Modular Component Systems??? Who really made these

[Bodyblue]

It seems the general consensus is that MCS receivers (most) were made by NEC. I picked up a 3248 several months ago intending to flip it. But after cleaning it up and listening to it, I fell in love with it and put it into rotation in the bedroom system. The combination of beautiful wood case (with sliding top for easy access) and handsome face along with clean sound and power makes it a keeper for me.

 

[wal92tt]

Mcs 3215

OK, I know I am way late to the party here- not sure if anyone who knows anything about these units is still connected to this site, but I will give it a shot.

My son picked up an MCS 3215 Stereo Receiver from my uncle. It was in his garage- said it didn't work. I have yet to test it, as they were cleaning out the garage due to a water leak caused by clogged gutters. My son said this was "under water" but I know that to be a bit of hyperbole, as there was no standing water in the garage. Maybe it got wet, I don't know, going to give it a few days to dry out just in case, before I test it.

I opened it up. Sadly, this doesn't look to be any spectacular unit. I don't see any output ratings anywhere, but it consumes 195W. There is a large heat sink with an amp attached marked "STK459 Stereo Amplifier". From what I gather, that is 2x15W. Oooo. Aaaaa. Impressive. /sarcasm

Obviously NOT one of the models of legend I read about above.

OK, so is not likely worth much, except maybe as a trot line anchor, if that. I cant help myself, I have to FIX stuff. I find the analog tuner does not want to turn. Its not frozen, but likely the shafts were seized up enough to damage the gearing, so its movement is very intermittent, and difficult. Its a tiny little tuner- IMO- but I have to ask... is it replaceable?

That said, I must be crazy to even want to fix this unless somebody knows something I don't know about this unit. I mean, I was thinking of pulling the Technics SU-V78 out of the garage ($3.00 garage sale item- had a blown fuse) and replacing it with this.

This looks similar to a HK 385i I found at GW for $3.

 

[komhst]

"MCS was a house brand for JC Penney. MCS didn't actually manufacture their equipment and there has been quite a bit of discussion online as to who made their receivers. The general consensus is that Technics (Mastushita) and NEC made most of them though other manufacturers may have built them as well. They do look a little like the early Technics receivers so they seem the most likely manufacturer. However, some units have a Made in Taiwan badge which would preclude either NEC or Technics as the manufacturer."

https://classicreceivers.com/category/receivers/modular-component-systems

"Many purists used to laugh at the MCS brand. Not anymore. Well, there are probably still some that laugh at it but less loudly then before. The Modular Component Systems receivers once marketed by J.C. Penney are rising in value and recognition. Once assumed to be poorly built and designed for visual shock value rather than function their reputation has risen in the last few years. "

https://classicreceivers.com/modular-component-systems-3275

 

[EngineerNate]

It seems the general consensus is that MCS receivers (most) were made by NEC. I picked up a 3248 several months ago intending to flip it. But after cleaning it up and listening to it, I fell in love with it and put it into rotation in the bedroom system. The combination of beautiful wood case (with sliding top for easy access) and handsome face along with clean sound and power makes it a keeper for me.

Good to know the 48 is a keeper. I won one on a lowball bid on the auction site and it's waiting patiently for my tender ministrations. The power cord was cut at some point, I don't know if that was recyclers wanting the copper or someone wanting you never to plug it in again because it had problems. I've bought a replacement so we'll find out soon enough. It's #2 or #3 on my list of projects at the moment.

Cheers,
Nathan

 

[Bodyblue]

Good to know the 48 is a keeper. I won one on a lowball bid on the auction site and it's waiting patiently for my tender ministrations. The power cord was cut at some point, I don't know if that was recyclers wanting the copper or someone wanting you never to plug it in again because it had problems. I've bought a replacement so we'll find out soon enough. It's #2 or #3 on my list of projects at the moment.

Cheers,
Nathan

I sold mine a few months ago to a guy who was really excited to get it. It is a GREAT receiver.

 

[EngineerNate]

I sold mine a few months ago to a guy who was really excited to get it. It is a GREAT receiver.

You don't happen to have any documentation for it do you? I haven't found an SM yet.

 

[Bodyblue]

You don't happen to have any documentation for it do you? I haven't found an SM yet.

Sorry, I do not.