McIntosh MC302 Solid State Amplifier 300 Watt- Fiber Optic

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General:
The MC302 is an incredible 300 Watt per Channel McIntosh amplifier. It could power just about any speaker with ease and with incredible musicality. The new variant of this amplifier is the MC312 which retails for a whopping $8500.

Key McIntosh features include use of McIntosh Autoformers, one of the company's signature technologies. Autoformers allow the amplifier to deliver its full 200 watts of output into 2-, 4-, or 8-ohm speaker loads. This feature is reserved for McIntosh's higher-end amplifiers.

It also incorporates Power Guard and Sentry Monitor protection circuits. Power Guard helps prevent audible clipping by automatically reducing input drive when necessary, while Sentry Monitor provides fuse-free short-circuit protection that automatically resets once normal operating conditions return.

Another really cool feature of McIntosh units from this era is their coveted fiber-optic lighting. Compared to the other lighting methods used in McIntosh equipment, the fiber-optic system offers the most even illumination, creating a consistent, uniform glow that many enthusiasts consider the most attractive.

Included with the amplifier will be a printed copy of its owners manual and original box. Free shipping on this amplifier in the United States.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Light marks are present on the top surfaces. Manual is a reprint on heavyweight paper. Overall condition is very good.

Brand Background:
McIntosh Laboratory is an American manufacturer of handcrafted high-end audio equipment based in Binghamton, New York. The company was founded in 1949 by Frank McIntosh. The company designs and produces audio amplifiers, stereo tuners and other consumer electronics products.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
RCA, XLR and IEC Power.

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.

Included:
Unit, Box, Manual, Power Cord

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Specs:
Power and Performance
- Power Output: 300 watts per channel into 2, 4, or 8-ohm loads.
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.005% maximum from 250mW to rated output.
- Peak Output Current: 60 amperes.
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: -95dB (balanced), -93dB (unbalanced).
- Dynamic Headroom: 1.8 dB.
Connectivity and Design
- Inputs: Both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) connections.
- Output Load Impedance: Dedicated terminals for 2, 4, and 8 ohms via Autoformers.

Dimensions:
17.5 inches (44.45 cm) wide, 9.44 inches (24 cm) high, and 21 inches (53.3 cm) deep.

Weight:
98 lbs.

Approximate Age:
2010

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Better

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - 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

Testing Process:
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 1 KHz 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 1 KHz square wave check and a 20 Hz to 20 KHz 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 minimum. 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.