Kayo Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 Hey team. I was fortunate to pick up a pair of mint Forte's about 4 months ago. OMG, the upgrade vs. my Heresy's is incredible! But now, I'm wondering if it's worth the trip to buy a MA6100 to replace my Denon. Will the McIntosh make a material sound difference or will my old ears even notice the change. BTW, Bob Crites reworked the crossovers and that made a significant difference in the top end. But now, I need an honest opinion on the MA6100. I'm primarily listening to jazz on CDs. Thx! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gambo Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 I have used a MA-6100 amp since 1984. Many years of enjoyment with no issues. Great build quality and the sound is tube -like warm.... (70w) mine are hooked up to heresy ii Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kayo Posted November 26, 2011 Author Share Posted November 26, 2011 Thx Gambo! In your humble opinion, is it worth $700 - $800 to make the change? Just want to validate that the investment will matter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
runninshine Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 I've never heard the 6100 but I love my MC2505 (50wpc) I am sure you'd love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxx Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 If you can get your hands on a good one, you will not be disappointed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nu2toobs Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 I agree with Boxx an Runninshine, you should notice an improvement. I just installed an MA6450, and couldn't be happier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rcarlton Posted November 27, 2011 Share Posted November 27, 2011 MA6100 should go for less than $500 now. Doubt if it would make $700-800 worth of difference. Really depends on the Denon you are replacing, although you will hear subtle differences. The MA6100 does have a problematic volume pot (I've replaced mine and use a power strip for on-off). I would not go that route. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheltie dave Posted November 27, 2011 Share Posted November 27, 2011 I would give only a lukewarm recommendation, and at the $500 level. It will be an improvement, but I would look at other Macs at that price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kayo Posted November 27, 2011 Author Share Posted November 27, 2011 Thx for the honest opinions folks. I sincerely appreciate it! So if I'm leaning away from the MA6100, any recos on what to get if I'm looking to invest $500 to $700? This is for an occassional listening room (about 20'x20'), still looking for the best jazz I can get out of the super-efficient Forte's. Thx again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Escher Posted November 29, 2011 Share Posted November 29, 2011 Just to put another nail in the MA6100 coffin... I also had the volume pot balance issue, but after much research and discussion with a local dealer / tech, found that its actually a system wide grounding issue. The older integrated mac's used small blade and socket connectors on most of the wiring, and these are problematic after 40 years.... I went through and tried to solder many of them (the previous owner had some quite a few as well), but there was still enough ground bleed to cause the balance bias issue... I did replace the volume pot (for $100!!!) but that had no effect... In the end I sold the unit for less than half what I purchased it for.. Definitely avoid the 6100 unless you can extensively test it and know the issue has already been addressed. All that being said - when I did use the unit, it was very nice sounding.... but maddening becuase I had to adjust the balance every time I touched the volume... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groomlakearea51 Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 I'd recommend the 6400/ 6450 if you can find one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emmvette Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 For that kind of money another route you could go is an inexpensive tube integrated. If you are patient and look around you can find one that somebody reputable has gone through already. For example a tube based Scott or Fisher stereo; or without a tuner a Stromberg Carlson tube amp. The S/C could be had for $300-$400 already refurbished. Just another idea to consider. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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