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I bought a Mac system that looks like it will need a lot of work

tom1356

tom1356

Super Member
It's a C-20, A MR-55 And a pair of MC-30's.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5869155405

The auction only mentions one MC-30 but the seller told me he would include both amps if I bid over $1500 and won.

It will all be here in about a week.
I want to bring these pieces back from the edge.
Anyone have service manuals or advice on the best way to proceed with restoration?
Thanks for any help you may offer.
 
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I'm guessing that this gear was packed away in someone's closet or garage and has been sitting for more than a few years. And, likely because one or more of the units crapped out.

So, plugging them in will likely "blow up" something. The filter caps on the MC-30s will surely need to be changed and only god knows about what to do with the rest although I'd assume that all the 'lytic caps will have to be changed. I would probably just stare at all of them for a few weeks.

Terry would know what to do, that's for sure. That's a big job but it shouldn't take more than a few months.

Sorry for rambling on - I'm semi stunned.

Murray
 
Firstly, congratulations. That should be an excellent system, once fully restored.

On the restoration process, I'd suggest you spend some time searching here to get yourself familiar with what it will take. I've posted a number of notes on resoration of Mac amps as have others.

Next, assess how you're feeling with the prospect of doing it yourself after reading what others have been through. If you're not comfortable with high voltages, can't read schematics and/or don't have a good grasp of what a DVM and/or scope does and how they're used, then I'd suggest you invest in one of the pros here to do it for you.

These are excellent pieces that you've gotten and I'd encourage you to get them restored to the level at which they can perform. The MC-30s, in particurlar and when fully restored, will compete with anything built today in its power range.

Hope that helps.

Cheers,

David
 
Hi All,
Thanks for the advice and help so far.
I just got off the phone with the seller.
He bought the system from a neighbor who died, 25 years ago at the urging of a friend. It was working at the time. He never used it so it went into his attic. They are moving so out it comes.
He doesn't know anything else about it.
Is there a smiley for pensive?
Thanks
Tom
 
You might want to really think about diving into this project unless you have extra cash to part with... Can you change your mind?
 
tom1356 said:
Why only semi?
Click to expand...
Everyone answers from their own perspective. :) I guess it seems like a huge project to me and the cosmetic issues are the toughest to deal with.

As usual, David gave a great answer. :thmbsp: A lot of the guys that hang out here have a ton of experience with the '30s; the C-20 shouldn't be to hard to figure out and the tuner can be sent out for alignment.

Post some pics when your stuff comes in and keep everyone posted as you go along. :yes:

Murray
 
mike175gr said:
You might want to really think about diving into this project unless you have extra cash to part with... Can you change your mind?
Click to expand...

Hmmm... you don't seem to have any faith in me. :scratch2:
Cash isn't a problem for me and I look at it as a good learning experience.
Then again it could be a disaster. :smoke:
 
skippy_ps said:
Everyone answers from their own perspective. :) I guess it seems like a huge project to me and the cosmetic issues are the toughest to deal with.

As usual, David gave a great answer. :thmbsp: A lot of the guys that hang out here have a ton of experience with the '30s; the C-20 shouldn't be to hard to figure out and the tuner can be sent out for alignment.

Post some pics when your stuff comes in and keep everyone posted as you go along. :yes:

Murray
Click to expand...
I'm guessing at the very least I will meet some interesting new people. Like a chrome plater, a silk screener, and local paramedics.
 
skippy_ps said:
Friend?

Sorry Tom, but I couldn't resist.

Murray
Click to expand...
I have to assume they were not this bad when he bought them 25 years ago.
Plus he just got $1500 for them so he's pretty happy tonight.
 
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dshoaf said:
Firstly, congratulations. That should be an excellent system, once fully restored.

On the restoration process, I'd suggest you spend some time searching here to get yourself familiar with what it will take. I've posted a number of notes on resoration of Mac amps as have others.

Next, assess how you're feeling with the prospect of doing it yourself after reading what others have been through. If you're not comfortable with high voltages, can't read schematics and/or don't have a good grasp of what a DVM and/or scope does and how they're used, then I'd suggest you invest in one of the pros here to do it for you.

These are excellent pieces that you've gotten and I'd encourage you to get them restored to the level at which they can perform. The MC-30s, in particurlar and when fully restored, will compete with anything built today in its power range.

Hope that helps.

Cheers,

David
Click to expand...
Maybe I will start a thread to show the progress of the restoration.
Thanks for the encouragement.
 
tom1356 said:
Maybe I will start a thread to show the progress of the restoration.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Click to expand...
Yes! I'm sure there would be a bunch of interest in this.

Murray
 
tom1356 said:
Hmmm... you don't seem to have any faith in me. :scratch2:
Cash isn't a problem for me and I look at it as a good learning experience.
Then again it could be a disaster. :smoke:
Click to expand...

I think this is going to work out GREAT :thmbsp: .

You sound like you're up for the challenge, & have some finances to support the effort. If you end up spending $1000 you will still have a VERY nice system! Plus, I'm sure you'll learn lots along the way and in the end have the satisfaction of bringing these around yourself. :tresbon:

Like you said, if things go south you can "call out the calvary" and send them to Terry. Enjoy your new system and the project.

Best of luck and keep us posted. :yes:
Paul
 
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