RESTORATION SERVICE----McINTOSH MA-6200 AMPLIFIER

MUST READ---MUST READ---MUST READ!!! Seriously, read this first. This listing is for the technical service and parts that EVERY MA-6200 must have to function in a manner worthy of its heritage. To purchase this listing, you must have an MA-6200 to send in for service, or you must be in the process of buying one. Why am I so sure that each and every MA-6200 needs this service? Well, I do this all the time, and I wouldn't dream of using an older amplifier without first seeing to it that it is in proper condition. That goes double for an amp of this quality. Figure this, why have a McIntosh if it functions well below its capacity. You might as well have one of those nasty home theater things that you can buy for $119.95. So if you have an MA-6200, or are considering getting one, you will need this service.....read on. If you have a different model of McIntosh and you are sure it could work better than it does now, read on. You will note that I have a lot of McIntosh listings, and if yours doesn't show up, I will probably compose it next. Call and ask about your model.

So they made the MA-6200 for quite a while, my bluebook indicates 1978-1991. They wouldn't have done that if it didn't fill the need for quite a few buyers. It is true. Here you have a versatile amp/preamp combination.....not too large, not too complicated, in short, just the ticket for a music system that is of definite high quality without going overboard. It is not out of place in the small cubbyhole or office, but it has enough power that if you'd like for it to be your main stereo, it can do it. Hmmmmm, not a bad combination of circumstances. Additionally, it has quite a few places to plug things in and has good flexibility of controls. Besides these advantages, the 6200 is electrically very stable, runs fairly cool, sounds good, and doesn't blow up very often.

Your thought is, "If it is so damn good, why do you need to do anything to it at all?" Good question. Not too long ago a fellow sent me a note about a 35 year old amplifier and he insisted that it was so well made that it couldn't possibly need anything. I see....ok, well I think I will not go for a ride in this fellow's car. After all, you do service your Mercedes Benz don't you. As those wise sages the Three Stooges said: "Time wounds all heels." Even the best equipment, given enough years, needs to be freshened up.

So what exactly is a "complete restoration" on an MA-6200. The short answer is cleanup, alignment, and replacement of the parts that have a history of failure or reduced performance. For the more inquisitive, here is the longer answer. First, the unit is disassembled, top, bottom, front panel, the whole works. Then it is thoroughly dusted out, after which all controls and switches are cleaned and deoxidized. The controls then work much better. Next, the driver boards (part of the power amplifier) are removed and all electrolytic capacitors on these boards are replaced. The signal transistors in the first stage of the power amp are replaced as well as any problem here is amplified to become a much bigger problem. The driver boards have a multi-plug and this is cleaned and deoxidized. They are also inspected for any questionable solder joints, as we occasionally find a few and resolder them.

At this point, we go to the regulated power supply. This section runs a bit hot so it is also inspected for bad joints. Since the regulated supply must be very precise, all the major capacitors in this area are replaced. The regulated lines are all checked for correct and stable voltages. I do not automatically replace the B+/B- capacitors as I have yet to see one fail on this model. The preamp section itself fails very rarely. There is occasional work to do there, but it is not automatic. When all of these things are done, it is very likely that the unit will be very stable and right on specifications. It will then be allowed to play for a day in order to confirm performance and the absence of any intermittent problems. Major amp section parameters, bias and dc offset, are monitored during this burn in as any instability will show up here first.

After the unit has convinced me that it is happy, it receives complete cosmetic and lamp replacement. A clean and pretty unit is a happy unit. At this point you have an integrated amplifier that will perform well for a number of years and will be very competetive with your alternatives. I have not personally owned a 6200, but I have seen so many that I can recommend them highly. That is not to say that they are never troublesome. I had one a while back that had a very intermittent instability, and I didn't like that one at all, I'm glad it wasn't mine. It was very much the exception though. So if you have a 6200, you can decide to have it restored with considerable confidence. If you are looking to buy one, don't be fooled by the listings that suggest that it is perfectly ok as is. I am not suggesting that the sellers are dishonest, simply that they are satisfied if they test it and it works. Likewise, if someone says that the unit is serviced, unless they give you a service description that includes all the things I described above, you can bet your boots that all they did was to dust it out, clean the controls, and maybe replace a lamp or two. It is good to have those things done, but the rest of the service is necessary to getting excellent performance and reliability.

When it comes to vintage audio, don't have the work done by the very nice fellow who does home theater, vcr, tv, microwave....etc. You must use a specialist because experience is absolutely necessary. It is also useful if the specialist has a shop cat, several dogs, and lives in Texas. Call me up and tell me about it. Thanks, Bill.