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McIntosh Flunking the Course in Washington State...What Do You Think?

According to McIntosh website, there continues to be "NO" authorized repair in the state of Washington.  

To make it worse, when I contacted McIntosh regarding my MHA-100 which had front display issue, the person I talked with was dismissive and absolutely no help...this after I couldn’t get them to call me back (I had to have someone chase him down).  For the first time ever, a McIntosh person came across as professionally rude.

I’m afraid the best stereo manufacturer in America may be sliding down a slippery slope as service is usually the first thing that goes, after being purchased by a market hungry company.  Manufacturing quality and the product itself usually follow.  This just caused me to "not buy" the new McIntosh streamer and go with Aurender instead.  There are too many alternatives at this price point to be patient with McIntosh.

So although I’ve given up on McIntosh, I may still need the equipment I own repaired.  Does anyone know of anyone in the Seattle-Tacoma area that repairs McIntosh equipment?

 

 

 

bheyamoto
speedthrills
215 posts
 

I'm surprised you had that experience, they've always been responsive and helpful when I've called for both advice on some programming on my c53 and or repair/diagnosis issues. Audio Classics in Vestal NY is their largest, oldest and best servicer and a dealer I beleive. They'll fix it right- they're also a few miles from the McIntosh HQ. They've been around for 40 years or more. Ask for Steve (the owner) or Ryan. 

devinplombier
1,648 posts
 

@bheyamoto 

You were apparently the exception in getting bad service from McIntosh. 

Maybe you’ll continue being the exception and you’ll get good service from Inner Sound.

Do your research before you drive down.

 

oldelectricalinspector
55 posts
 

I live near Seattle. I contacted the folks at inner sound by email. They actually called me back and were very helpful.  I was inquiring about re- capping my MC 352 amps ( I have two) . They advised to wait till I could detect a bit of 60 cycle hum. Currently they are dead quiet. I would make the 3 hr trip in a heartbeat 

two thumbs up 

rich

emergingsoul
1,528 posts
 

My experience is tech-support doesn’t understand tube amplifiers very well and very bad at giving troubleshooting advice.

The guy i spoke to was apparently reading from a script. They used to have someone named Chuck who is exceptional but he retired. If you ever have a problem with a tube amplifier I would definitely escalate it up the management ranks until you find someone who actually knows what they’re doing. Although that’s not a given because the real people who know stuff probably don’t get on the phone and talk to anybody.

kenrus
64 posts
 

I'm lucky, I live about 30 minutes from Inner Sound.  I had a McIntosh receiver that needed some work.  I did pay for the rush service, but I had it back within a couple of weeks, at most.  They did a great job.

Ken

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