McIntosh MC-2300 Solid State Amplifier, A Piece of Audio History

Free Shipping on *ALL* Electronics (Excluding Speakers, Contiguous 48 US States Only)

A Piece of Audio History.

This amplifier is so significant that it has its own Wikipedia page:

“The MC-2300 is a solid-state power amplifier which was built by the American high-end audio company McIntosh, and sold between the years 1971 and 1980.[1] It can be utilized either as a 300-watt-per-channel stereo amp, or a 600-watt monoblock, and was rated by its manufacturer as being able to produce this amount of power continuously, with very little (less than 0.25%) distortion.[1] McIntosh's ratings were conservative, however, because like many of their amplifiers, when bench-tested the MC-2300 has frequently been found to produce an even higher level of clean power.[2]

As such, it was ideal for use in demanding, professional applications. Most famously, the improvisational rock band the Grateful Dead employed 48 McIntosh MC-2300 amps as the main power source for their enormous public-address system, the Wall of Sound. Designed by Owsley "Bear" Stanley and others, this system utilized more than 26,000 watts of continuous power fed into JBL and Electrovoice speakers, and was renowned for its natural, low-distortion stereo sound which carried for 600 feet without significant degradation. [3] The Wall of Sound was only in use from March to October 1974.”

This particular piece is in perfect working condition and is in near mint cosmetic condition.  It has been tested on our test bench to its full rated power and passed with flying colors.  All bulbs work, and meters are responsive. 

We’ve had a few of these in the past, but none were in this museum like condition. 

The top cover which usually suffers from oxidation is perfect, and so is the stencil.  The meters are clean and clear, and the faceplate is also perfect.  I doubt there is another unit out there in this condition and the price we have listed reflects this. 

It is finished in a light champagne color with black paint.  Includes manual and power cord.

Item will be double boxed for safe transport. 

Please note it weighs 128 lbs. and will require two people to unbox and set in place. 

Specifications:

ELECTRICAL: 300w/ch. (600w mono). Response 20-20kHz (+0 -0.5dB). Distortion 0.25%. Noise and hum -90dB. Output impedance 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 ohms. (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 ohms in mono). Damping factor 14 or greater. Input impedance 200k. Input sensitivity 0.5v. Sentry Monitor.

FRONT PANEL: Anodized gold and black panel. Power level (meters read +3 at 300w). Gain controls. Meter range sw: -20, -10, 0, and off. Power sw: on or off. Handles.

BACK PANEL: Output barrier strips. Audio inputs. Mode sw: stereo or mono. Circuit breaker. Dual cooling fans.

Size 19" rack mounting. 10-1/2"H and 17"D.

Weight 128 lb

Sold from 1971-1980.

Last retail price $1799.00