McIntosh

Blue meters, glass panels, and the warmest power in audio

History

McIntosh Laboratory was founded in Silver Spring, Maryland in 1949 by Frank McIntosh and Gordon Gow. Frank McIntosh, an electrical engineer, was frustrated by the distortion and limited power of amplifiers available at the time. He set out to build an amplifier that could deliver clean, undistorted sound even at high volumes.

The company's first product was the 50W-1 amplifier (1949), which used a unique "Unity Coupled Circuit" output transformer design that McIntosh patented. This design allowed the amplifier to deliver its rated power across the entire audio spectrum while maintaining low distortion.

The 1950s saw McIntosh establish itself as a premier manufacturer of professional and consumer audio equipment. The MC30 (30W) and MC60 (60W) tube amplifiers became legends in their own time. McIntosh also introduced the first commercially produced stereo preamplifier, the C24.

The 1960s brought the iconic MC275 tube amplifier (1961), considered by many the greatest tube amplifier ever made. The company also introduced the distinctive blue meter and glass front panel that would become McIntosh trademarks.

The 1970s saw McIntosh transition to solid-state while maintaining its tube legacy. The MC2105 and MC2300 solid-state amplifiers delivered massive power with the signature McIntosh sound. The company also expanded into speakers and tuners.

Today, McIntosh remains a symbol of American high-end audio, still manufacturing in Binghamton, New York. The company continues to produce tube and solid-state amplifiers, preamplifiers, and speakers with the same commitment to quality that Frank McIntosh established over 70 years ago.

Key Facts

Legendary Products

McIntosh MC275 (1961-Present)

The most iconic tube amplifier in history. The MC275 delivers 75 watts per channel (stereo) or 150 watts (mono) from KT88 output tubes. First produced in 1961, it has been reissued multiple times and remains in production today—a testament to its timeless design.

McIntosh MC2300 (1970s)

A massive solid-state amplifier delivering 300 watts per channel. The MC2300 became famous as the amplifier powering the Grateful Dead's "Wall of Sound"—one of the most ambitious concert sound systems ever built.

McIntosh C22 Preamplifier (1960s-1970s)

The companion to the MC275 and other McIntosh amplifiers. The C22 offered multiple inputs, bass and treble controls, and the legendary McIntosh build quality. It has been reissued as the C22 Mk V.

McIntosh MC30 / MC60 (1950s)

Monoblock tube amplifiers delivering 30 and 60 watts respectively. These amplifiers established McIntosh's reputation for quality and are still highly sought after by collectors.

Classic Models Reference

Sound Signature

McIntosh equipment is characterized by:

• Effortless power - Massive current reserves
• Low distortion - Clean at any volume
• Build quality - Among the finest ever made
• Longevity - Equipment built to last generations
• Visual presence - Iconic industrial design

Collecting McIntosh

Vintage McIntosh gear is the most collected American audio equipment:

• MC275 - The holy grail of tube amplifiers
• Blue meters - The visual signature
• Original condition - Unmodified units command premium
• Glass panels - Must be intact for full value
• Tube units - Generally more valuable than solid-state

Most collectible models:

• MC275 - The ultimate McIntosh
• MC30/MC60 - Classic mono blocks
• C22 - Legendary preamp
• MC2300 - Grateful Dead amp

Restoration Tips

Common McIntosh service items:

• Replace electrolytic capacitors (age-related)
• Check tubes (replace weak ones in tube units)
• Clean controls and switches
• Service meters (clean, verify accuracy)
• Verify bias settings (tube units)
• Professional service recommended for complex repairs

Competitors & Comparisons

McIntosh vs Fisher: Both American luxury; McIntosh more prestigious

McIntosh vs Audio Research: Both tube specialists; different approaches

McIntosh vs Conrad-Johnson: Similar market; McIntosh more established

All Models in Archive (147)

Amplifiers, Preamplifiers

• McIntosh - American High-End Legend

Amplifiers

• C2700 Modern Flagship Preamplifier - Unknown
• MA9000 Integrated Amplifier - Unknown
• MAC1700 - 1975-1985
• MC1.25KW Power Amplifier - 2001
• MC2KW Ultimate Flagship Amplifier - Unknown
• MX110 - 1962
• MX113 - 1967
• MX114 - 1998
• MX115 - 1968
• THX-M - 1993

Audio

• xr-19

Equalizers

• ML2M - 1975

Preamps

• C41

Receivers

• STEREOTECH-1200 - 1972
• XR19 - 1974

Speakers

• A116 - Unknown
• C104 - Unknown
• C20 - 1962-1968
• C200
• C22
• C28 - 1970-1977
• C29 - 1980-1983
• C32 - 1980-1987
• C33 - 1993-1997
• C35 - 1993-1998
• C36 - 1963-1968
• C36W - Unknown
• C37 - 1965-1969
• C39 - 1993-1997
• C40 - 1993-1999
• C45 - 2012-2017
• C46 - 2003-2012
• C47 - 2020-present
• C48 - 2017-present
• C50 - 2012-2019
• C500 - 2003-2007
• C504 - 2014-2018
• C52 - 2013-2021
• C53 - 2020-present
• C70 - 2020-present
• C712 - 1998-2002
• M 406 - Unknown
• MA230 - 1963-1967
• MA6200 - 1995-1999
• MA6400 - 1998-2002
• MA6450 - 1995-2000
• MA6800 - 1995-1999
• MAC1500 - 1965-1967
• MAC4100 - 1978-1980
• MAC4200 - 1995-1999
• MAC4275 - Unknown
• MC 1 - Unknown
• MC100 - 1955-1956
• MC1000 - 1989-1991
• MC150 - 1963-1967
• MC1C - Unknown
• MC2002 - 1993-1999
• MC2100 - 1967-1970
• MC2105 - 1967-1977
• MC2120 - 1980-1985
• MC2125 - 1977-1979
• MC2150 - 1980-1983
• MC2200 - 1975-1977
• MC225 - 1961-1967
• MC2250 - 1977-1980
• MC2300 - 1970-1977
• MC240 - 1960-1968
• MC250 - 1967-1970
• MC2600 - 1987-1994
• MC275 (1993) - 1993-1999
• MC30 - 1960-1962
• MC300 - 1993-1999
• MC30A - 1960-1963
• MC3500 - 1967-1970
• MC352 - 2001-2005
• MC500 - 1987-1991
• MC60 - 1960-1967
• MC7104 - 1994-1997
• MC7106 - 1995-2001
• MC7150 - 1993-1996
• MC7200 - 1987-1995
• MC7205 - 1993-1997
• MC75 - 1961-1967
• MC752 - 1977-1980
• MQ101 - 1963-1965
• MR7084 - Unknown
• MX118 - 1998-2002
• MX130 - 1995-1998
• MX132 - 1998-2002
• XR100 Loudspeaker - 1976
• XRT-20 - 1986
• XRT-22 - 1989

Tuners

• MR500 - 1972-1982
• MR510 - 1972-1982
• MR55 - 1960
• MR65A - 1972-1982
• MR65B - 1967
• MR66 - 1972-1982
• MR85 - 1999
• MR87 - 1973
• MR88 - 1972-1982
• MX112 - 1971-1975