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Mcintosh Amp terminal strip size

kmanusa

kmanusa

AK Subscriber
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Does anyone know whether the output terminal strips on the MC7100 and MC7270 amps are the same size? For that matter, is there any appreciable difference in size of the terminal strips on the solid state Mac amps of the 1980s and 1990s?

I am asking because I have an MC7100 and am acquiring a MC7270. I am wondering whether I can use the same type of speaker cable spade lugs on either amp.
 
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Thanks, Doug. Interesting, the spades I am using on the MC7100 measure 3/8" between outside edges and 1/4" inside diameter. The 3/8" is a tight fit but it works. It is not clear from the web page where the 3/16" is measured on the Audioquests, I assume it is the inside diameter?
 
I measured the width (the space between the barrier strips) of the terminals and it was about .315 or roughly 5/16".

I used Vampire BAR from Welborne and they fit perfectly.

Murray
 
Skippy-- was this a barrier strip on an MC7270 or MC7100?? I wonder if the barrier strips on Mac amps have changed in size much through the (solid state) years of production?

Keith
 
Right now I have a few MC-30s, an MC-2205 and an MC-2105 and all have the same "size" barrier strip with a #6 screw.

Here's some on 14 ga wire. Stab crimp and solder. Takes a lot of heat to get the solder to stick as the heat gets sucked up the wire.

Murray
 

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Thanks, Skippy. I measured my MC7100 barrier strip and the width was a hair less than 3/8 inch so that kind of jibes with your measurement. I like your crimp and solder technique and will use it on my 12 gauge speaker wire. The MC7270 should arrive tomorrow and I want to be ready to hook it up!!

I use VMPS subs with my Quad 988s and I plan to use the MC7270 on the Quads and the MC7100 on the subs. I am using the MC7100 full range on the Quads right now and the sound is quite nice.
 
skippy_ps said:
Right now I have a few MC-30s, an MC-2205 and an MC-2105 and all have the same "size" barrier strip with a #6 screw.

Here's some on 14 ga wire. Stab crimp and solder. Takes a lot of heat to get the solder to stick as the heat gets sucked up the wire.

Murray
Click to expand...
You might want to check this product out from this overseas seller - I use them on two MC2205's and one MC2125, they let me plug speakers cables with single banana plugs into the back of my vintage McIntosh amps, and the don't cost a fortune. They actually work. :)

http://tinyurl.com/76qgu

I've dealt with him twice, had good experiences both times and he'll give you a break on shipping if you order a large enough quantity.
 
Those look pretty cool. Hmmm.

Actually, I was in Hong Kong for a week in 1970. Bought my first stereo system there and had it shipped back to the folk's place in TX - Pioneer int amp and tuner. And, it's still in the family. Interesting place and I'd love to go there again.

Murray
 
Thanks to all who responded. The MC7270 has arrived and, as expected, the barrier strips appear identical in spacing to those on the MC7100. For the time being, I am using el cheapo Radio Shack spade lugs which fit ok. However, I will be looking into the excellent suggestions offered up here for a more "permanent" solution!

BTW, the MC7270 sounds wonderful on the Quads through a Marchand XM9 crossover with the MC7100 driving the VMPS subs. I will also try the MC7270 full range.

Thanks
 
I have found the barrier strips on my 7100, with the correct size spade to be better the the host of other terminals I have used. Once the correct spade is in there and tightened down it stays and does not come loose. I have some name brand spades that just slide in the barrier strip tight enough to holds them in there until tightened.

Wayne
 
One thing, the early 7270's had smaller barrier strips than the newer ones did.

The early 7270's had the same 2 strips that the 2255 used that wouldn't fit a MGS (monster gold spade) the industry standard at the time. Well, they'd fit, but you had to push them.

The later 7270's used one long barrier strip rather than two shorter ones and were sized to fit the Monster sized termination.

If your '270 has two barriers, it takes the smaller spades. Your amplifier can be upgraded to the larger barrier strip, but it's been so long since I've done one, Audio Classics or Ron C. would be a better resource.

Love that amplifier; good purchase!

Mike
 
Easy

FYI,

The MC-7200 has no strip..........just four machined brass attachment points that have a screw machined into it......just strip the conductor and place it in the hole, then tighten screw....simple...makes life easy~!:yes:
 
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