Did you try either amps at the McIntosh authorized dealer? If it is ok there, then there is a problem with the power line. If it isn’t ok, then the unit is defective. At any rate, your dealer should be bending over backwards for you. If not, I would demand a full refund. |
@cleeds...…………………….
I received 3 private messages. There also were a few posts in answer to my post but they seemed like guesses.
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I own a Mac MC152 power amp and a MA6600 200wpc integrated and both are dead quiet. I have never heard of that. I will ask over at Audio Aficianardo Mac forum and see if others may have a clue. I’ll report my findings back here. Did you or the dealer check to see if the transformer is bolted down tightly?
This is what I posted on Audio Aficionado:
McIntosh MC8207 Transformer buzzing
I am asking this for an Audiogon member who is having a hard time with this amp. He bought from a reputable authorized dealer and the left power transformer buzzes so loud he can hear it from his listening chair 10 feet away. He returned the unit for another amp and it has the same problem. He contacted McIntosh service on 3 different occasions. They first told him he needs dedicated lines so he had a licensed electrician do that, having 2 lines installed both with separate grounds, but no change. Then service told him to buy a power conditioner and he bought an Audioquest Niagra to the tune of 4 grand and still no change. The last time factory service told him he needs a DC Offset Blocker.
It seems to me they are taking stabs in the dark. He brought both amps to his friends house 10 miles away and the same problem, the left toroidal transformer buzzes. His house is new, only 5 years old with a 200 amp service. He is quite ticked to say the least. I feel bad for the guy and I am trying to help him out. Anyone??
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3 members of the forum told me there was a bad batch of the potted transformers which was confirmed by McIntosh. Let the dealer know about that. Best of luck and let us know how you make out. |
He already did that. He took the amp to a friends house and it still buzzed.
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I hope Tom bought it from a very good dealer with a lot of cash flow. Some stores would be unable to refund that amount of money as many rob Peter to pay Paul. I hope for a happy ending. |
I would tell the dealer you are returning everything involved for a full refund unless they do as you ask. Sounds like they are jerking you off with no happy ending. |
I am curious how the OP made out. I believe he was going to the dealer earlier this week to get it sorted out. I hope he sees this and replies. |
I wanted to upgrade my service from 100 amps to 200 amps. Was told by electrician I had to contact the electric company to have the wire from the pole to my house upgraded that will carry 200 amps. The electric company came out to evaluate. I got a letter a few days later saying that I could safely go up to 150 amps but they won’t change the drop wire as there isn’t enough “electricity” for 200 amps. I took a picture of the pole across from my house where the hook up goes and lo and behold there is a big transformer on the pole. After i appealed the letter and they realized there was a transformer there, I got my way. I went through hell and this took 6 months for the permit to be issued.
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I wonder if one of our resident Audio Guru's could build a Heavy Duty DIY Noise Blocker and charge you accordingly? I'm talking something better than the Emotiva which uses a circuit board? I would think point to point wiring would be the way to go. |
I don’t believe anyone commenting here is a licensed electrician for your area nor knows your areas electrical codes. I would trust your licensed electrician before any of us. While everyone is trying to be helpful, we are merely speculating at best. If everyone got to you and you are truly worried, have a different licensed electrician come by to look at everything for a second opinion. It will be money well spent for your piece of mind.
Do do you still have the Mac amp or did you take the refund? |
You must have nerves of steel, I would be a basket case. I would have thrown the amp in question through the stores window just out of spite. I would call McIntosh and ask if they could install the DC offset filter inside the amp for a nominal fee. If they balk, tell them you will be calling the states attorney general to file a complaint and also bad mouth them all over social media and in the different online forums. Anything to get their attention. Or, put it up for sale on Audiomart and move on.
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@tomiiv30...……………………..
McIntosh winds all their transformers in house. Don't let anyone tell you different. I toured the factory and watched the person doing it. This person has been doing it for over 40 years at McIntosh.
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All McIntosh transformers are potted with a tar like substance. |
@tomiiv30............
There are two people that wind transformers at McIntosh. That fact that the amp doesn’t buzz at the dealer is proof the transformer isn’t defective. Weather or not there is noise on your line I am unable to debate. There is not a part of the McIntosh factory that works on the “cheaper” equipment. I can say this because I have toured the factory twice. I do think McIntosh should do the right thing and give you all your money back. They won’t be losing anything other than a quick refurbishing and it would reinstore your faith in the company. Shame on them for not living up to their reputation in satisfying every customer.
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"Probably most manufactures that use fairly large toroid transformers, in their equipment, install a DC blocker. McIntosh does not."
That is what galls me the most. I own a lot of McIntosh equipment and am very happy, but it really galls me that they couldn't add a DC noise blocker inside their amps with the large to largest Toroidal transformers. IMHO, 5 customers a year is 5 too many customers. I have been thinking of trading in my MC152 amp purchasing a MC462 amp but this buzzing sound really has me take pause.
I feel McIntosh is doing a big disservice to their customers by not adding the DC blocker, or adding one to the OP unit to make the customer whole. The OP has a lot of money tied up in his amp to NOT use it because of the noise.
I have dealt with our local electric company in the past and it is like pulling teeth to get any kind of satisfaction. It took over 6 months for me to convince them that there was a power transformer across the street from my house and that the grid could easily support a 200 amp service for me. I had to take pictures from every angle and go to a meeting with them to show there was a transformer there. All they really had to do was go to my house and look across the street at the pole! The OP would be fighting a losing battle with his electric co. All they really car about is if you have power and is it safe, nothing more.
In conclusion to my rant, McIntosh should do something for this person at their cost.
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@tomiiv30I...………………………..
I would call McIntosh and talk to one of the higher ups and get some action. No one is going to call you if you don’t keep on their ass. You have a brand new amp collecting dust in the corner, not doing anything isn’t the answer. I would call and ask to speak to the persons supervisor, then when the supervisor comes on, I would ask for their supervisor. Once you are at the top, express your concerns and disappointment without getting angery (at first). See what happens. As a last resort, you could tell them you are going to plaster your story all over social media, the online forums, the works. Trust me, they will change their tune fast.
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I have been in contact with Tom who has the problem. He is done with both his dealer and the manufacturer. No one is extending a hand to help. One of our esteemed Audiogon members badgered him so badly on McIntosh's forum @ AudioAficiando that Tom said he would rather set the amp on fire. as it was his money and his right. Well, the guy still wouldn't let it go, words were said and Tom got banned from the group. Had I been Tom, I would have lost my cool with this person way before that. Personally, I think Tom got screwed. I am the one who posted his problem at AF, so I have a strong opinion on this whole ordeal. That is all I will say about this. |
"Why it so so hard for some people to understand?"
Poor reading skills, or just plain stupid.
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