MAC 4100 solid walnut wood case done

[62caddy]

According to Ryan, the RCA jacks used on the MAC4100 were specific to the model...and they are awful. For whatever reason, ICs cannot seem to maintain their grip on these. I don't know whether it's due to age, wear or possibly being undersized to begin with. At some point I plan on having A/C doing a shotgun replacement with better gold-plated jacks and be done. Normally I don't like alterations from original factory but if ever an exception was called for, it is here.

 

[markd51]

According to Ryan, the RCA jacks used on the MAC4100 were specific to the model...and they are awful. For whatever reason, ICs cannot seem to maintain their grip on these. I don't know whether it's due to age, wear or possibly being undersized to begin with. At some point I plan on having A/C doing a shotgun replacement with better gold-plated jacks and be done. Normally I don't like alterations from original factory but if ever an exception was called for, it is here.

I'd assume there are good techs with savvy expertise to retrofit Jacks, both RCA and Speaker on the 4100 if desired. The constraints are Jacks that will fit within and occupy the exact same physical space as the original jacks did.

I'm of the belief that even some of the Parts Express stuff which costs peanuts would be better all around than what's back there on the 4100. Not sure about diameter of the 4100's Jacks, but the Jacks are quite "shallow" as well.

A Cable cannot fully insert and seat. Yes, the costly "snake oil cables" work just fine on more modern Mac gear, no problemo. I'd say changes slowly began to take place in this regard in around the mid-late 90's with Mac.

Yeah, the Audioquests I used were OK, another might be something like the "Chicago Model" ICs, but the Jacks cannot handle heavy cables, and need more of the "Rat Shack-Circuit City Variety" of run of the mill RCA Male Jacks to insert fully, and grasp well. Those with custom large machined barrels will be a no go. I found out quickly.

Another little tweak I thought of, to especially compliment a nicer Wood Cabinet, would be a nice custom made set of machined Aluminum, or Stainless Steel Feet. Not very large, maybe 1-1/2" diameter or so max. and close to the same height as the stock plastic Feet.

They could be cylinder shaped, or conically shaped, etc. Personal choice.

Any decent machinist could whip up a set easily-quickly, they could be lathed-grooved if desired, polished-brushed to look good and match with the 4100, aluminum would likely give that look, and be less expensive to fabricate. Countersunk holes for the screws, throw on some Herbies Grungebuster Discs-Washers, Felt, etc, job done!

 

[RPGTO]

The case looks good though I'm a little surprised attaching the solid walnut top cross-grain with the sides. Since wood tends to expand and contract much more cross-grain than with the grain, there might be some problems at those joints with the rigid attachment... Wood looks great though.

 

[wwmeredith]

The case looks good though I'm a little surprised attaching the solid walnut top cross-grain with the sides. Since wood tends to expand and contract much more cross-grain than with the grain, there might be some problems at those joints with the rigid attachment... Wood looks great though.

I was also wondering about wood movement. There's a reason they made these vintage cabinets out of MDF and veneer. I have a Mac 4100 in the shop right now and have been thinking about replacement cases since it's naked.

It does look fantastic.

 

[markd51]

I was also wondering about wood movement. There's a reason they made these vintage cabinets out of MDF and veneer. I have a Mac 4100 in the shop right now and have been thinking about replacement cases since it's naked.

It does look fantastic.

But it came with a case. Sorry to state the obvious.

 

[psychoaudio]

The case looks good though I'm a little surprised attaching the solid walnut top cross-grain with the sides. Since wood tends to expand and contract much more cross-grain than with the grain, there might be some problems at those joints with the rigid attachment... Wood looks great though.

Yup. I agree. So far so good

 

[CohibaJoe]

According to Ryan, the RCA jacks used on the MAC4100 were specific to the model...and they are awful. For whatever reason, ICs cannot seem to maintain their grip on these. I don't know whether it's due to age, wear or possibly being undersized to begin with. At some point I plan on having A/C doing a shotgun replacement with better gold-plated jacks and be done. Normally I don't like alterations from original factory but if ever an exception was called for, it is here.

That's why I ordered this replacement board on FleeBay so I can install real RCA jacks.

 

[ducati2]

That's why I ordered this replacement board on FleeBay so I can install real RCA jacks.

View attachment 3087585View attachment 3087586

Excellent, PLEASE DOCUMENT and post your removal and replacement with pix and tips. I am in the same boat!

 

[markd51]

Excellent, PLEASE DOCUMENT and post your removal and replacement with pix and tips. I am in the same boat!

I gather this is the exact same part, sold by the same seller, ProAudio.

Cost for the Board is something like $10 is all. Of course one has to populate it at whatever costs additional, labor. then retrofit. It can be done, but appears quite testy and intricate, and needing expertise.

And still half the equation, what about Speaker Jacks since one's back there already? You can dump those too as well if possible.

MAC4100 RCA Jack Replacement Kit | ProAudio Electronics

 

[CohibaJoe]

Excellent, PLEASE DOCUMENT and post your removal and replacement with pix and tips. I am in the same boat!

I did get this in yesterday. Looking at some RCA jacks to replace with. I will also update my thread.
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/mcintosh-mac-4100-recap-3.920480/

 

[camaronut]

Well, here’s my latest rendition of a case for a 4100. Made from simulated wood shelving (wife’s idea) made by Rubbermaid….. yep, Rubbermaid. I glued two of the boards together and the seams lined up perfectly. So I figured I’d go for it. I’m going to veneer the original cabinet pieces in dark walnut sooner or later.

 

[jayvis]

Well, here’s my latest rendition of a case for a 4100. Made from simulated wood shelving (wife’s idea) made by Rubbermaid….. yep, Rubbermaid. I glued two of the boards together and the seams lined up perfectly. So I figured I’d go for it. I’m going to veneer the original cabinet pieces in dark walnut sooner or later.

Not a bad looking blond. I saw a cabinet that a guy made out of Corian, and it looked very nice. It added some modern flare to nice vintage electronics.

 

[Bushikan]

Nice job! Looks factory.

 

[ducati2]

I am still seeking someone that makes a decent slip in (4 sided) case for my 4100. I prefer mdf clad in thick real wood veneer. Any leads appreciated!

 

[adnick]

Personally would much prefer solid wood, there’s no issues using it if done correctly, only downside is cost..generally one wants the sides oriented in sync with the top, this facilitates natural wood movement and it should appear as if the board “waterfalls” off the side…there’s always design exceptions

Here’s my Fisher 800 in Escarpment Cherry, only the bottom copies the original Fisher Case

 

[ducati2]

Personally would much prefer solid wood, there’s no issues using it if done correctly, only downside is cost..generally one wants the sides oriented in sync with the top, this facilitates natural wood movement and it should appear as if the board “waterfalls” off the side…there’s always design exceptions

Here’s my Fisher 800 in Escarpment Cherry, only the bottom copies the original Fisher Case
View attachment 3184750
View attachment 3184754
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My experience is solid wood has more of a chance to crack and warp. Regarding the 800c fisher, those 7591 tubes can emit huge temps, even when tuned in properly. I would want metal mesh ventilation. It is very pretty though! I’m looking for someone that makes quality veneered MDF units. Any leads appreciated!

 

[adnick]

My experience is solid wood has more of a chance to crack and warp. Regarding the 800c fisher, those 7591 tubes can emit huge temps, even when tuned in properly. I would want metal mesh ventilation. It is very pretty though! I’m looking for someone that makes quality veneered MDF units. Any leads appreciated!

Only poor wood choices and/or design issues cause warping/cracking…don’t even know over the years how many electronics cases I’ve personally built out of wood, but it’s a lot and have never had the issues you described.

The Wood in the case above was cut well over 100 years ago, and the top piece was rejected for a very fine custom table because it had knots and cracks that already existed in the wood. Hard to notice in the photo but there’s an indentation in the rear top which clears the output tubes, but even if it weren’t there that type of Cherry is extremely hard and stable, more akin to what’s known as Brazilian Cherry than other North American Cherry.

But I’ve seen such problems, many times in large or long panels, upon close inspection one normally finds the cause, the wood screwed or glued in place, mismatched grain orientation, corner braces glued across the grain etc…other major cause is poor choice in wood type which includes improperly dried/stored, or used too soon (still kinda green).

You should be able to commission any good cabinet shop to build a case out of any material desired…


VR
Andy

 

[pmsummer]

I'm not kidding, when I say the price of the Cabinet, State Taxes, (which they have to charge you), and shipping, the total cost was almost close to $500. I believe a tad over $480 total to Chicago, Ill.

I then started liking my original stock Case better and better by the day!
It's bone stock, as God (McIntosh) intended! LOL

If a Metal Case and Cover wasn't monkeyed up like I can see mine is with minor slight scrapes on the sides with the side Panels off, maybe the 4100 wouldn't look so bad totally nude?

But I do know, the Metal Case and construction doesn't exactly look like a Marantz 2285B, or a pair of MC-601's either, it is quite ugly in the Nude. Unless you particularly like the "B-29 Look". LOL

I recognized with my ole "audio eyes", there is something a bit wrong with Rack Handles and Wood Cabinets combined. They clash. I feel you should either do one, or the other, but not both.

All of of Mac freaks will agree, being nude was never a bad thing!

I have to admit I rather like the "B-29" look.