McIntosh MC58 Eight Channel Amplifier

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Super flexible and capable amplifier from legendary maker McIntosh.

Finished in their classic and timeless traditional glass faceplate with green backlighting.

The MC58 features 8 individual channels that can be bridged to mono in pairs, providing many possible configurations including:

• 8 x 30W

• 6 x 30W *AND* 1 x 100W

• 4 x 30W *AND* 2 x 100W

• 2 x 30W *AND* 3 x 100W

• 4 x 100W

More from McIntosh:

Eight 50 watt McIntosh amplifier channels in one convenient package make the MC58 an ideal amplifier for a multizone system.

The MC58 can be configured in different Operating Modes to fit a wide range of uses where a multichannel amplifier is required. For example, it has the ability to bridge a pair of channels for 100 watts output.

McIntosh Performance Features Include:

• Power Output

The MC58 consists of eight separate power amplifier channels, each capable of 50 watts into 4 ohm speakers with less than 0.005% distortion. This is 400 watts of McIntosh power in a single package.

• Individual Channel or Bridged Pair Configuration 

Each pair of MC58 amplifier channels can be operated separately at 50 watts each, or bridged for 100 watts. The MC58 is ideal for any application requiring a multichannel power amplifier, such as a mulitzone system or home theater system.

• Power Guard

All eight channels include the patented McIntosh Power Guard Circuit, that prevents the amplifier from being overdriven into clipping with its harsh distorted sound that can also damage your valuable loudspeakers.

• Sentry Monitor

McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protection circuits are present on all eight channels to ensure the MC58 will have a long and trouble free operating life. 

Recommended Cables:

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - Speaker Cables - Better

Kimber Summit Series Monocle XL Speaker Cables (PAIR) - Best

Kimber Summit Series BiFocal XL Bi-Wire Speaker Cables (PAIR) - Best If Applicable 

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Best

Please see our last photo or the linked manual below for full specifications.

McIntosh MC58 Eight Channel Power Amplifier Manual

The SkyFi Testing Process for Solid State Amplifiers:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

If the amplifier passes visual inspection, we move on to a controlled power on sequence using a Sencore safety analyzer to monitor current draw in real time. Once the amplifier is determined to be safe to operate, we connect it to full AC mains for function and power testing. We connect the speaker outputs of the amplifier to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which acts as a dummy load, DC offset monitor, and oscilloscope interface. We start with a low level 1KHz test signal at the amplifier’s input and slowly increase its amplitude while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of noise, clipping, distortion, or improper channel balance. We continue increasing the signal level until the amplifier reaches clipping. At this point we take an output power measurement and compare it to the spec sheet of the amplifier to verify proper performance. If the device under test has both balanced and single ended inputs they are both tested at this time. We finish off the bench evaluation with a 1KHz square wave check and a 20Hz to 20KHz sine sweep to assess the amplifier’s frequency response characteristics. This battery of tests will usually reveal if the amplifier has any issues that need further attention.

Before the device leaves the bench, we perform a listening test with actual music using a variety of preferred test tracks. Our benches are outfitted with familiar monitor speakers which help us identify inconsistencies that will not always show up on our test gear. The main things that we are listening for are hum or noise with no signal present, proper center image, clicks, pops, or any other obvious undesirable audio characteristics.

If the unit passes all of these tests it is moved to our long term testing rig where we simulate real word operating conditions for 6-8 hours. This allows us to monitor the unit for signs of thermal runaway or intermittent issues that only crop up when the unit has fully come up to temperature.