[warrenpchi]

I’m sure McIntosh already has reviewer commitments set up. McIntosh, like almost all manufacturers are having supply chain issues ..... so the didn’t do any reviewer units as far as I’m aware. I could be wrong ...... so I’d expect to see extensive in depth reviews coming soon. Warren’s got one at home with him now. My bet is you’ll get some great information from his impressions

I'm now in that stage of the review where my Head-Fier sensibilities have kicked in, and I'm being candid and critical of the amp. It won't be out this week, but the final review is coming soon.

 

[TSAVJason]

Ok...I'm probably being a touch picky on this - perhaps "janky" was too strong a word . The control is fine, and feels the same as my Schiit knobs - it's just that the rest of the amp exudes such a high quality vibe that the knob being just standard is a contrast.

No worries ..... it’s fair

 

[Pastwa]

Just when you think that Mcintosh possibly covered every single detail, then you find out they decided to use some octal AC socket instead of the most common IEC, why make it more difficult for people that already have a very decent IEC power cable? I have instantly lost most of my initial interest.

 

[jonathan c]

Just when you think that Mcintosh possibly covered every single detail, then you find out they decided to use some octal AC socket instead of the most common IEC, why make it more difficult for people that already have a very decent IEC power cable? I have instantly lost most of my initial interest.

I agree with you. In a post some time ago, I complained about the McIntosh socket/cord. “So much for using upgrade aftermarket power cords...”

 

[TSAVJason]

Just when you think that Mcintosh possibly covered every single detail, then you find out they decided to use some octal AC socket instead of the most common IEC, why make it more difficult for people that already have a very decent IEC power cable? I have instantly lost most of my initial interest.

what should they have done? Increase the size of the unit to make the real estate available for an IEC? FYI, there are upgrade power cables in the octal configuration

 

[Pastwa]

what should they have done? Increase the size of the unit to make the real estate available for an IEC? FYI, there are upgrade power cables in the octal configuration

I presume it wouldn't make it twice as big (vide used in the review HP4 and many more compact amplifiers).

I got a very good IEC power cable I spent circa 1000$, so the suggestion to buy another one makes the MHA200 not so much attractive deal anymore (for me).

 

[Crowbar44]

Just when you think that Mcintosh possibly covered every single detail, then you find out they decided to use some octal AC socket instead of the most common IEC, why make it more difficult for people that already have a very decent IEC power cable? I have instantly lost most of my initial interest.

Well different strokes and all...but the power cord doesn't bother me at all...I assume McIntosh engineered the thing right, it sounds fantastic, the only thing I can think of is issues with perceived as opposed to actual quality...

 

[carboncopy]

I presume it wouldn't make it twice as big (vide used in the review HP4 and many more compact amplifiers).

I got a very good IEC power cable I spent circa 1000$, so the suggestion to buy another one makes the MHA200 not so much attractive deal anymore (for me).

Or you can use something like this…

https://shunyata.com/products/power-cables/venom-line-power-cables/venom-v14-mini-power-adapters/

I have one with a Venom power cord for my Tor Audio Balanced which has the same connector as the MHA200.

 

[TSAVJason]

It’s plastic and light to the touch. But all McIntosh amps and preamps use plastic knobs. To be fair, it is cheap to use plastic but not concerning (at least not to me). It has typical resistance so it doesn’t feel wrong. I think it’s just the knob and impedance selector are very small and made of plastic I can understand someone using the word “janky or cheap” while the rest of the amp is built like a tank

 

[TSAVJason]

My bad! I took a closer look. Those knobs are aluminum and are also used on other units as EQ controls

 

[warrenpchi]

Okay, the 30-minute auto off feature is starting to irritate me a little bit.

When there is no audio passing into the unit it will shut off in 30 minutes. You can bypass this Horrible but required by law feature by applying 12 volts to the control input on the back

Okay, I'm a little happier now.

I was just on the phone with @TSAVJason about something completely separate. He's been reaching out to his old friend John Hinkle at McIntosh about the MHA200, and just passed on a great tip! Turns out, there's a way to disable the auto-off feature.

Turning off the auto-off:

1. With the MHA200 already on, hold down the power (standby) button for ~5 seconds.
2. The tubes' green LEDs will go off and go back on three times to confirm that auto-off is now disabled.
3. This setting will be retained through power cycles, until you turn the auto-off back on.

Turning the auto-off back on (why???):

1. Again, with the MHA200 already on, hold down the power (standby) button for ~5 seconds.
2. The tubes' green LEDs will go off and go back on two times to confirm that auto-off is again enabled.
3. Likewise, this setting will be retained through power cycles, until you change it.

I've verified the procedure with my MHA200 here. @Crowbar44, can you test this as well when you get a chance? Thanks!

It's a good thing that this feature in included, because I was starting to read threads like this: https://audiokarma.org/forums/index...ower-amp-5v-with-a-non-mac-preamp-12v.803289/

 

[HiFiGuy528]

can't wait to hear this little guy. Stay tuned for unboxing/overview/review video on my YT channel.

 

[TSAVJason]

can't wait to hear this little guy. Stay tuned for unboxing/overview/review video on my YT channel.

you do remember calling me and asking me to get one for you a few months back .....or were you hallucinating?

 

[warrenpchi]

can't wait to hear this little guy.

I knew you wouldn't be able to resist this!

 

[TSAVJason]

I knew you wouldn't be able to resist this!

He’s not just a Sony fan boy