Has Anyone Compared the 2 McIntosh Integrateds?

These are all valuable technical details that are helping me undestand the differences, but has anyone compared the sound of the two amps? I prefer the MA6900, but again, that $1500... I would appreciate other impressions.

I really do appreciate the specific input from you all. Moniker: I have not heard these specific units yet (though I have heard other Mac stuff). I am looking for a dealer that actually has either of them to be honest. I have one dealer close by but they only carry the Mac seperates. I'll keep checking this thread for more information and if I get any more I will re-post here or email you directly. I am beginning to like the idea of going with the 6500 and spending the extra money on new music. I'll be keeping my eyes open for a slightly used and cared for one. Thanks again to everyone!

I think the MA6900 will have better long term value if that's important to you. Soundwise, it's what I prefer too. As Tellig says, the Autoformers humanize the sound. But it's like asking if the 5 series BMWs are better than the 3 series BMWs. They're different, but both are still BMWs.

Schlep: Do you own the 6900? What speakers were they driving? Did you get to compare the two amps directly?

Interesting thread. For a different prospective I thought I would add my experience. I am using a C-15 together with a MC-202. The C-15 is, IMHO, a much underrated pre. You can probably find one used for about $8-900. Together with a 202 it makes a wonderful combination. Rich deep bass, and absolutely no fatigue, but still tons of detail. Whereas with other amps I often found myself skipping through CDs, now I find that I listen all the way through, to me this says that the system is less fatiguing. I auditioned the 202 with a C-42 pre, and to be honest the differences are very small vis a vi the C-15. The 42 has a few nice features, including balanced connections, that the 15 lacks but any audible differences are pretty minor IMHO. You could probably score a 202 for 2500 used, together with 900 for the C15 and you would have a great sounding system, and more flexibility in the future. Just a thought.