MDA1000 problem

[JBT]

Pete any update on the MDA1000 ?

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by JBT

Pete any update on the MDA1000 ?

Jim....I've been meaning to update this thread. After some back and forth with McIntosh, it was decided that the best, most surefire to remedy the problem is to replace the mainboard. Unfortunately, there is about a 4 to 6 week lead time once ordered. I gave the okay to order the board on March 3; so the very earliest we'll see it is the end of this month. Realistically, it will likely be around the middle of April. The cost will be right around $1000, with $658 being the price of the board.

It's definitely a bummer, but all things considered it's the best option. It's my hope that going this route will bring the added benefit of added longevity.

We've asked Mc to see if they can improve that timeline if possible. It would be nice if I could get lucky on that...I really miss this component.

[JBT]

Yep that's your best option. On the secondary market the MDA is getting 3400.00 and that's the cheapest I found after a quick search. It stopped production in late 2011 I do believe. Legendary DAC.

[brownbear]

Pete - Not chump change by any means, but not that bad at the same time. That pupppy will be like new when you get it back and you won't have to worry about it again.

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by brownbear

Pete - Not chump change by any means, but not that bad at the same time. That pupppy will be like new when you get it back and you won't have to worry about it again.

Joe....agreed. When you look at the cost of replacement, either a used MDA1000 or another DAC of that stature, it becomes a no-brainer.

[Vintage Pete]

I haven't updated on this in some time, and since I was asked in another thread where we are at on my MDA1000 problem, here is the answer I posted there:

No news that is good. Nobody can figure out what is wrong with it.

At first we were told we could get a new main board, then told we couldn't. All other attempts to isolate the problem have failed. Speculating that there could be a parasitic trace on the board, something you can't even see. Very mysterious. As of yesterday, McIntosh is again trying to see if they can somehow source out a new main board. It's not looking good, it's heartbreaking. Almost three months now, and looking at the prospect that my beloved MDA1000 is unrepairable.

[Charles]

Pete I'm sorry to hear this. The MDA1000 is attached to the MCD1000 in the sense that if you go to another DAC, it's likely you won't use the MCD1000 transport. Have you considered another used one? There's one available on eBay. I would buy it and keep your original for parts. I might even acquire another one. I would also consider acquiring another transport. This is the route I would take. I think redundancy is something you must have with vintage gear and tube gear. You have a fantastic system. Don't give up.

Best

Charles

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by Charles

Pete I'm sorry to hear this. The MDA1000 is attached to the MCD1000 in the sense that if you go to another DAC, it's likely you won't use the MCD1000 transport. Have you considered another used one? There's one available on eBay. I would buy it and keep your original for parts. I might even acquire another one. I would also consider acquiring another transport. This is the route I would take. I think redundancy is something you must have with vintage gear and tube gear. You have a fantastic system. Don't give up.

Best

Charles

Charles....thank you. Of course, all options are starting to appear on the table. In the midst of this, I recently came off a furlough, which stung pretty good. So, there is that unpleasant subject of money too.

[Masterlu]

Pete… well that really sucks! On a side note, I have a spare that doesn’t get used.

Everything is repairable; even Zombies (poor attempt at humor)

[Charles]

Pete there it is. Keep the old one for parts. Your problem is solved.

Best

Charles