MC30

About the MC30

The McIntosh MC-30 is a vintage mono power amplifier manufactured between 1954 and 1962 by McIntosh Laboratory Inc. It delivers 30 watts RMS of continuous power output with less than 0.33% harmonic distortion at full power and a frequency response extending from 20 Hz to 30 kHz ±0.1 dB at 30 watts output. The amplifier features a high efficiency output circuit, low noise and hum levels (90 dB below rated output), and a robust power supply consuming 135 watts at full power. It uses vacuum tubes including 2 x 1614 output tubes, 2 x 12AX7 for pre-amp and driver stages, 12AU7 phase inverter, 12BH7 voltage amp, and a 5U4 rectifier tube. The MC-30 supports multiple input levels and impedances, and offers output impedance taps for 4, 8, 16, and 600 ohms. It weighs approximately 30.5 lbs and measures 8 x 8 x 13 inches. The amplifier is praised for its warm, smooth sound with detailed highs and good bass response, making it suitable for pairing with efficient loudspeakers. Despite its age, it maintains respectable performance with low distortion and noise, though some hum at 60 Hz may be audible at close range.