Review: McIntosh MA-6400 Amplifier


Category: Amplifiers

This component started life driving my main system which consisted of Klipschorns, MSB link DAC III, sony changers (I am a couch potatoe) and a vintage TT. while it sounded big and alive in that setup it was just too powerful for the k-horns and I oculd not really get any fine control over volume levels. Moved up to my bedroom system and paired with the more demanding load provided by a pair of Klipsch Reference 3 bookshelf speakers (though by no means power soakers themselves) it now really shines. I am sure this unit will drive happpily less efficient speakers to volumes beyond tolerance! Its primary positive qualities are the dynamic slam it provides, from the deep bass all way throught the midrange you can feel it straining at the reigns, like a greyhound...with more heft...perhaps a rottweiler?...the highs are clear and extended, really a pleasure to listen to. while I won't go into detail about its feature list (see that at roger russell's site http://www.sundial.net/~rogerr/aboutmc.htm) let me confirm that this is a real McIntosh, which means it has every convienience you would hope for. Feature Laden they call it. Extensive switching options, tone controls, even a loudness control, everything accesable via remote control. Late a night, listening to anything from Miles Davis to Led Zeppelin, the front panel meters waving happily as I dance around in my underwear a la Tom Cruise (forgive the literary license)...that is what it is all about...that is what this unit gives you, the feel of the music, clear and powerful, like no other integrated I have auditioned. If you can find one (why would anyone let one go?) for the price there is nothing to equal it, enjoy!

Associated gear
Klipsch Reference 3 bookshelf speakers

A Phillips CDR-775 dubbing recorder

Creek OBH-11 headphone amp and Grado SR80 headphones

Monster M550i interconnects and Audioquest type 4 speaker cables

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Creek, Adcom, Rega
sunnysal

Showing 1 response by aball

I agree. I have liked every McIntosh integrated amp I listened to including the MA6200, 6450, 6500, 6900. I own the separates that make up the 6400 (the MC7100 and C712) and although they are more powerful, the 6400 never felt like it lacked much if anything. For the used price, these integrates are mighty fine in all aspects.