Audioscore for Mcintosh MA 6900 AC – Integrated Amplifier Review

Audio Score – Mcintosh MA 6900 AC – Integrated Amplifier Review

Introduction

The Mcintosh MA 6900 is a two-channel integrated amplifier. It was introduced in 2001 and the flagship Mcintosh integrated featuring much of the newest technology at the time.

It was in production for more than 15 years and is considered one of the most widely appreciated Mcintosh amplifiers of all time.

In this AudioIntro, I would like to highlight the features and sonic impressions I have from the 6900, based on extensive listening in a medium to large sized living room.

The MA 6900 was connected to an Isotek Aquarius EVO3, a Linn streamer and the Bowers & Wilkins 801D4 flagship speakers. The cables are from ViaBlue and are called LC 6.

The Mcintosh is a pure analog integrated and features:

1 balanced input
5 unbalanced inputs
1 MM Phono input
1 MC Phono input
1 unbalanced variable input
2 unbalanced variable outputs

On top of that, the 6900 is equipped with an analog five band equalizer.

In measurements the solid-state class A/B design is capable to push out 250 watts per channel continuous into 8 Ohms and it weights 34 KGs.

I traded the Mcintosh when I sold the customer a combination of C500 and MC601s to fire his B&W 800 D2.

If you ever have the chance to check out hifi-audio in Düsseldorf, please do. They are not only very competent, but also have a huge selection of high-end stuff. For the last 20 years, I have been a happy customer and can highly recommend a personal visit or digital on: hifi-audio.de

The Audio Scaleurs Sight & Sound Score, or The A3S-Score

Download the A3S-Score

This A3S – score review is quite simple, with 3 main chapters:

The first part SIGHT focusses on the score of the device. Based on my personal experience, I will rate the speakers in various categories, give a score for the current value and the give it an audio-score. The total score is 40 points maximum.
The second part focusses on the SOUND aspects of the device, with a maximum of 50 points.
Last, we have the VALUE part, that accounts for 10 points.

If you would like me to feature your device, please feel free to contact me or visit my website audioscaleurs.com

Time for the Audio Components Review!

01 SIGHT.

CONVENIENCE.
Because of its retro design, lack of displays and video section, the 6900 is extremely simple to use. All of the functionality can be altered on the device itself or with the remote control. Rotation of the left wheel allows you to change balance of left and right channel. The right wheel is the volume knob. Interestingly, this is not a logarithmic volume control, but a simple, 360° wheel. Same as other components in this price range, the 6900 is extremely heavy, mainly because of the two large tar-filled autoformers. The dimensions are large, with a height of 18 cm and a depth of 48 cm, but it should fit in most high-end furniture. The packaging also includes a manual, a remote and a high-end power cord. The remote control changed throughout the lifespan of the device from an HR 34 to an HR85. In Germany, you receive an upgraded power cord by purchasing through Audio-Components. Depending on the age of your unit that is either a Siltech power cord (up until about 2012) or a Shunyata Venom 3. The MA 6900 is a simple to use, well built, pure analog integrated that brings an equalizer and great technology such as a remote and autoformers. It comes with some extra features in Germany. Therefore, it receives a 5/10 for convenience.

LOOKS ANS STYLING.
With its classic Mcintosh design, the 6900 exemplifies the companies’ values and styling cues. The 6900’s style has already stood the test of time and will always be a modern classic. The manufacturing quality delivers visually appealing materials. The overall size, design and color choice is pure Mcintosh and screams build in America. In its category it is an extremely well-engineered work of art and it receives an 8/10 for looks and styling. There are great LED upgrade kits for the earlier, light-bulb-equipped Mcintosh MA 6900. Make sure to check them out to make your MA 6900 last.

QUALITY.
I tested to Mcintosh against a Swiss-made Soloution 330 integrated amplifier. When looking at the MA 6900, you see quality made in America from 20 years ago. Most of its components are hand-made and assembled. The glass-plate is thick, the knobs feel alright and the connectors are gold plated. In comparison to the Soulution however, you miss that next level of quality of modern high-end manufacturing. Therefore, the 6900 receives an 8/10 for build quality. Also note that the remote of some 6900 is a pure joke, almost a disgrace to a product that sold for 6900, - Euros here in Germany. That alone dropped the score half a point.

FEATURES.
There is a fundamental discussion on what an integrated amplifier should deliver in 2022 and what is an unnecessary gimmick. The 6900 is 20 years old and stays in great shape. Its pure analog design lets you connect high-end sources and you can be sure the Mcintosh will focus on what its engineered for. There is a nice equalizer covering 30, 150, 500, 1500 and 10000hz, a great headphone amp and you can connect a preamp to the power amp. only, or use only the preamp. to connect external power amps. You will also not invest into a sub $2k MM/MC phono preamplifier, because the MA6900 is already equipped with a great phono section. The 6900 lacks all modern streaming or digital functionality, no passthrough for home theater use. Therefore, I rate it at 4/10.

TOTAL.
Summing up the Sight Score, the 6900 is a well build, classic, pure analog, splitable and versatile integrated from the last century. It exemplifies the Mcintosh looks and has established itself as a modern classic already. For me it deserves 25 out of 40 points.

02 SOUND.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS & AUDIO EXCELLENCE.
Moving over to the very important “Sound Score”, I start with the technical specifications and audio excellence. The MA 6900 is rated at 2x200 Watt into 2, 4 and 8 Ohms. Measurements have shown that the continuous power is closer to 250 watts/channel. All this is cooled passively. The 6900 should drive any speaker to loud listening levels with ease and due to its power guard functionality, it will throttle down before any clipping occurs. The total harmonic distortion of an incredible 0.005% is, as to be expected from a Mcintosh, high-end at its best. High-level Signal to Noise ratio is 110db. Listening sessions unveiled a true powerhouse and suggests the Mcintosh is more powerful and persevering as other similar rated components. There is no balanced integrated amplifier from Mcintosh to date, but with these specifications, no one would long for one. On my scale, the Mcintosh MA 6900 delivers in the laboratory and receives a 9/10.

DETAILS.
If you look at the level of detail isolate from the rest of the audiophile capabilities, this has to be the Mcintosh’s weakest category. Not to say that you are particularly missing anything with the MA 6900 while enjoying music. It is quite the opposite; the lack of detail makes the Mcintosh sound extremely pleasing. However, in direct comparison to an MA 9000 or even a Rotel Michi X5 you hear “less” with the MA 6900. In Dire Straits Private Investigation, the Mcintosh will not have you discover Mark’s breathing, the newer models will. In all fairness, this is the 6900’s sound signature and it is meant to be that way. Looking at details and accuracy alone it is a 6.5/10.

IMAGING.
For imaging, the 6900 is at its home turf. Rarely have I had the pleasure to listen to an integrated that sounds so musical. The 6900 controls the music in a very musical, tiny bit warm, almost magical way. The soundstage is reproduced in a deep, wide, and accurate way with voices coming across very natural and colorful. I consider the performance of the 6900 almost “live”-like. This also happens when you turn the music down and listen to the imaging sensation at lower volumes. I call this sonic performance the baby-Mcintosh magic because it really is the pinnacle of the tube-like, older, yet sophisticated Mcintosh sound. – This is not possible with the X5, the Soulution 330 and many similarly priced Integrated Amplifiers. Therefore, imaging is 8/ 10.

BASS PERFORMANCE.
For bass performance, the 6900 is as controlled as the newer Mcintosh models. The bass is extremely punchy, not as dry as newer models or separates but very present in the sound. This makes the 6900 perform on the warmer end of the sound spectrum. At no time does the 6900 sound analytic, cold or harsh. It easily controls the 801’s up to very loud volumes, however, really shines at lower volumes. Relative to integrated amplifiers only, this is a magnificent achievement. That is an 8/10.

SYNERGY.
The audio score also has one more category which is called synergy. The sum of the 3 categories can either be the same score, better or worse.

Synergy is strong for the 6900 because it simply sounds special. If you like to hear all the details, buy a Rotel Michi X5, if you want to have a punchy, analytical and clear representation of a disc, get a Soulution 330. If you like magic in the room, with less details, no harsh notes but a well-balance, warm soundstage, get the 6900. The 6900 is far from neutral, however it is dead quiet, delivers exellent bass and pure harmony. 8 /10 for Synergy.

TOTAL.
For the Sound the 6900 comes in at 39.5 out of 50.

03 VALUE.

VALUE.
Without a question, if you can find a used 6900 and search for the pure Mcintosh sound of the late 90ies, this is the one to get.
You will not miss anything and simply be happy with an amazing analog amplifier that lasts a lifetime. The 6900 is the person that doesn’t follow the rules, that turns in the paper 1 minute before deadline, finds his own ways and surprises you with passion and love.

On top of that iIt looks great. –Therefore, at 4500 Euros, the 6900 will always stay in this price range. 8/10 for value.

04 A3S - SCORE.

Add it all up and the scores are 25+39.5+8= 72.5out of 100.