View Full Version : McIntosh MC30's inquiry....
Todd Fredericks
09-10-2003, 02:05 PM
I'm going to purchase a pair of MC-30's for $700. They should be in working condition and a few dents/rust. Is this a fair price (which I'm sure it is)? Also, will this be a better amp set-up then my ole' Dynaco ST-70 (and why)? I'm taking a plunge.....
todd
Steve Hoffman
09-10-2003, 02:24 PM
They must be all original INSIDE, no weird mods, cap leaks or weird stuff. Rust means they were stored in a damp place; not so good. Dents mean they were bashed or dropped; not so good.
If you buy a pair for $700 and have to put $500 of work into them, just wait for a good pair....
What tubes are in there?
Are the McIntosh serial numbers close or was one made in 1955 and the other one in 1960?
Sckott
09-10-2003, 02:27 PM
Let us all know of how things go. As you know, I'm an ST70 guy too.
efhjr
09-10-2003, 02:29 PM
Originally posted by Todd Fredericks
I'm taking a plunge.....
I also have a pair of MC-30s and a Dynaco ST-70 -- they power my Klipsch Cornwalls. I find the MC-30s have more midrange magic, a bit more bass, and more power. I think they're more refined. But I have far more expensive tubes in the MC-30s and they're isolated better.
But I love listening to mono LPs with the Dynaco. I prefer it to the MC-30s for mono LPs.
Todd Fredericks
09-10-2003, 02:41 PM
Thanks for the replies I'm checking with the seller. The tubes are not original and I would most likely replace them. This is his ad:
"HI, I have a pair of MC 30s for sale. I bought these to total restore and never got the chance. They work, the chrome is pretty good, most of the writing is good, a few minor dents and minor scratches. There is assorted group of tubes which work. The caps have been replaced but, mostly everything else is original. I have a original manual. These would be perfect for a total restoration if one desired or with a little TLC, use them as is"
Steve Hoffman
09-10-2003, 02:44 PM
Are you a DIY guy? If not, pass and save your nickels.
Todd Fredericks
09-10-2003, 02:47 PM
I'm an average DIY guy. I wouldn't mind doing the needed research/work to get them good. Is it a good deal with a bit of work or should I pass?
Todd
Dean De Furia
09-10-2003, 02:49 PM
I waited a LONG time for a nice original pair of MC-30's. Found a VG++ pair for $1699 that didn't need anything except for a new pair of rectifer tubes. Nice chrome and nice black, 95% all original parts inside. I think it might be worth waiting for a nice pair that have good electronics in them. If you don't care too much about the cosmetics you should be able to find a decent pair for about $1000 to $1200. More if you want them to be pretty.
I love mine! I had a friend's ST-70 for a while in my system and although it was nice and tubey, the Mac's outclass it in midrange presence and detail.
Good luck in hunting down your "perfect" pair!
Steve Hoffman
09-10-2003, 03:00 PM
Todd,
Try and get him to lower the price a bit. It sounds like these need a lot of work. They have to sound like Mac 30's when all is said and done or it is pointless to buy them in the first place, so no mods!
Yes, don't settle for anything that may cost you an arm and a leg, Todd!
Patience....
indy mike
09-10-2003, 08:19 PM
There's some folks here who might be a possible mechanic for those Macs (I'm thinking of someone whose name rhymes with schott)...
Mr. Slott? Never heard of him, Beautiful Red!
Todd Fredericks
09-10-2003, 09:02 PM
The seller sent me these pictures....
Todd Fredericks
09-10-2003, 09:04 PM
This...
Todd Fredericks
09-10-2003, 09:05 PM
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Todd Fredericks
09-10-2003, 09:06 PM
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Todd Fredericks
09-10-2003, 09:07 PM
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Todd Fredericks
09-10-2003, 09:08 PM
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Todd Fredericks
09-10-2003, 09:09 PM
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Todd Fredericks
09-10-2003, 09:10 PM
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Todd Fredericks
09-10-2003, 09:12 PM
Sorry for some repeats of the pictures, I'm still trying to get the hang of the picture attachment thingie....
He's firm on $700 (I talked him down from $800). Yes, I don't want hassles with the amps but will I with these? I will get a chance to look at them Saturday. It's a tough call....
Todd
Steve Hoffman
09-10-2003, 09:25 PM
I wouldn't do it. They look trashed.
The guy has the fronts on the back. Sheesh. The logo goes under the Tube side, not the back side...
Todd Fredericks
09-10-2003, 09:30 PM
Okay, Steve. I sent an e-mail saying I pass. Thank you everyone for saving me the money and future regret. If anyone knows of a better pair then let me know....
Thanks again,
Todd
Steve Hoffman
09-10-2003, 09:43 PM
You know Todd, you wouldn't buy a used car that looked like that, unless you were into those "demolition derby" races.
Just save like $25.00 a week toward your upcoming Mac purchase and in a while, bingo, you will find a nice pair--Some old doctor will retire and trade his Macs in on a new Home Theatre amp (that is how I got my pair) or something will happen and you will find a set...
I mean this guy didn't even know that his amps had their covers reversed, how could he judge their true condition?
Todd Fredericks
09-10-2003, 09:46 PM
Originally posted by Steve Hoffman
You know Todd, you wouldn't buy a used car that looked like that, unless you were into those "demolition derby" races.
Just save like $25.00 a week toward your upcoming Mac purchase and in a while, bingo, you will find a nice pair--Some old doctor will retire and trade his Macs in on a new Home Theatre amp (that is how I got my pair) or something will happen and you will find a set...
Very true. Sometimes I get blinded by the "deal" thing and not see something for what they are. I'll save and get a better pair when they eventually show up.
Todd
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