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wrote:
I just bought a clean Macintosh MA 6100 integrated amp at a bricks and
motar auction. I haven't done anything with the 6100 other than
plugging it in (all the lights work and it didn't blow a breaker) and
it will be a few days before I can put it in my system and make an
evaluation. I currently have a Hafler 220 amp and Hafler 110 preamp. I
know that the Mac was built to the highest standards of the mid 70s,
but even my Hafler, a modest piece of equipment, has poly caps, metal
resistors, better pots etc. If I like the way the Mac sounds, would it
be worthwhile or even desirable to upgrade individual components? My
system is two channel, music only and I listen to FM, CDs and records.

After giving the McIntosh a listen, I've decided to keep my Hafler amp
and preamp. The McIntosh is cool looking and the preamp controls are
more flexible than the Hafler's, but I didn't hear a significant
improvement to my system sound. After reinstalling the Haflers I did
hear the Mosfet Mist that people are always talking about. I think the
Haflers have more POOGEing potential and any mods I eventually make to
them will not affect their modest cash value. The rational economic
decision is to auction the McIntosh "you-know-where". The auction has 5
days to go as of the date of this post. Do a search and you'll find it.