Reviews

McIntosh MAC7200 stereo Receiver – price and review

October 10, 2021 Modified date: April 6, 2023

McIntosh is famous for the quality and longevity of its components. The MAC7200 stereo receiver is designed to deliver performance on par with McIntosh separations, with the convenience of a single chassis. Music lovers can enjoy their favorite analog and digital sources with pristine sound.
In addition to its outstanding audio performance, the MAC7200 stereo receiver displays the classic McIntosh look: black glass front panel, bright blue power meters, large metal buttons and illuminated logo. And this beautiful receiver was designed and built here in the USA.
The sound at its best
With a total of 14 audio inputs, including six digital connections, the MAC7200 offers very versatile options for a stereo receiver. For analog audio equipment, you’ll find five unbalanced RCA inputs, plus a balanced XLR input for professional or high-end source components. The high quality built-in phono preamp provides separate connections for a turntable with a moving magnetic cartridge or moving coil.

Sustain your digital music sources
All digital inputs of the McIntosh MAC7200 stereo receiver are contained in the McIntosh DA1 digital audio module. The core of the DA1 is a high-performance 32-bit 8-channel DAC. Extract pure and detailed audio signals from your disc player, music transmitter or TV. The USB input handles PCM-based digital music files up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD files up to 11.2 MHz, to enjoy high-resolution audio from your computer. The DA1 module can be replaced with future modules to keep the MAC7200 up to date with emerging digital audio technologies.
Energy saving
The MAC7200 stereo receiver delivers massive sound at 200 watts per channel – a smooth, rich, non-tiring sound that McIntosh amplifiers are known for. One of the reasons for this is the company’s patented autoformers. These special output transformers are equipped with dedicated connections for speaker impedances of 8, 4 or 2 ohms to ensure that the receiver delivers its full rated power on any speaker load. It’s an expensive way to build an amplifier, but it means that even exotic, hard-to-drive high-end speakers will work admirably with the MAC7200.
A home theater switch function allows you to make the MAC7200 part of a multi-channel surround sound system. The left and right front channels of an A/V processor or surround decoder can go through the analog inputs of the receiver, allowing you to bring your full 200 watts per channel to support the main front speakers.

Radio tuner
Even with the growing number of music sources, live radio still has the magic. If you want to enjoy your system with the best sound possible, you need a great tuner, like the McIntosh built into the MAC7200 stereo receiver. It has been carefully designed to provide optimal sound from AM and FM radio transmissions. With 20 presets available for each radio band, you’ll have quick access to your favorite stations.

High-quality, world-famous audio heritage, made in America
Since its founding, McIntosh has defined the meaning of high-quality sound reproduction, while setting industry standards for superior performance and reliability. The company is based in Binghamton, New York, where its premium components and speakers are always individually handcrafted by a team of skilled experts. This constant dedication to quality has made McIntosh one of the most recognized and respected audio producers in the world. McIntosh MAC7200 Stereo Receiver price: $7,500.00

McIntosh has been producing tuners since the 1950s, and they have become synonymous with the brand. The MR78 FM Tuner, introduced in 1972, is considered an industry classic. The MAC7200 features a built-in AM/FM tuner that upholds the brand’s illustrious reputation, delivering unparalleled clarity and realism without distortion or noise. Additionally, the advanced signal quality monitor displays the multi-path and noise levels of the incoming RF signal, assisting with antenna placement for optimal reception. Easy radio operation is facilitated by dedicated PRESET and TUNING knobs, and the FM tuner supports Radio Data System (RDS), displaying optional information from radio stations such as the station name, artist, and song being played. The FM tuner also includes 20 presets for each radio band, as well as a remote AM antenna.

The MAC7200 stereo receiver has 14 inputs, encompassing both analog and digital types. The analog inputs include one balanced and five unbalanced inputs, as well as one Moving Coil and one Moving Magnet input for turntables. The digital inputs include two coaxial and two optical inputs, one USB input, and one proprietary MCT input for use with McIntosh’s MCT450 SACD/CD Transport. Custom names can be assigned to all inputs for ease of use in system control and configuration.

The MA7200 is a complete audio package that delivers on the expectations of McIntosh fans. While the brand’s iconic blue VU meters and solid build quality are familiar hallmarks, the MA7200 is more than that. As a stand-alone amplifier, it holds its own as a top-tier option for modern audio needs. The amplifier impresses with its capabilities and sound quality, proving to be more than just a powerful brute force. The MA7200 looks and sounds the part of a high-quality amplifier that will not disappoint.

The McIntosh MAC7200 stereo receiver has several pros and cons that are worth considering before making a purchase decision. Some of these include:

Pros:

1. - High-quality sound: The MAC7200 is known for producing high-quality sound that is free from distortion and noise, delivering unparalleled clarity and realism.
  - Versatile connectivity: The MAC7200 has 14 inputs, including analog and digital types, offering various connectivity options for different devices.
  - User-friendly operation: The dedicated PRESET and TUNING knobs enable easy radio operation, while custom names can be assigned to all inputs for ease of use in system control and configuration.
  - RDS support: The FM tuner includes Radio Data System (RDS) support, allowing it to display optional information from radio stations such as the station name, artist, and song being played.
  - Solid build quality: The MAC7200 is built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity.

Cons:

1. - High price: The MAC7200 is a premium product, and its price may be a significant barrier for some potential buyers.
  - Heavy weight: The MAC7200 is a heavy amplifier, weighing around 60 pounds, which may make it challenging to move or transport.
  - Limited power output: The MAC7200 has a maximum power output of 200 watts per channel, which may not be sufficient for some high-end speakers or large listening spaces.
  - Lack of modern features: While the MAC7200 has excellent sound quality, it may lack some of the modern features found in other receivers, such as streaming or voice control.
  - No HDMI inputs: The MAC7200 does not have any HDMI inputs, which may be a drawback for those looking to connect their TV or other HDMI-enabled devices.

The McIntosh MAC7200 stereo receiver is a high-quality amplifier that delivers excellent sound and versatile connectivity options. However, its high price, heavy weight, and limited power output may be a drawback for some buyers. Additionally, the lack of modern features and HDMI inputs may also be a concern for those looking for a more modern receiver.

MAC7200 stereo receiver specs:

Power Output per Channel 200 Watts
Number of Channels 2
Speaker Impedance 2, 4, or 8 Ohms
Rated Power Band 20Hz to 20kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.005%
Dynamic Headroom 2dB
Frequency Response +0,-0.5dB20Hz to 20kHz
Frequency Response, +0, -3dB10Hz to 100kHz
Sensitivity Phono (Moving Coil)0.25mV
Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet)2.5mV
Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced)0.5V/0.25V
Sensitivity (Power Amp input) 1.4V
Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil) 80dB
Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet) 82dB
Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level) 95dB
Signal To Noise Ratio (Power Amp input) 113dB
Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced) 20K/20K
Damping Factor >40
Maximum Output (Balanced / Unbalanced) 8V Unbalanced

Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) Type8-channel, 32-bit/384kHz PCM/DSD, Quad Balanced
Digital Coaxial Input Sample Rate 24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz
Digital Optical Input Sample Rate 24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz
Digital MCT (DIN) Input Sample Rate 16-bit/44.1kHz (CD)
DSD64 (SACD)
Digital USB Input Sample Rate 32-bit/44.1kHz to 384kHz (PCM)
DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DXD352.8kHz, DXD384kHz