MCS 3253 Receiver question

[Sparkler]

My son recently picked up an MCS 3253 reciever at our local Goodwill. I suspect that a cap may be responsible for an intermittent crackling in the left channel. The unit has been throughly cleaned with Deoxit. The tuner in this thing is nothing short of amazing..at least to me. It pulls in FM that our Pioneer SX 1050 doesn't and it does it without an antenna. Can anyone help me with finding the schematics for this receiver? I think I have a keeper here...

 

[Hifirob2]

If you can truly rule out dirty controls, then I would examine the circuit boards for a cold solder joint. If all solder joints pass inspection, I would suspect a bad transistor on the main amp board. Probably not a final output, but one of the other transistors in the left channel.

Schematics for the receiver came as a center fold out diagram in the owners manual. Also, the amp section of the 3253 is identical to the NEC AUA-7000E integrated amp (and MCS 3847), if that helps in your search.

The 3253 is a fine receiver - it flies under most peoples radar. I have two of them, and like them very much. If you like the tuner section, it is identical to the NEC AUT-7000E, which was also sold as the MCS 3700 & 3701. To really blow your socks off, track down a MCS 3710 tuner (NEC AUT-8000E), and give it a listen. Much better performance, and it also is on no one's radar. I use one in my main system.

 

[Sparkler]

Schematics

Thanks so much for the info! Seems that this MCS stuff is almost taboo to talk about. I'm checking out that 3701 for sure. As I said before...the tuner section definitely grabbed my attention and a close friend of mine is tracking down my problem as I peck. I'll keep you posted!

 

[Hifirob2]

Thanks so much for the info! Seems that this MCS stuff is almost taboo to talk about. I'm checking out that 3701 for sure. As I said before...the tuner section definitely grabbed my attention and a close friend of mine is tracking down my problem as I peck. I'll keep you posted!

No problem - I hope you track down the issue. You can skip checking out the 3701 (since that's what you essentially already have) and go after a 3710. More sensitive, selective, and quieter than the 3701. They show up on ebay every so often. I think there is one on there now - in silver. It also came in black. (no affiliation).

Or skip the 3710, and go right to the head of the class, and look for a MCS 3125 receiver. Great tuner section, and an amp section that may make you sell your big Pioneer. Seriously. That statement may make many readers laugh, but until you've heard a 3125, you simply have no clue.

And yes, talking about MCS on AK is a little taboo. So many people associate MCS with JCPenney, and that MUST mean it's junk. But search through the many MCS threads, and try to find an owner that has anything but positive things to say about it (other than the sometimes odd styling). :yes:

 

[bd1886]

Sleepers can be created by four main things:

1. A company that isn't associated with the "BIG" manufacturers at the time and only getting a small amount of positioning in an already overwhelmed market.

2. A company that is strictly associated with going for entry level but actually producing gems.

3. A re-branding within a "less than stellar" brand that subcontracted the supply for them to retail themselves.... OMG what garbage! "JC Penny" is king here.

4. More modern "black" that is not BPC.

I've head to head compared NEC/MCS receivers with most every other brand and there never is a doubt on how nice they are. The looks are unconventional, but I find them to be absolutely beautiful in a light industrial way and they will stand out favorably to most eyes and most importantly mine. The sound has a light warm/course to it that spits detail out in a very forward creaminess/with "highlighting sparkle" intended by "Downtown Tokyo NEC". A wonderful lush sound that is special to my ears and it can kick out some "Glory Gear" (for long stretches).

Rob said it all in saying people have no clue and it will keep these being great finds for those who do have one. (A 3125 is a dream machine that has yet to cross my path to actually own but a bud of mine has one and it is a cornerstone for him.)

 

[Hifirob2]

bd1886, you ability to describe the "NEC sound" is spot on - much better than what I would have come up with. Also, your break down of "sleepers". I may add that while MCS has their share of sleepers, as a whole, they are an excellent "bang for your buck" brand.

I try to track all MCS auctions on ebay, and am impressed that some pieces are now commanding big prices. A 3275 receiver just sold for $435 plus about $50 for shipping. That has to be some record. That's more than most every 3125 I've tracked. Even pristine condition 3253s are gaining a lot of ground. The 3865 is a superb dual mono integrated amp, yet it's been awhile since I've seen one come up in a true auction. Many have (too) high BIN prices or starting bids, which is a shame.

Most other nice MCS pieces still can be had very cheap. Besides the already mentioned 3710 tuner, the 3730 tuner is equally nice (but is tiny in size) and nobody notices it. The 3872 integrated amp is a powerhouse at 110 wpc and sounds VERY nice, yet it gets no love because of it's looks. The 3040 10 band graphic EQ is excellent, and sells for very little. It is a rebadged Yamaha GE-3 (did Yamaha make their own EQs?), yet nobody seems to care. It wears the MCS curse, so it sells for a small fraction of what the Yamaha sells for.

To really appreciate the "NEC sound", track down a NEC A-10II integrated amp. Give it a thorough listen, and then compare it to a MCS 3125. They are both statement pieces, yet sound different. I use a A-10II in my main system, and pull out my 3125 for special listening sessions. I love them both, but for different reasons.

I forgot to mention that the MCS 3253 is simply a rebadged NEC AUR-8055. A service manual may be more easily tracked down with that info.

 

[superdog]

I had a very nice sounding and quite attractive MCS 3260 receiver.I don't think it is taboo just misconceptions about MCS.

 

[bd1886]

The sleepers that I have to appreciate hold a special spot with me. Instant A/Bing takes away any stupid prejudging we all do and has made me realize and ingratiate truths that are not always about accuracy alone.

It justifiably boils down to our all important personal taste (which should never need any justification) but all I can say is when my group is pushing those switching buttons......smiles always go to the NEC sound.
You thinking of cross referencing to the NEC models was huge Rob!
Staying on top of what stuff is going for (in all of it's conditions) is part of this hobby too and wise......sleepers need some extra left on the table until they fully either come out of their slumber, or true work has been done to 'em. When you buy them smart, it's only a huge win and they are the best kind of save in my books. (I'd love to go off on the sleepers I love, but this thread is about MCS/NEC, and can only tell you all, the best are right there in the top.) Dey duz be da shnitzel.

 

[goodolpg]

Not to brag, (ok, I'm bragging), I got my 3125 for $169 a couple years ago.
A very reasonable BIN price and a listing that was maybe 1 hour old.
SCORE!
It had the usual channel drop outs from dirty switches/controls. About 3 hours with some disassembly help from a thread here at AK and some deoxit fixed it.

 

[Hifirob2]

Not to brag, (ok, I'm bragging), I got my 3125 for $169 a couple years ago.
A very reasonable BIN price and a listing that was maybe 1 hour old.
SCORE!
It had the usual channel drop outs from dirty switches/controls. About 3 hours with some disassembly help from a thread here at AK and some deoxit fixed it.

And THAT, sir, is how it's done! :yes: Excellent price!

My 3125 story is nearly identical, except that mine was an auction with an opening bid of $90 or BIN at $115 plus $20 shipping. I was the third person to view the auction, and I clicked the BIN as fast as I could. It also had channel drop outs - and Deoxit came to the rescue.

I run about a dozen of my saved searches on ebay many times throughout the day - hoping to find that elusive score. Persistence seems to pay off. :thmbsp:

 

[goodolpg]

And THAT, sir, is how it's done! :yes: Excellent price!

My 3125 story is nearly identical, except that mine was an auction with an opening bid of $90 or BIN at $115 plus $20 shipping. I was the third person to view the auction, and I clicked the BIN as fast as I could. It also had channel drop outs - and Deoxit came to the rescue.

I run about a dozen of my saved searches on ebay many times throughout the day - hoping to find that elusive score. Persistence seems to pay off. :thmbsp:

HOLY COW.
Score indeed!

 

[jamiecantar]

I have the Canadian version called the NEC AUR-8075. Mint Condition. Packing boxes, manuals, everything. It's black face. My dad purchased it brand new along with Altec Model 9 series ll speakers back in 1977. The thing is a beast.

 

[goodolpg]

I like the 3275's (and the black face AUR-8075 is sweet) but really don't care for the yellow tint of the power meter lights.
I wonder if different bulbs could be used to change that.

 

[bd1886]

That's not bragging.

Not to brag, (ok, I'm bragging), I got my 3125 for $169 a couple years ago.
A very reasonable BIN price and a listing that was maybe 1 hour old.
SCORE!
It had the usual channel drop outs from dirty switches/controls. About 3 hours with some disassembly help from a thread here at AK and some deoxit fixed it.

OK....it is. Congrats on finding that for such a good price and feel no envy. (OK....maybe I do.) Enjoy and what a smart pounce!

 

[goodolpg]

My MCS is being serviced so I'm currently using my Lafayette LR-120DB that I purchased 4 years ago for $150.
Saw one of those sell on ebay over the weekend for $340.


There's at least two MCS 3275's on ebay right now.
Asking prices on those are higher than comparable units a year or two ago.
I wonder if any of that is due to discussions such as this one.

 

[HTHMAN]

I have a 3253 as well as a 3260 and they are fine receivers but the buttons and pots can get quite scratchy. I have had to clean my 3253 quite a few times. Make sure everything is clean before you do anything else to it. My turntable buttons have been a real problem spot for me to keep cleaned.

 

[Hifirob2]

There's at least two MCS 3275's on ebay right now.
Asking prices on those are higher than comparable units a year or two ago.
I wonder if any of that is due to discussions such as this one.

I think the sellers of the two 3275s on ebay now just saw the one that sold for $435 last week, and are capitalizing on it's high price - hoping their's also go for a big amount. One already has an opening bid of $299, which is insane. That never would happen before.

I think the price of the 3275s are cyclical. All it takes is two bidders who REALLY want one to push the price way up. They normally max out at about $200, depending on condition.

A few years back, the black faced NEC AUR-8075 showed up on ebay out of Washington state. I was expecting it to go for a large amount, but it sold for around $60 plus shipping. Very surprising, to me. I should have bid on it, but I have absolutely no use for it. I already have a few 3865s and 3710s, and when put together, have far superior performance than the NEC AUR-8075 (MCS 3275), even though the 3865 amp has 10 fewer wpc.

What I would like to see is a black faced MCS 3125. When cleaning mine, and the face is removed, the color behind the face is black. I think it looks cool.

 

[goodolpg]

JMO, that first (early) bid is a place holder. Meant to ensure the auction runs to completion with no revisions (price wise).
I could swear I saw another big Lafayette with a $199 BIN and free shipping listed yesterday. Looked again today, price is now $355. Sure enough, one revision...the BIN price.
Often it seems the same person who places the first, early bid, ends up winning the item although they may have to pay more at the end. Unless the final price goes crazy.
I feel early bids (unless shill bidding and that's a whole 'nother topic) more often than not tend to run the price up.
Myself, I prefer BIN if it's what I feel is a reasonable price. Or sniping at the end.

BTW--I have two MCS 3125 pages bookmarked: Classic Receivers and "Sonnys" page.
Is that your work?

 

[Hifirob2]

BTW--I have two MCS 3125 pages bookmarked: Classic Receivers and "Sonnys" page.
Is that your work?

No, I'm more of an "MCS Lone Wolf". All my info. comes from JC Penney catalogs, brochures, and from the many, many pieces I've owned over the years. I may be mistaken, but I think Sonny's Page is the work of AK'er "MCS Guy". He hasn't posted in a very long time.

I should have a website with MCS info. on it, but it would be a lot of work. When I joined AK in 2008, there was a lot of mis-information floating around about different MCS pieces, and 'who made what' questions. I tried to correct what I could as I went along, and still try to help out when I can. Thankfully, there are others on AK with a lot of MCS knowledge, too.

 

[Sparkler]

All the input here is mucho appreciated! If anyone at all can join me in my search for the schematics on the 3253 I would be happy to make it worth your while. I am very intriqued by this MCS gear!