It’s unfortunate that you received 2 bad units, but it happens. All my McIntosh units were purchased second hand from Audio Classics and after 50+ years of being on the audio merry go round, I am done. It sounds like the first unit after it was QC was improperly packed and the person who packs the unit probably missed the bottom spacer the screw goes through to bolt the amp to the plywood base. It can happen.
The second unit most likely has a ribbon cable from the front panel loose and needs re-seating. It happened on my C2500 preamp. I was going to ship it back until AC told me what to look for. It took me less than 5 minutes to remove the 6 top screws and reseat the cable. Saved me a trip back to Vestal, NY.
You were wise in getting a third unit. Doubtful the dealer will give you the DAC2 module as it is around $1500.00 or more. That would take all his profit away from the sale of the amp. It really isn’t their fault for the poorly packaged unit and non working unit. When you get the new amp, have the dealer unbox in front of you and have them hook it up to be sure it is ok. Once you know it is good, you will have a amp that will last a few lifetimes.
To the person who recommended you return the Mac and buy from Klaus at Odyssey, I need to chuckle. I owned Odyssey prior to Mac and there is absolutely no comparison. As good as the Odyssey equipment is, the Mac is light years better. Once you are up and running, let us know how it worked out. 3rd time should be the charm.
The second unit most likely has a ribbon cable from the front panel loose and needs re-seating. It happened on my C2500 preamp. I was going to ship it back until AC told me what to look for. It took me less than 5 minutes to remove the 6 top screws and reseat the cable. Saved me a trip back to Vestal, NY.
You were wise in getting a third unit. Doubtful the dealer will give you the DAC2 module as it is around $1500.00 or more. That would take all his profit away from the sale of the amp. It really isn’t their fault for the poorly packaged unit and non working unit. When you get the new amp, have the dealer unbox in front of you and have them hook it up to be sure it is ok. Once you know it is good, you will have a amp that will last a few lifetimes.
To the person who recommended you return the Mac and buy from Klaus at Odyssey, I need to chuckle. I owned Odyssey prior to Mac and there is absolutely no comparison. As good as the Odyssey equipment is, the Mac is light years better. Once you are up and running, let us know how it worked out. 3rd time should be the charm.