MCINTOSH MA6600

Pre owned. In good condition. Shows minor signs of wear as shown in the photos. Comes with original packaging and manual.

The McIntosh MA-6600 is a transistor amplifier that fully embodies the brand’s American tradition while delivering 200 W of power, making it capable of driving a wide range of loudspeakers. Despite being a transistor amplifier, the MA-6600 stands out for its innovative autotransformer system, a feature that not only ensures robustness and versatility but also allows for more efficient handling of speaker impedance variations.

McIntosh has always relied on a pair of transformers for its amplifiers, but in transistor models like the MA-6600, an autotransformer is used for the output. These transformers provide a more uniform frequency response and better adapt to changes in speaker impedance. This approach prevents distortion caused by impedance fluctuations and ensures stable power delivery regardless of the load resistance.

The autotransformer, although smaller than traditional dual-winding transformers, is designed for optimal compatibility with a wide range of speakers, including 2, 4, and 8-ohm models. With a total harmonic distortion of 0.005%, the amplifier delivers 200 W into 8 ohms, with efficient energy handling thanks to its power transformer and 100 Joules of filter capacity.

The MA-6600 is not only a powerful amplifier but also a full-featured preamplifier, offering 8 inputs—7 unbalanced—and the ability to customize each input. Thanks to the digital tone control, each channel can be adjusted for bass and treble (30 Hz and 10 kHz), with automatic memory of settings for future use. The MA-6600 also includes a high-quality headphone amplifier and a phono section for MM cartridges (47 kΩ / 65 pF).

The Power Guard circuit monitors input and output signals to prevent distortion and temperature fluctuations, adjusting the amplifier if necessary. Its elegant design, featuring a glass front panel and watt meters, showcases McIntosh craftsmanship, making the MA-6600 a refined choice for those seeking not only excellent performance but also a visually striking component.

The MA-6600’s sound is as refined as it is powerful. Despite being a transistor amplifier, it delivers precise and transparent audio, with controlled bass and well-defined mids. It excels in vocal reproduction, maintaining clarity without interference, with a wide and detailed soundstage.

The McIntosh MA-6600 combines power, versatility, and sophistication. Its elegant design and advanced technical solutions make it an ideal choice for high-end audio systems. While not ideal for extremely sensitive or low-impedance speakers, the MA-6600 performs best with dynamic speakers, delivering incredibly precise and detailed sound.

Technical Specifications:

• Continuous minimum power per channel (both channels driven): 200 W
• Output load impedance: 2, 4, or 8 Ω
• Rated power frequency: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.005% maximum with both channels active from 250 mW to rated power, 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Frequency response: +0, -0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz; +0, -3 dB from 10 Hz to 100 kHz
• Preamplifier outputs 1 and 2 (for nominal input): 1.4 V unbalanced (8 V max)
• Sensitivity (for nominal output): high level 250 mV unbalanced, 500 mV balanced; Phono 2.5 mV; Power Amp In 1.4 V
• Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted): high level 92 dB at rated power; Phono 84 dB at 5 mV input; Power Amplifier 115 dB at rated power
• Intermodulation distortion: 0.005% maximum if instantaneous peak power ≤ 400 W per channel, both channels driven, any combination of frequencies 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Wideband damping factor: > 40
• Input impedance: high level 20 kΩ; Phono 47 kΩ, 65 pF; Power Amp In 10 kΩ
• Maximum input signal: high level 8 V unbalanced, 16 V balanced; Phono 80 mV; Power Amplifier In 16 V
• Preamplifier output impedance: 220 Ω
• Voltage gain: high level to Rec Output 0 dB; high level to Output 1 and 2 15 dB; Phono to Rec Output 40 dB; Phono to Output 1 and 2 55 dB; Power Amplifier 29 dB
• Tone controls: bass ±12 dB (1 dB steps) @ 30 Hz; treble ±12 dB (1 dB steps) @ 10 kHz
• Overall dimensions (H x W x D, including front panel, knobs, feet, and cables): 19.37 x 44.45 x 55.88 cm
• Weight: 34.1 kg