Noise on my McIntosh

I have some hight frequency, low level noise on the left channel of my McIntosh 5100 amp. It is also heard through the headphone output. Is this a common problem for these amps at this age? I had a local shop look at it and they said they would recommend changing all the capacitors on the preamp, but couldn't guarantee a fix. Any suggestions? TIA Paul

 

If the local shop won't guarantee a fix, I wouldn't let them mess around with it. Talk directly to McIntosh in Binghamton, NY - describe your problem and they'll advise how to proceed. They will fix it if you're willing to ship it, or they would be able to refer you to an authorized facility if there is one in your area. I've always found the McIntosh folks very helpful.

 

Good online locations for McIntosh help

Audiokarma.org's McIntosh forum

Yahoo! McIntosh group

You'll find lots of knowledgable enthusiasts and technicians there.

FWIW, the electrolytic capacitors are a weak point in McIntosh components. I just had one changed out on my MR-74 tuner, which had begun humming. Fortunately, I have a McIntosh-approved repair shop in my town.

 

Hi,

Either McIntosh Laboratory in Binghamton, NY, Audio Classics in Vestal, NY, Terry DeWick in Farragut ([email protected]) or Nicholson's Stereo in Nashville are excellent McIntosh repair shops. Terry is reasonable in price and turnaround time. He refurbed my MAC 1900 receiver and no problems in over 2 years of service. You are likely needing new electrolytic capacitors on your 5100. Nice amp!

Kent Teffeteller, CPBE!
Stereophilus Scroungeous!