2. amps-preamps
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McIntosh (MC601) amplifier overheating problem

Hello everyone - A buddy of mine has MC601s that have recently started overheating.  Each amp went into protection mode after emitting a burning smell, and both had to have an output transistor replaced (at different times).  

My internet digging has revealed that ThermalTrak transistors are not very reliable, or at least the early batches were not.  Ayre has also reported overheated MX-R amps with the same problem.  They apparently can fail after years of use, which is not good news for owners!

I'm trying to get a feel for how widespread this problem may be (at this point in time)?  Each transistor replacement is $400, and there's an awful lot of output transistors in MC601s...!!  I convinced my brother to also get MC601s so I'm starting to get really worried his will fail too in the near future.

So far, McIntosh's response to my inquiry has been vague and reticent, unlike Ayre who apparently went to great lengths to remedy this issue for their owners.  Has anyone out there had this problem with McIntosh or Ayre?  

aball
aball OP
2,016 posts
 
That's right.
miketuason
333 posts
 
What’s the latest on this aball?
aball OP
2,016 posts
 
McIntosh has gone silent in my attempts to get them to help!  

Ayre took back their amps, and even sent out an RMA for shipping them back (Charlie posted in another forum about it), whether they were under warranty or not.  But McIntosh apparently doesn't care about their customers anymore.  It's so unfortunate.  It seems my friend will be on the hook for having all the output transistors replaced on his dime, despite the fact McIntosh sold defective amplifiers.  I'm guessing it'll cost him $1500, maybe $2000, plus shipping.  It's a big job.  My brother and I also have ThermalTrak amps...I hope they will be ok.
clearthink
1,421 posts
 

aball"McIntosh has gone silent in my attempts to get them to help!"

I find this very hard to believe something does not sound right here not only does McIntosh make some the finest, best sounding and most reliable amplifiers in the world but they also provide first class service and attention through there many many dealers and distributors in their vast distribution network so you're experience hear tells me that you are not providing all of the information regarding your circumstances perhaps these amplifiers have been previously improperly repaired, modified or abused.  
aball OP
2,016 posts
 
Good grief, you again.  If you have doubts about my understanding of McIntosh, I suggest you read the 1000+ posts of mine from 15 years ago.  Until then, stop your useless assumptions.

What I am presenting here is reality.  As I've already stated, the service center was recommended by Chuck Hinton (apparently you don't know that he is the McIntosh tech support manager).  I am currently waiting to hear back from the service manager, who I hope will be helpful.  


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