Billy Dio
Well-Known Member
I'm watching an MCS 3245 on shopgoodwill, locally. What is a decent price to pick one of these up?
I personally wouldn't go overboard, especially if it's never been recapped. Also, if it drops a channel, it'll probably be a sticky pot, lever, or button. The level meters can be problematic too. I've yet to hear a 3253 or 3275, so it might be a step down from your 3253. I need to double-check between mine, but I *think* the 3245 has a flatter/compressed "2D" stereo effect vs. a 3233 which sounds more dynamic while the 3245 seems to have a quieter noise floor though. I will say though at lower volume (like between 1 and 5 watts roughly) on both 100% stock 3233 and 3245, where I had one amp running a left channel and other amp running a right channel, both getting the same signal, and powering identical cabs with tone defeat on, I couldn't tell which was which. Not until higher volume with tone boards on did it become more distinct. I will say the 3245 doesn't seem to appear as much as other units, so a fully cherry unit might be harder to come by.
@Hifirob2 How did you get the FCC ID number listings? When I was looking several years ago, I had no luck with them, and mostly only able to find current listings of modern stuff. Also, do you have a list of what was Arvin, what's Capetronic, etc.?