer Circuit'. Competition and ComparisonYou can compare the McIntosh MA6900 against other integrated amps by reading our reviews for Krell's KAV-300i integrated amp and the AMC CVT 3030 integrated amp. You can find more information available in our Amplifier section and on our McIntosh brand page. As is obvious, McIntosh is the antithesis of the still-current-after-25-years School of Minimalism. No doubt due to its primary audience consisting of wealthy professionals, McIntosh doesn't believe its clientele should suffer any inconvenience. Thus, the MA6900 also boasts full remote control over six program sources Phono/Aux, CD1, CD2, Tuner, Tape, and Video, including one XLR balanced input marked CD, with all functions operated by 'Logic Driven Electro Magnetic Switching' for reliability and low distortion. This integrated, by the way, boasts so many layers of protection that one cannot imagine any circumstances under which it would take out your speakers or your home thermal sensors to turn off the output when improper loading or ventilation causes overheating, turn-on delay to prevent thumps, 'Power Guard' circuit - a waveform comparator which monitors the wave shape of the amplifier input and output signals - to prevent clipping while protecting speakers from damage, an electronically-regulated power supply to maintain stable operation 'even during "Brown Outs" or low line voltage', direct-current speaker protection which shorts the MA6900 to ground if for any reason a DC voltage appears at the amplifier output, Sentry Monitor to sense the dynamic operating time, voltage and current of the amplifier output stage to confine it to non-destructive limits and more. Paranoia? Sure - but so-o-o reassuring. Especially if you've ever seen flames from your system. As I have. Although the front panel is crammed with lights, meters, buttons and rotaries, there's a sense of sanity about it because the design is symmetrical and wholly functional. The meters occupy the upper half, flanking the Power Guard tell-tales. Below are two large rotaries for balance and volume, on either side of the five equalizer controls. Below this, from left to right, are the IR sensor, a row of six buttons for source selection, a headphone socket, six more buttons for mono, output selection, mute, loudness and standby, and lastly the primary power on/off. McIntosh recommends leaving the unit in standby when not in use; warm-up takes a good hour by my aural reckoning. Your eyes will pop out when you see the back, wondering if someone slipped in an A/V receiver when you weren't looking. The upper section contains two vertical rows of multi-way binding posts for 2/4/8 ohm speaker selection; XLRs for the balanced CD input sits in-between. Across the bottom are the IEC mains input, followed by a dozen small sockets and a large screw terminal for controlling an external video switcher offering five more A/V inputs, powering up other components, mating the unit to a keypad for a second room, and other functions related to custom installations. The remaining sockets are conventional, gold-plated phonos for all sources and tape in/out, pre/main separation, and a tiny toggle to choose set the phono/aux to either mm phono or line level; there's also an earth post for a turntable. The remote performs all major functions, as well as controlling other McIntosh components such as CD players and tuners. If you accept that the McIntosh experience is to audio what Leica cameras are to film photography, the performance is almost secondary because you assume it will be stellar. The reason you 'buy into' McIntosh is because you want to be part of that culture, of unparalleled back-up, Mercedes-like reliability, faultless build-quality, timeless styling, small 'c' conservatism. But all of that is worth nothing if it doesn't deliver sound quality approaching the best. Fortunately, after a dark era when the company seemed to go out of its way to aggravate subjective listeners, the company returned to performance-related matters and has not had to apologise for anything for nearly a decade. The MA6900 will, then, confound those who refuse to accept that something so sensibly, intelligently designed and manufactured can hold its own against self-immolating, cranky, ugly, over-priced but politically-correct garbage from the cottage industry. In direct contrast to Pink Triangle's Integral, which offered a wide but shallow sound stage, the McIntosh offers a blissfully deep soundstage but one which barely extends beyond the speakers. I used the Mac with Wilson WATT Puppy System 6, Wharfedale Diamond and Apogee Scintilla speakers, and the effect varied not one bit. When you consider that this amplifier is sized like a monster stand-alone power amp rather than a convenience-and-compactness-to-the-fore integrated, this aspect does make it sound 'small'. I say that only because the consensus seems to suggest that stage width is more important to most listeners than stage depth which explains how certain fifth-rate British amplifiers have managed to survive for so long. It's not that the Mac is a poor stereo performer - the stage depth will dazzle you - but it does confuse listeners who have grown used to sound way beyond the speakers' edges. Yes, it can be remedied in part by repositioning your loudspeakers, but at the expense of stage depth. Then again, you have a lot of the latter which you can sacrifice. Like the Gryphon, the MA6900 was easy to listen to for hours due to its delicacy and refinement, while at the same time offering seemingly limitless power and an ability to behave like a wild animal when required. But I noticed another curious phenomenon, one which will amuse reviewer Jimmy Hughes, who - I believe - was one of the first to postulate that every piece of music has an optimum playback level. This, of course, is logical if you were sitting at a specific position at a given concert, there would be a 'true' sound level. Whatever, it was a rare observation of Jimmy's with which I actually agreed. The McIntosh made this concept an even more vivid concern, and setting the volume reminded me of focussing a manual camera. It provided a narrow band where the level was nigh on perfect. A dB or two either way and it lost precision, grew a shade shouty, or became nasal. And rather than seem a hindrance, this quality merely reinforced the notion that the McIntosh was a true high performance device, much more than a universal player for soft-arsed dentists or lawyers who buy gear according to the range of facilities. Read more on Page 2 Although I'm loath to describe ANY amp as best suited for a specific kind of music - if a product excels on one genre at the cost of another, then it's seriously flawed - the MA6900 was so convincing with vocals that I found myself gravitating toward unplugged performances, lean country or folk recordings, gospel and a capella. The sheer power allowed the Mac to deliver the goods with ease when it came to orchestral, heavy metal , bass-heavy dance mixes and the like, but there was an eerie sensation that the actual amplifier seemed to be enjoying itself when I fed it the O Brother Where Art Thou? soundtrack, Dolly Parton's or Alison Krauss' bluegrass ventures, or Sarah Vaughan on Classic vinyl. When the editor and I first realised that there was a new wave of high-end integrated amplifiers and that we had undertaken the reviewing of a number of them almost unconsciously, I had hoped that there would be an easily-determined pecking order. But they are proving to be more dissimilar than similar, and I fear that I will end the survey in a state of confusion. The McIntosh MA6900 emulates the Krell for sheer grunt, the Gryphon for finish and finesse and the Pink for user-friendliness and build quality. Conversely, it adds its own characteristics of retro appeal, limitless flexibility, and a distinctive but always pleasing sound. But it has one other trait which I know will make the bile rise amongst the more left-wing readers Sorry, but at 3990, I have to declare the Mac a bargain. It offers incomparable perceived value, a reputation for dependability and factory support second to in the entire audio industry, and an ability to impart the same sort of user confidence which will prevent me from buying the Alfa Romeo I covet in favour of something from the Fatherland. Maybe it's the easy option if you're looking for a huge integrated amp at this price point, while your audiophile tendency is screaming 'No!'...just as some photographers are still resisting digital cameras because of similar prejudices. Forget that, please listen to your brain this time, and I promise you that your heart will not complain. This amp is a dream. Additional Resources• Read a Ken Kessler review of the Pink Triangle Inergral Integrated Amp Reviewed.• Check out this review of Krell's FBI top-of-the-line Integrated amp reviewed. McIntosh MA6900 Integrated serviced. All new bulbs and a new glass face plate required a 6 month wait to get it from McIntoshIncludes x 200 watts 8/4/2 ohmsExclusive McIntosh output autoformersWide power bandwidth with ultra-low distortionExclusive McIntosh Power Assurance SystemPower Guard clipping protectionSentry Monitor current protectionThermal CutoutDC Failure protectionTurn-On DelaySoft Start inrush protectionIlluminated peak-responding wattmetersExclusive McIntosh 5-band equalizer circuitSilent electromagnetic switchingPrecision-trimmed volume controlLoudness Compensation6 source selections including phono; one balanced inputSwitching for 2 outputsElectronically regulated power supply with double-shieldedtransformerGold-plated input and output jacksFanless convection coolingModular construction with polished stainless steel chassisGlass front panel with illuminated nomenclatureInfrared remote controlConnector for external IR sensor or keypad controllerHeadphone jackThis item is sold As-DescribedThis item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original More. MCINTOSH MA6900 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIEREXCELLENT CONDITION. MINOR SIGNS OF PREVIOUS USE, WORKS PERFECTLY, SOUNDS FANTASTIC. AN AMAZING, MCINTOSH QUALITY INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER. INCLUDES ORIGINAL BOX & HR044 REMOTE. A FANTASTIC PIECE OF EQUIPMENT FOR ANY AUDIOPHILE. UXXX/UAIX Manuals Brands McIntosh Manuals Amplifier MA6900 Owner's manual Contents Table of Contents Bookmarks Quick Links Integrated Amplifier MA6900 Owner's Manual McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone 607-723-3512 FAX 607-724-0549 Related Manuals for McIntosh MA6900 Summary of Contents for McIntosh MA6900 Page 1 Integrated Amplifier Integrated Amplifier MA6900 Owner’s Manual McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone 607-723-3512 FAX 607-724-0549... Page 2 Safety Instructions The exclamation point within an equi- The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an equilateral triangle, is intended lateral triangle is intended to alert the to alert the user to the presence of user to the presence of important uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within operating and maintenance servic- the product’s enclosure that may be of ing instructions in the literature ac-... Page 3 Table Of Contents Phone 607-723-1545 Fax 607-723-3636 Customer Service If it is determined that your McIntosh product is in need of repair, you can return it to your dealer. You can also return it to the McIntosh Laboratory Service Department. For as- sistance on factory repair return procedure, contact the McIntosh Service Department at McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. Page 4 Important Information 12 Gauge. • • • • • Electronic Input Switching 5. In the event that the MA6900 over heats, due to improper Digital Logic integrated circuits drive Electromagnetic ventilation and/or high ambient temperature, the protection Switches on all six inputs and operating functions for reli- circuits will activate. Page 5 Dimensions MA6900 Dimensions MA6900 Dimensions The following dimensions can assist in determining the best location for your MA6900. There is additional infor- mation on the next page pertaining to installing the MA6900 into cabinets. " Front View of the MA6900 "... Page 6 Installation Installation on each side of the amplifier, so that airflow is The MA6900 can be placed upright on a table or shelf, standing on its four feet. It also can be custom installed in a not obstructed. Allow 20 inches depth behind the piece of furniture or cabinet of your choice. Page 7 Rear Panel Connections And Switch MA6900 Rear Panel Connections and Switch Main Fuse holder, Right OUTPUT CD1 balanced INPUTS TAPE OUTPUTS Left OUTPUT refer to information Connections for accept high level program provide the Record Connections for on the back panel 2, 4 or 8 ohm... Page 8 How To Connect For Loudspeakers How to Connect Loudspeakers How to Connect Loudspeakers Caution The supplied AC Power Cord should not be connected to the Rear Panel of the MA6900 Amplifier until after the Loudspeaker Connections have been made. Failure to observe this could result in Electric Shock. Page 9 How To Connect For Audio And Data Control OUTPUTS to the Record Inputs of a Tape Recorder Jack. and from the MA6900 TAPE INPUTS to a Tape Re- 9. Connect the MA6900 Power Cord to a live AC outlet. corder Outputs. 5. Connect a Control Cable from the MA6900 POWER CONTROL ACC Jack to the Power Control In on the McIntosh Tuner. Page 10 How To Connect For Video How to Connect for Video Switching How to Connect for Video Switching 1. Connect a Data cable from the MA6900 VIDEO DATA Video Output to the Audio/Video Selector Video Input PORT to the Audio/Video Selector Data In jack. and the Control Out to the Audio/Video Selector Data 2. Page 11 How To Connect For A Second Room How to Connect for a Second Room How to Connect for a Second Room 1. Connect Audio Cables from the MA6900 OUTPUTS 2 to the Second Power Amplifier Inputs. 2. Connect Hookup Cables from the Second Power Am- Keypad plifier to the loudspeakers. Refer to page 8 in this Owner’s Manual for connection details. Page 12 Front Panel Controls, Display, Indicator Push-Button And Switch Select any one MONO push-button MUTE push-button STANDBY/ON of the six Audio combines the left and mutes the listening push-button turns signal sources right channel signals for audio the MA6900 ON, Mono operation or OFF Standby Page 13 How To Operate PH/AUX inputs, set indicate the MA6900 is in Standby the PH AUX switch to the PH position. mode. To turn On the MA6900, press When using an auxiliary program source the STANDBY/ON push-button. The component connected to the PH/AUX... Page 14 Reset of Microprocessors Note The MA6900 TAPE OUTPUTS are not affected by the VOLUME or BALANCE controls. In the event that the controls of the MA6900 stop function- ing, push the POWER switch OFF and wait about two min- Power Output Meters utes. Page 15 Notes... Page 16 Remote Control Push-Buttons Remote Control Push-Buttons Press to Power the LED illuminates during the Press MODE to switch between MA6900 ON or OFF time a remote command is Stereo or Mono Modes sent to the MA6900 Turns AC Power ON or OFF to cer-... Page 17 How To Operate By Remote Control When one of the Audio/Video Inputs SAT, Acc On LV, TV, VCR, VCR2 and DVD are selected by remote Press ACC ON to turn the power ON to a McIntosh Disc control, the MA6900 will automatically switch to the Player. Page 18 Technical Description Integrated Ampli- fier McIntosh has ever manufactured. The distortion limits for the MA6900 are no more than at rated power output for all frequencies from 20Hz to 20,000Hz. Typical performance at mid frequencies is less than The true distortion readings on the MA6900 are so low, it takes special measuring techniques to make accurate readings. Page 19 All inputs, outputs, and data ports are controlled by current amplification must be as linear as possible prior to logic circuits in the MA6900. The logic is changed by front the use of negative feedback. McIntosh engineers know panel push-buttons or by a microprocessor IR decoder. Page 20 Re- tributes to low operating temperatures. More than 621 fer to figures 14, 15 and 16. An square inches of heat sink area keep the MA6900 operating overdriven amplifier can pro- safely with convection cooling. No fans are needed. Page 21 Power Supply Circuits With Power Guard tronic attenuator at the amplifier To compliment the design of the MA6900, there is a high input reduces the input volume voltage power supply for both channels. Refer to figure 17. just enough to prevent any fur- The power amplifiers draw high current from the AC ther increase in distortion. Page 22 Specifications 230 Volts, 50/60Hz at Amps Frequency Response 240 Volts, 50/60Hz at Amps +0, from 20Hz to 20,000Hz Note Refer to the rear panel of the MA6900 for the correct +0, -3dB from 10Hz to 100,000Hz voltage. Sensitivity Overall Dimensions Phono, for rated output IHF Page 23 Packing Instruction 104033 10 x 1-3/4 inch Flat washer or write Customer Service Department of McIntosh Labo- ratory. Please see the Part List for the correct part numbers. 017218 Plastic foot... Page 24 McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, NY 13903 The continuous improvement of its products is the policy of McIntosh Laboratory Incorporated who reserve the right to improve design without notice. Printed in the McIntosh Part No. 04099100... This is the last of the real McIntosh analog integrated amps, in gorgeous condition and fully tested. Unlike modern integrated amplifiers, this unit has what we believe to be two distinct advantages. For 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. Second, 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. The EQ is 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. Tried and true McIntosh patented Power Guard helps to keep things from going wrong and fast to your speakers due to overdriving/clipping. The glass is impeccable, and the paintwork is devoid of any scratches or dents. We'll include a remote, plus this will ship in a brand new McIntosh-made double official box guaranteeing safe transport. Standout McIntosh Features include• Power OutputThe MA6900 consists of two separate power amplifier channels, each capable of 200 watts into 2, 4 or 8 ohm speakers with less than distortion.• Electronic Input SwitchingDigital Logic integrated circuits drive Electromagnetic Switches on all six inputs and operating functions for reliable, noiseless, distortion free switching.• Power GuardBoth 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.• Sentry Monitor and Thermal ProtectionMcIntosh 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. Patented AutoformersMcIntosh 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.• Illuminated Power MetersThe Illuminated Power Output Meters on the MA6900 are peak responding, and indicate the power output of the amplifier. Click below to add our recommended matching cables from Kimber Kable, all brand new as SkyFi is an official Kimber dealer. Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects Kimber Kable - XLR Interconnects Kimber Kable - Speaker Cables Kimber Kable - Power Cords SpecificationsPower OutputMinimum sine wave continuous average power output per channel, all channels operating is200 watts into 2 ohm load200 watts into 4 ohm load200 watts into 8 ohm loadRated Power Band20Hz to 20,000HzTotal Harmonic DistortionMaximum Total Harmonic Distortion at any power level from 250 milliwatts to rated power output is for 2, 4 or 8 ohm loadsDynamic Headroom Response+0, from 20Hz to 20,000Hz +0, -3dB from 10Hz to 100,000HzSensitivityPhono, for rated output IHF High Level, 250mV for rated output 50mV IHF Power Amplifier Input, for rated outputSignal To Noise Ratio A Weighted90dB 84dB IHF below 10mV input, Phono Input 100dB 90dB IHF below rated output, High Level 110dB below rated output, Power AmplifierIntermodulation DistortionMaximum 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 for 2, 4 or 8 ohm loadsInput ImpedancePhono, 47K ohms, 65pF High Level, 22K ohmsMaximum Input SignalPhono, 90mV High Level, 8VPreamplifier Maximum Voltage OutputPhono, 8V at tape outputHigh Level, 8V at tape output Main Out, 8V at preamp outputVoltage GainHigh Level to Tape 0dB High Level to Main 20dBWide Band Damping FactorGreater than 40Power Requirements100 Volts, 50/60Hz at Amps 110 Volts, 50/60Hz at Amps 120 Volts, 50/60Hz at Amps 220 Volts, 50/60Hz at Amps 230 Volts, 50/60Hz at Amps 240 Volts, 50/60Hz at AmpsNote Refer to the rear panel of the MA6900 for the correct DimensionsFront Panel 17-1/2 inches wide, 7-1/8 inches high. Depth behind front mounting panel is 16- 1/2 inches Clearance required in front of the Front Panel is 1 inch for pounds Kg net, pounds Kg in shipping carton Mcintosh MA6900 Integrated Amplifier - Owner's Manual The SkyFi Testing Process for Integrated AmplifiersWe start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and transistors are checked for signs of stress or damage. We then power up the unit carefully and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise. Finally, we run the amplifier to its full rated power into the appropriate resistive load provided by our Sencore amplifier tester. If there is an issue, it will usually be noticeable at this point. If everything reads clean, we will often test for THD Total Harmonic Distortion measured by our Keithley distortion meter, and compare it against the original manufacturers specifications. The amplifier then remains powered on to "burn in" on our test bench for a few hours to make sure there are no heat related issues. If there are balanced inputs available they will be also be testing involves pushing actual music thorough the amplifier. We've learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage KEF speakers that we're very familiar with which quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some amplifiers will then move into our listening room where they are tested with our in-house reference speakers of choice. Item Included Box Brand New McIntosh - On Order Manual Online Remote Yes Cables Yes - Power Physical Condition 8 Working Condition 10

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