McIntosh MC-30 Mono Hi-Fi Tube Amplifier, c. 1967
LOADING IMAGES
McIntosh MC-30 Mono Model Hi-Fi Tube Amplifier, c. 1967, made in Binghampton, NY, serial # 18300.
An unusual addition to our showroom, here's a fabulous example of the McIntosh MC-30 mono Hi-Fi power amplifier. This classic from the golden years of tube audio was a top seller in its time and coveted nowadays by collectors and audiophiles alike. Long mapped-to Binghamton New York, the current headquarters and manufacturing center for McIntosh Labs, the brand was originally launched outside of the Nation's Capital in Silver Spring Maryland in 1949, founded by Frank McIntosh. In 1956, the brand built their original facility in New York and has since been recognized by audiophiles throughout the world for their consistent and high-quality audio equipment.
First coming onto the market in 1954, the MC-30 (A-116-B) was in production until 1962 with 14,246 units produced in total. It's an older design and the last tube-rectified amplifier that McIntosh produced. The legendary MC-240, reportedly used by Brian Wilson, Joe Cocker Band and Jerry Garcia, can be thought of as an evolution of the MC-30, being essentially two MC-30s combined into one chassis with solid state rectification and some small changes for stereo operation.
This particular amplifier bears the serial number 18300, which, alongside dateable components suggest a manufacture year of 1967. True to its name, the MC-30 is a mono-block 30-watt amplifier. It has a simple set of controls, including gain and hum adjust, alongside a preamp input and a 0.5V rca input. The speaker outputs accommodate impedances of 16, 8 and 4 ohm. A pair of 6L6GC output tubes yield around 30 watts of power through the company's hand-wound unity coupled output transformers.
Cosmetically, this amplifier is in good shape for its age, showing only minor-to-moderate wear overall. The chrome-plated chassis and panel surfaces show minor tarnishing but much of the stenciled lettering is still nicely intact. There is some minor corrosive spotting on the top of the chassis. Transformer covers are undented and only show typical wear and scuffing.
Electrically, this MC-30 is all original; the power and two output transformers are original to the unit, reading 'Type M-152-B' and 'Type M-150-B', respectively. Both pots date to late 1966. Minimal restoration work has been done in the interest of preserving originality and well-functioning components where ever possible. Following typical practice, power filter capacitors have been replaced with an exact spec multi-cap assembly, courtesy of M2 Circuits in Canada, including a 3D-printed can enclosure, as well as any under-performing resistors, diodes and capacitors. The power output and frequency response has been measured and operation ensured to spec. This fantastic sounding amplifier is ready for another 50+ years of reproducing (or making) music for future listeners. Very Good + Condition.
An unusual addition to our showroom, here's a fabulous example of the McIntosh MC-30 mono Hi-Fi power amplifier. This classic from the golden years of tube audio was a top seller in its time and coveted nowadays by collectors and audiophiles alike. Long mapped-to Binghamton New York, the current headquarters and manufacturing center for McIntosh Labs, the brand was originally launched outside of the Nation's Capital in Silver Spring Maryland in 1949, founded by Frank McIntosh. In 1956, the brand built their original facility in New York and has since been recognized by audiophiles throughout the world for their consistent and high-quality audio equipment.
First coming onto the market in 1954, the MC-30 (A-116-B) was in production until 1962 with 14,246 units produced in total. It's an older design and the last tube-rectified amplifier that McIntosh produced. The legendary MC-240, reportedly used by Brian Wilson, Joe Cocker Band and Jerry Garcia, can be thought of as an evolution of the MC-30, being essentially two MC-30s combined into one chassis with solid state rectification and some small changes for stereo operation.
This particular amplifier bears the serial number 18300, which, alongside dateable components suggest a manufacture year of 1967. True to its name, the MC-30 is a mono-block 30-watt amplifier. It has a simple set of controls, including gain and hum adjust, alongside a preamp input and a 0.5V rca input. The speaker outputs accommodate impedances of 16, 8 and 4 ohm. A pair of 6L6GC output tubes yield around 30 watts of power through the company's hand-wound unity coupled output transformers.
Cosmetically, this amplifier is in good shape for its age, showing only minor-to-moderate wear overall. The chrome-plated chassis and panel surfaces show minor tarnishing but much of the stenciled lettering is still nicely intact. There is some minor corrosive spotting on the top of the chassis. Transformer covers are undented and only show typical wear and scuffing.
Electrically, this MC-30 is all original; the power and two output transformers are original to the unit, reading 'Type M-152-B' and 'Type M-150-B', respectively. Both pots date to late 1966. Minimal restoration work has been done in the interest of preserving originality and well-functioning components where ever possible. Following typical practice, power filter capacitors have been replaced with an exact spec multi-cap assembly, courtesy of M2 Circuits in Canada, including a 3D-printed can enclosure, as well as any under-performing resistors, diodes and capacitors. The power output and frequency response has been measured and operation ensured to spec. This fantastic sounding amplifier is ready for another 50+ years of reproducing (or making) music for future listeners. Very Good + Condition.