OMG ... thank you for the detailed tour of the QA analyser. I've been waffling on pulling the trigger to get one... this brings me closer. I've been struggling with the need for it, since I retired and now only do occasional builds and tests. But I probably will place the order soon. That amplifier is a total beast! But it's interesting to note that for all it's heft and size, modern technology now gives us almost the same performance in tiny little amps that fit in a jacket pocket. Still ... it's a McIntosh... what can I say... legendary.
Thanks Douglas for the commentary as always! What you say about modern technology allowing for compact, power decent quality amps like those from Fosi and Aiyima is very true- Just like with the old calculators that we purchased in the mid 70's that could do square root in addition to add and subtract (but would give you 4.999999 when you took the square root of 5 and squared the result)- so much more ability in a very small footprint- same goes for a lot of audio. But still, the vintage gear works great and looks great. As for the QA403- from all of our interactions of the past several months, I don't see you getting any less involved in this hobby, though maybe you will take some time off- so I would go for it. Budget be darned. I can't think of anything other than a good DMM that has been more useful and allowed me to verify the performance of audio gear. Plus you will enjoy putting together cables and loads and such for it. They have a really good forum and the owner provides great support.
@@vintageaudioreview Sigh ... you've really got my number, don't you? You're right, I've been messing with audio since my teens, in the 1960s, it's pretty unlikely I'm going to stop now. Sigh ... just a little more saving up to do... And yes, I did take a few days off and with a really challenging project on my breadboard I may disappear again to work on it...
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I almost always check the caps I pull out of vintage gear when I replace them and am surprised at how many still test good when they are >40 years old. McIntosh is a great brand, and I can see why folks like their gear.
Thanks for taking the time to show your QA40x setups. Picked up a lot of tips which I appreciate. Will look forward to your Mcintosh preamp tests!
I am glad you found it useful and thanks for taking the time to let me know. The McIntosh preamp video is about 2-3weeks away.
Bob Carver Phase Linear 700 has Wicapeda page also a famous amplifier.
That does not surprise me at all- I would love to get my hands on one to test. I really appreciate your taking a few moments to let me know this 😄
OMG ... thank you for the detailed tour of the QA analyser. I've been waffling on pulling the trigger to get one... this brings me closer. I've been struggling with the need for it, since I retired and now only do occasional builds and tests. But I probably will place the order soon.
That amplifier is a total beast! But it's interesting to note that for all it's heft and size, modern technology now gives us almost the same performance in tiny little amps that fit in a jacket pocket. Still ... it's a McIntosh... what can I say... legendary.
Thanks Douglas for the commentary as always! What you say about modern technology allowing for compact, power decent quality amps like those from Fosi and Aiyima is very true- Just like with the old calculators that we purchased in the mid 70's that could do square root in addition to add and subtract (but would give you 4.999999 when you took the square root of 5 and squared the result)- so much more ability in a very small footprint- same goes for a lot of audio. But still, the vintage gear works great and looks great. As for the QA403- from all of our interactions of the past several months, I don't see you getting any less involved in this hobby, though maybe you will take some time off- so I would go for it. Budget be darned. I can't think of anything other than a good DMM that has been more useful and allowed me to verify the performance of audio gear. Plus you will enjoy putting together cables and loads and such for it. They have a really good forum and the owner provides great support.
@@vintageaudioreview
Sigh ... you've really got my number, don't you?
You're right, I've been messing with audio since my teens, in the 1960s, it's pretty unlikely I'm going to stop now.
Sigh ... just a little more saving up to do...
And yes, I did take a few days off and with a really challenging project on my breadboard I may disappear again to work on it...
I
I am surprised those powers supply capacitors if they are original and are still working after half a century, shows quality of parts !!!
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I almost always check the caps I pull out of vintage gear when I replace them and am surprised at how many still test good when they are >40 years old. McIntosh is a great brand, and I can see why folks like their gear.