New amplifier on its way!

**Randy Myers** · April 25, 2023, 11:54 AM

I decided to order myself a new amp to match my C49. My room is rather small, and I am using the little (but amazing) KEF LS-50 Metas (with 2x matching KC62's). I was considering the MI502 but after talking with McIntosh for a bit decided the MC152 will do the trick for me. This will be replacing my vintage MC7100W and should be a very nice upgrade. It will also look really nice in my Mc stack!

**MichaelsMinute** · April 25, 2023, 11:59 AM

Congrats! Post pics when you receive it.

**Randy Myers** · April 25, 2023, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by MichaelsMinute

Congrats! Post pics when you receive it.

Definitely... it should be a perfect match for my Mc Stack. I have wanted a new McIntosh amplifier ever since I got my new McIntosh Preamplifier. McIntosh fans will understand.

**MichaelsMinute** · April 25, 2023, 12:15 PM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

Definitely... it should be a perfect match for my Mc Stack. I have wanted a new McIntosh amplifier ever since I got my new McIntosh Preamplifier. McIntosh fans will understand.

Mc isn't my thing but I know a lot of people love them and that's great. They definitely have a strong following. Enjoy!

**the professor** · April 25, 2023, 12:51 PM

Congrats!!

**JohnJ** · April 25, 2023, 04:53 PM

Randy-

Nice choice!
Nothing like a Mc amp to match up with a Mc pre.
Yes, us Mc fans are a loyal bunch!

Listen ib good Health!

John

**Mr Peabody** · April 27, 2023, 05:59 PM

Shaking my head, LOL Just teasing, have fun.

Now that you are in the Midwest maybe we will see you at AXPONA someday.

**Smile** · April 27, 2023, 07:04 PM

$10k of pre/amp driving $1500 speakers.

**gadawg** · April 28, 2023, 10:40 AM

Enjoy! Had a McIntosh amp for a few years and it was a lot of fun!

George

**mep** · April 28, 2023, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by Smile

$10k of pre/amp driving $1500 speakers.

So what? I once drove a pair of KEF LS-50 Anniversary speakers with a Krell KRC-HR preamp and a Krell KSA-250 power amp. If your speakers are capable of shining, great electronics in front of them will bring the best out of them.

**Mr Peabody** · April 28, 2023, 12:37 PM

He does have the accompanying subs and the LS50 Meta are over achievers IMO

Originally Posted by Smile

$10k of pre/amp driving $1500 speakers.

**steve59** · April 29, 2023, 10:53 AM

The Kef Uniq driver is really sensitive to electronics. My R105/3's sounded pretty rough until I found the right components. The difference the Mc611's made to my Blades at low levels, .6-6 watts is the most exciting audible improvement I've heard in my system in 5 years! Even more than swapping out popular speakers. I hope you get the same results.

**Randy Myers** · April 30, 2023, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by Smile

$10k of pre/amp driving $1500 speakers.

It's not the price... but actually the speaker setup is about $5000. $1600 for LS50 Metas, $500 for matching stands, $1500 each for the subs... so give or take $5k.

I prefer small speakers in my small room... I have had floor standers, but for me the small ones work better. The Metas are fantastic. There is a good reason that KEF reps refer to them as the stand mounted Blades (I do not necessarily agree with that), but they really are great, and KEF has listed them as part of their flagship lineup.

I grew up in the shadows of the Mc factory in Binghamton and wanting a full Mc setup is sort of in my blood... also McIntosh and KEF is a match that works really well together.

**Randy Myers** · June 10, 2023, 09:19 AM

At this point I am probably not going to be getting the new amplifier. I have no idea what is going on with the dealer here in Wichita, but it now appears as if he took my money and has never ordered my amplifier.

He is still listed as a dealer on McIntosh's website. I spoke with McIntosh yesterday and they are not at all happy. They have plenty of the amps in stock. They have spoken to his representative and passed along what has happened. They will not take it lightly. I have also spoken with American Express. I am also considering calling the DA because as far as I am concerned this dealer has stolen my money and has not ordered the amp from McIntosh.

**mep** · June 10, 2023, 09:22 AM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

At this point I am probably not going to be getting the new amplifier. I have no idea what is going on with the dealer here in Wichita, but it now appears as if he took my money and has never ordered my amplifier.

He is still listed as a dealer on McIntosh's website. I spoke with McIntosh yesterday and they are not at all happy. They have plenty of the amps in stock. They have spoken to his representative and passed along what has happened. They will not take it lightly. I have also spoken with American Express. I am also considering calling the DA because as far as I am concerned this dealer has stolen my money and has not ordered the amp from McIntosh.

If you charged this to a cc, you will get your money back. Call your cc company today.

**Randy Myers** · June 10, 2023, 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by mep

If you charged this to a cc, you will get your money back. Call your cc company today.

I actually spoke with AE yesterday (we have been with them for over 30 years). They are crediting my account and then going back after him.

I simply do not understand how a dealer (in good standing with McIntosh) could simply take my money and then never order the amplifier for me. Since it is a trade in program, I am required to purchase from one of their brick-and-mortar stores.... soooo

McIntosh is pissed... to put it mildly....

**Mr Peabody** · June 10, 2023, 11:01 AM

Sorry to hear that Randy. Once you have the money back maybe you could get the amp directly from Mac or another recommended dealer. Maybe someone online like Crutchfield.

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

At this point I am probably not going to be getting the new amplifier. I have no idea what is going on with the dealer here in Wichita, but it now appears as if he took my money and has never ordered my amplifier.

He is still listed as a dealer on McIntosh's website. I spoke with McIntosh yesterday and they are not at all happy. They have plenty of the amps in stock. They have spoken to his representative and passed along what has happened. They will not take it lightly. I have also spoken with American Express. I am also considering calling the DA because as far as I am concerned this dealer has stolen my money and has not ordered the amp from McIntosh.

**Scotty** · June 10, 2023, 12:42 PM

Randy - really sorry to hear about this. I have purchased several Mac pieces from Audio Classics in NY, and they were always very prompt, honest, reliable. BTW, I have a MC 275 Mk3 if you are interested.

**MichaelsMinute** · June 10, 2023, 01:24 PM

I would post a review on Google (very powerful), file with the BBB, and file a police report.

If nothing else it will annoy the crap out of him.

I have zero tolerance for criminals.

**mep** · June 10, 2023, 04:08 PM

Since Randy had his account reimbursed for the cost of the amp, it's now between the cc company and the seller. Randy has been made whole so I don't see any since in Joe calling Johnny Law.

**Randy Myers** · June 10, 2023, 04:34 PM

Originally Posted by mep

Since Randy had his account reimbursed for the cost of the amp, it's now between the cc company and the seller. Randy has been made whole so I don't see any since in Joe calling Johnny Law.

I probably won't file a police report, however, there does remain the fact that I have waited over a month and being lied to. Also, I have never had to go to these extremes with a retailer prior to this.

What if AE cannot get him to make good on the funds to them. Will they come back and expect me to pay?

I would say there has definitely been some mental anguish. I cannot stand when someone takes advantage of my trusting personality and then I wrestle with it afterwards. I cannot stand liars, cheats, and criminals. My dad raised me on the principle that my word is my bond. If I say I am going to do something you can take it to the bank, I will. I hate being cheated.

**MichaelsMinute** · June 10, 2023, 04:43 PM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

I probably won't file a police report, however, there does remain the fact that I have waited over a month and being lied to. Also, I have never had to go to these extremes with a retailer prior to this.

What if AE cannot get him to make good on the funds to them. Will they come back and expect me to pay?

I would say there has definitely been some mental anguish. I cannot stand when someone takes advantage of my trusting personality and then I wrestle with it afterwards. I cannot stand liars, cheats, and criminals. My dad raised me on the principle that my word is my bond. If I say I am going to do something you can take it to the bank, I will. I hate being cheated.

Just because you got refunded by AE doesn't mean he is legally in the clear. Think about it - that means car thieves could never be charged with a crime as insurance reimburses you for the cost of the stolen car. Right??

He still engaged in fraud. And having the detectives show up at his door - whether they arrest him or not is just the hassle he deserves.

**Randy Myers** · June 10, 2023, 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by MichaelsMinute

Just because you got refunded by AE doesn't mean he is legally in the clear. Think about it - that means car thieves could never be charged with a crime as insurance reimburses you for the cost of the stolen car. Right??

He still engaged in fraud. And having the detectives show up at his door - whether they arrest him or not is just the hassle he deserves.

I agree, however at this point I do not think I need the hassle. Cheryal and I have been going through a ton with all the work on the new house, and various contractors, etc., etc. Not to mention knee replacement surgery and the second coming shortly.

**MichaelsMinute** · June 10, 2023, 05:31 PM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

I agree, however at this point I do not think I need the hassle. Cheryal and I have been going through a ton with all the work on the new house, and various contractors, etc., etc. Not to mention knee replacement surgery and the second coming shortly.

I understand. Definitely need to focus on what's best.

**mep** · June 10, 2023, 05:44 PM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

I probably won't file a police report, however, there does remain the fact that I have waited over a month and being lied to. Also, I have never had to go to these extremes with a retailer prior to this.

What if AE cannot get him to make good on the funds to them. Will they come back and expect me to pay?

I would say there has definitely been some mental anguish. I cannot stand when someone takes advantage of my trusting personality and then I wrestle with it afterwards. I cannot stand liars, cheats, and criminals. My dad raised me on the principle that my word is my bond. If I say I am going to do something you can take it to the bank, I will. I hate being cheated.

Randy, the cc company will not come back on you. If you get screwed on a cc purchase and have the paperwork to back it up, you get your money back. The cc will go after the company that screwed their client. They have lawyers.

This is why you don't want to use debit cards. If you get screwed using a debit card, you eat it.

**steve59** · June 10, 2023, 08:15 PM

Thanks for that last post mep. I thought a debt card had the same protections as a cc and now you've given my something to research.

**Porsche** · June 10, 2023, 08:30 PM

call the police for what, waste of time, you got the refund, story over. I would however post reviews on google/yelp/etc so others know the risk

**Mike** · June 10, 2023, 08:36 PM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

I actually spoke with AE yesterday (we have been with them for over 30 years). They are crediting my account and then going back after him.

I simply do not understand how a dealer (in good standing with McIntosh) could simply take my money and then never order the amplifier for me. Since it is a trade in program, I am required to purchase from one of their brick-and-mortar stores.... soooo

McIntosh is pissed... to put it mildly....

Just catching up. This was Audio Classics?

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**steve59** · June 10, 2023, 08:37 PM

IDK, If I'm in a forgiving mood I might reach out and ask the dealer what happened on a phone call and give the chance to offer up a legit reason b4 I go "buyer beware" on him.

**Porsche** · June 10, 2023, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by steve59

IDK, If I'm in a forgiving mood I might reach out and ask the dealer what happened on a phone call and give the chance to offer up a legit reason b4 I go "buyer beware" on him.

you to nice, he was ignore, put a deposit late April, dealer told him ordering on 5/1, they are in stock and ghosted him. sorry, but there is no reason to do business like this IMO

**kzhtoo** · June 10, 2023, 11:17 PM

Could be a simple overlook though. Being ignored means calling them but no pick up or reply?

**Randy Myers** · June 10, 2023, 11:34 PM

Originally Posted by mep

Randy, the cc company will not come back on you. If you get screwed on a cc purchase and have the paperwork to back it up, you get your money back. The cc will go after the company that screwed their client. They have lawyers.

This is why you don't want to use debit cards. If you get screwed using a debit card, you eat it.

Yea, I will never, ever use as debit card. I use American Express exclusively because they stand behind you so good. So glad to hear that they will not come back on me if I can prove that they screwed me.

Thanks for saying so, because it is rare that I have ever had an issue like this. I still cannot believe he did this.

**Randy Myers** · June 10, 2023, 11:37 PM

Originally Posted by kzhtoo

Could be a simple overlook though. Being ignored means calling them but no pick up or reply?

The past week he has not returned calls or e-mails. Previously he did, but keep making excuses, etc. Now that I have talked with McIntosh and they have confirmed that he has never placed the order for the amp he does not answer my calls.

**kzhtoo** · June 11, 2023, 03:07 PM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

The past week he has not returned calls or e-mails. Previously he did, but keep making excuses, etc. Now that I have talked with McIntosh and they have confirmed that he has never placed the order for the amp he does not answer my calls.

Got it. Kind of weird what does he think will happen after he did this?

**MichaelsMinute** · June 11, 2023, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by kzhtoo

Got it. Kind of weird what does he think will happen after he did this?

In this example it looks as though nothing is going to happen to him.

AE may or may not go after him for the money.

What's Mac going to do? Take them off their dealer list? He clearly isn't selling any of their stuff anyway or he wouldn't have done this.

People do this stuff primarily because there are no or very little consequences for their actions and they aren't held accountable. That's why most criminals are repeat offenders.

In my city for instance the DA refuses to charge anyone with theft if it's under $1,000.

**Randy Myers** · June 11, 2023, 06:09 PM

Originally Posted by MichaelsMinute

In this example it looks as though nothing is going to happen to him.

AE may or may not go after him for the money.

What's Mac going to do? Take them off their dealer list? He clearly isn't selling any of their stuff anyway or he wouldn't have done this.

People do this stuff primarily because there are no or very little consequences for their actions and they aren't held accountable. That's why most criminals are repeat offenders.

In my city for instance the DA refuses to charge anyone with theft if it's under $1,000.

I have no idea why he did this. It makes little sense. If he is having personal issues, or money issues, how is my few thousand going to help him. However, I can assure you that my relating what he did will hurt his business. I have not decided yet, but there is a very good chance I will at the very least file a bad BB report and probably a local yelp and google review. I am considering my options and waiting to hear back from McIntosh on how they want to proceed. I do want the amplifier, but I will not purchase it if it has to go through his store at this point.

He will almost assuredly loose the McIntosh line. Even if he does not sell a lot, having their name on his website and a system to demonstrate in his store does indeed help his reputation and does indeed drive new business his way.

**Porsche** · June 11, 2023, 06:36 PM

I doubt McIntosh will do anything

**Mike** · June 11, 2023, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by Porsche

I doubt McIntosh will do anything

Porsche - do you own any Porsche’s?

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**Porsche** · June 11, 2023, 06:48 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Porsche - do you own any Porsche’s?

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5 at the moment.

oops, 6

**Mike** · June 11, 2023, 08:14 PM

Originally Posted by Porsche

5 at the moment.

oops, 6

Do tell. GT cars?

Sorry to hijack your thread Randy.

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**Randy Myers** · June 12, 2023, 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

Do tell. GT cars?

Sorry to hijack your thread Randy.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

Hmmmm... appears he lost one... maybe he should park it in my driveway. I would not loose it

.

**Randy Myers** · June 12, 2023, 07:15 PM

I have been on the phone with the McIntosh regional representative. He is trying to make it right. He has not been able to get a hold of Thomas; he has gone completely dark to him as well. He wants to see if he can get his dealer in Kansas City to deliver the amplifier to me, keeping the same deal. They would be doing McIntosh a favor traveling so far to deliver and setup, but they would make a little on the sale also. I told him I want the same deal that I paid the McIntosh authorized dealer for, and he totally understands. Hopefully he can get it worked out quickly since I have been waiting 6 weeks now.

**MichaelsMinute** · June 12, 2023, 07:46 PM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

I have been on the phone with the McIntosh regional representative. He is trying to make it right. He has not been able to get a hold of Thomas; he has gone completely dark to him as well. He wants to see if he can get his dealer in Kansas City to deliver the amplifier to me, keeping the same deal. They would be doing McIntosh a favor traveling so far to deliver and setup, but they would make a little on the sale also. I told him I want the same deal that I paid the McIntosh authorized dealer for, and he totally understands. Hopefully he can get it worked out quickly since I have been waiting 6 weeks now.

Good luck - I do hope it works out for you.

**Randy Myers** · June 12, 2023, 08:33 PM

Originally Posted by MichaelsMinute

Good luck - I do hope it works out for you.

Joe seemed to really want to make this right. He made a very big point that this is not the McIntosh way, and they are very careful with their dealers. He is shocked by what is going on and has not been able to talk with Thomas. He does want to make it right by me though.

**Mike** · June 12, 2023, 08:55 PM

I’m sorry you’ve had to go through all this worry and stress Randy.

I also hope, from a purely humanitarian view, that everything is ok with this Thomas fellow. Whoever he is.

Mc is a first class company, so I’m sure they will indeed make it right.

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**Randy Myers** · June 12, 2023, 10:36 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

I’m sorry you’ve had to go through all this worry and stress Randy.

I also hope, from a purely humanitarian view, that everything is ok with this Thomas fellow. Whoever he is.

Mc is a first class company, so I’m sure they will indeed make it right.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Thank you Mike. I Agee, it seems like he must have some issue going on. Joe (Mc rep) said he has known him for a while, and this is not something he would have ever believed he would do.

**Mr Peabody** · June 13, 2023, 11:11 AM

Randy, do you need the dealer to actually hook it up for you? If that was not the case it seems Mac could just ship you the amp.

**MichaelsMinute** · June 13, 2023, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

Thank you Mike. I Agee, it seems like he must have some issue going on. Joe (Mc rep) said he has known him for a while, and this is not something he would have ever believed he would do.

Has anyone driven by his store to see if it is even open? That would yield answers very quickly.

**MikeCh** · June 13, 2023, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

Thank you Mike. I Agee, it seems like he must have some issue going on. Joe (Mc rep) said he has known him for a while, and this is not something he would have ever believed he would do.

Hey Randy, that sucks that you're having to deal with this type of situation. Maybe you could ask a friend or your wife to drive to his store to see if he's even around? I hope you can get the whole thing sorted very soon.

.

**Randy Myers** · June 15, 2023, 07:03 PM

The McIntosh rep and the national sales manager for McIntosh were supposed to be having a Zoom meeting with the Kansas City store today. I have not heard anything as of yet.

Thread: New amplifier on its way!