Frustrated McIntosh Owner


I’ve been a satisfied McIntosh separates owner for quite awhile. Two months ago, I got the bug to upgrade, so I decided to trade-in my MC462 stereo amp for MC611 monoblock amps. I reached out to my local authorized dealer that I’ve done business with for years, we worked out a deal and placed my order. He told me he expected he would have the monoblocks from McIntosh in about a month.  I called my dealer yesterday asking for an update and he’s now telling me that McIntosh won’t tell him when my order is shipping, let alone if they have been manufactured yet.  He even went so far as to inquire with his McIntosh regional rep.  I trust my dealer and know that Covid has stressed a lot of manufacturers, but the lack of communication from McIntosh to their dealers has got me concerned. Basically what I’m getting is, they will ship when they ship- it could be in 8 days or 8 more weeks, possibly longer.  Have any of you experienced any issues like this with McIntosh lately?  Is this a sign of any bigger issues with them?
gelfdaddy
I have not run into this issue with McIntosh.  I communicate directly with a few McIntosh folks via email and it is always a great and timely exchange. My dealer Also doesn’t have any trouble getting products I order or getting intel.  

But folks are correct, no doubt COVID has an impact on the product production, plus I understand the trade war with China and corresponding tariffs have resulted in some earth metal (or whatever they are called) being in short supply.

What also happens is that some of these ladies that have been making McIntosh products for 30 years are slowing down.  Frankly, that is one of the reasons I like McIntosh (aside from the sound).  I like that they are committed to their people and their people are committed to the equipment.  Did you know that one lady makes all the new 901s? 

Anyway, don’t give up.  You’ll be happy when everything arrives and is set up.  I’ve been trying to find a new refrigerator and it is next to impossible these days.
It's very simple Covid-19 shut most factories down for a month or more: The global supply chain has been disrupted: Mac is assembled in the USA from foreign and domestic parts. So there is most likely a part that they can't get so they won't commit to a delivery date. I purchased The C1100-D1100 and MC 462 2 years ago and it over a month to get everything. So long delivery times are normal if there is no stock at the factory. Try and purchase a necessity item like refrigerator and most are backorder into Nov or longer. When I purchased my system. I was torn between the 611's & the c2600 vs c1100/d1100 and MC462 & I went with the latter. Given my room size and speakers, I determined the 611's were an unnecessary expense. My feeling was the better front end investment was the way to go for me. I don't know what speakers you have or how big your room is so the 611's might be a worthy upgrade. My advice is if you still have your 462 is to enjoy it and wait for the 611's If you cancel and oder again, you will be pushed back to end of the line again. If you traded it in and now you don't have an amp, maybe your dealer will let you purchase a loaner.
McIntosh publishes a monthly inventory update that is delivered to dealers.  It’s short on specific production dates but does give some projected timelines on backordered items...so they are at least trying to give customers, via their dealers, realistic expectations.  Their mantra is: It’s worth the wait.
We deal with other companies who give us nothing but “when we have it we’ll let you know”. 
I ordered a chest freezer from my local appliance store in the beginning of February.  I received it mid-August due to factories shutting down from Covid-19.  Patience is a virtue.