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[How to] restore my McIntosh MC-60

batman

batman

My name is Levi
Hi All,

I have a pair of McIntosh MC-60 sitting in my garage that I would like to restore. McIntosh Labs highly recommended Audioclassics to do the job but they are asking $400-$800 each. So I decided to do the restoration my self. I have acquired shcematics from Mr Berner's website for starters.


Can you help me get started restoring my McIntosh MC-60?

Thanks in advance.

Levi
 
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Do you have a soldering station and know how to solder? A digital volt meter? What skills do you have and what experience working with tube voltage? Tube voltage can kill you if you don't know what you are doing.

If you are starting from ground zero, it might be easier/cheaper to pay someone else. Have you talked with Terry DeWickt?
 
I have a soldering station, digital volt meter and a variac (friend's). So yes, I do know how to use them and some common sense. :)

I think Carl recommended Terry DeWickt, I hope he is in New York City. Shipping both ways would add additional cost to my project. If I can find someone locally within reasonable price and really knows McIntosh sound, I would probably go that route. I hope you understand.

Just checked and Terry is in TN so that maybe a problem.

My goal is to keep the original McIntosh sound but wanted to replace key components for safety and reliablity. Therefore, those selenium rectifier has to go. Do you suggest I use Blackgate caps?
 
Stay away from Black gate and botique capacitors, they will change the sound of the 60 and make it harsh - solid state sounding. The other problem is the Black Gates have a reliability problem, they will not tolerate overvoltage of any type....

I bet you are the one from the big Apple I just sent a MC60 work sheet to - welcome to AK and a fine bunch of guys.
 
Black Gate caps are more for solid state than the high voltages of tube gear. Antique Radio Supply is a good source of signal caps. Those simple orange ones always work well..
Power supply caps are important..

Thanks,
Ron-C
 
Yes, power supply caps are very important. We have mallorys here, specially made to fit those amps. They are twist lock so they look correct on the unit too.
 
I use the new build twist loc cans from Antique, keeps the original look under and above the chassis, though the replacement cans have more capacitance in a shorter can they do their job well and have a long life. I know Ryan and Ron will agree that parts tacked under the chassis with RTV, glue, and such do not speak of quality workmanship. We all have done this type of fix as a last resort but the best thing is keeping the original layout and look to make any future repairs easy to perform while keeping the sonic signature as close to original as possible.
 
You got that right Terry. I hate to see cans globed onto the bottom of a chassis. Yech!

Thanks,
Ron-C
 
Thanks Ron-C, Ryan, Terry. I totally agree as far as keeping the original layout.

I would look into Ryan's Mallory and Antique's replacement cans.

I don't see bias adjustment in the MC-60. How does it do autobiasing?
 
Has anyone put together a rebuild kit for these? I've got 2 60's that need work, and 1 MC-240 I'm willing to hack into.

Original looks preferred with no 'double-secret left-hand-twist' components.

Readjusting the bias has me kind of thrown off, but there's a first time for everything.

Thanks guys.

Mike
 
Just restore as stock and if the voltages all line up as on the schematic you are set. No need for any bias adjustments.

thanks,
Ron-C
 
Terry, Ron, Ryan and group,

Many thanks for lending your expertise to the group. we all understand that you folks make your livings repairing and selling but it's nice to know that when something like this comes along where finances may be an issue, that you will give advise needed.

Many thanks to all for your contributions. Another reason AK is the best forum on the net!
 
Depending on the amplifier when you replace the original selenium rectifier and bias filter the bias voltage can increase 5 to 10 volts, this upsets the output section so you need to change or add a resistor to set the bias to it's original value.
 
Hi Terry and everyone else. I am the guy who you sent the M-60 quote page to. Valley Stream NY. You also fixed my 60 that I sent to you. Thanks so much. (Broken circuit board/12AX7) Thanks a bunch sounds and looks great.
Tig in bna @aol.com

Brent
 
Ditto again to Ron, Terry and Ryan also to Carl who pointed me into the right direction.



barrynsue said:
Terry, Ron, Ryan and group,

Many thanks for lending your expertise to the group. we all understand that you folks make your livings repairing and selling but it's nice to know that when something like this comes along where finances may be an issue, that you will give advise needed.

Many thanks to all for your contributions. Another reason AK is the best forum on the net!
Click to expand...
 
Hi Mike,

I asked around already. It would be great if there is a rebuilt kit. It looks like I am not alone in this quest.


Mike in Va said:
Has anyone put together a rebuild kit for these? I've got 2 60's that need work, and 1 MC-240 I'm willing to hack into.

Original looks preferred with no 'double-secret left-hand-twist' components.

Readjusting the bias has me kind of thrown off, but there's a first time for everything.

Thanks guys.

Mike
Click to expand...
 
batman said:
Hi Mike,

I asked around already. It would be great if there is a rebuilt kit. It looks like I am not alone in this quest.
Click to expand...


Hi batman, I'm not a component level guy, but I've always wanted to learn more. Guys in the 1950's and 60's were all into the circuits, Heathkit was king then.
Growing up later than that, only the true enthusiasts or professional tinkerers had that kind of knowlege.

I just got off the phone with Ryan at Audioclassics and he's offered to put some component packages together that will get us wannabe component guys started. As I've posted above, I'm not looking for any 'boutique' 'flavor of the month' stuff, rather solid stuff that Ron, Terry, or Mcintosh would have chosen.

Give it a little time and I'm sure Ryan will have something for us.

Thanks Guys, and thanks to AK for the opportunity.

Mike
 
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