• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

My Friday broken audio haul; small but spendy

cwh

cwh

33
This was one of those audio picking days when I question why I'm paying someone for stuff other people had previously thrown out. Most buying trips give a good value add, it's just when the take costs 3x the norm for 1/3 the stuff. Meh, anyways I knew what I was getting into today. Well, sort of...

So over last several months I've passed on a couple of audio items that I decided to pull the trigger on. Last week I grabbed an early M&K sub/sat set that I posted over in the speaker forum.

Today I grabbed the McIntosh. Never had one. Bought it strictly for the name. Bought it as a coming of age gift for myself. As I turn 40 I haven't achieved much but I do own a Mac! Unfortunately this whole time I'd been thinking it was a Mac 1900 and made my decision to buy based on that. Well it's a McIntosh 1700 with tube tuner and the fewer watts. I can see this repair getting $$. Silly buy considering I've already got what's probably a more desirable 500c waiting for a restoration.

I also got another couple castaways thrown in the pot. A Harman Kardon pm660 (works mostly) and a single KLH 17 for my parts dept. Supposedly the HK is a decent sounding unit. I could see a nice package of the HK, a pair of 17s and maybe a modern Pro-ject Debut Carbon.

I plan on posting some tear down pics and questions on the appropriate forums.

IMG_1734.JPG

Please share your experiences with these units as I get to know them a little better.

Carl
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
That Mac is a fine receiver Carl.Just because it says McIntosh doesn't mean it will cost any more to repair than any other brand.And that tube tuner section is pretty darned good!
I have a 1900,which was acting up and is presently in my to-do pile.40+ years old,and all original.So much for that McIntosh quality:rolleyes: It sounded very,very good.
 
At least the cosmetics look good. BTW is that your Shiba in your avatar? I've owned two Akitas but never a Shiba.
 
Out of the Mac Receivers the 1700 is considered the best sounding at least that's what I keep reading. If I where to get one that would be the model I would look for.
 
arts said:
That Mac is a fine receiver Carl.Just because it says McIntosh doesn't mean it will cost any more to repair than any other brand.And that tube tuner section is pretty darned good!
I have a 1900,which was acting up and is presently in my to-do pile.40+ years old,and all original.So much for that McIntosh quality:rolleyes: It sounded very,very good.
Click to expand...
Yeah I hope the Mac's needs aren't too deep. Unobtainium parts, full rebuild. Peaking under the hood it looks clean and original. No hacks like this one:http://audiokarma.org/forums/index....essing-with-my-771-and-i-need-answers.732750/
I was judging a parts bill against the other receiver that I paid a bit for, 500c. The can caps were pricey.
4-2-7 said:
Out of the Mac Receivers the 1700 is considered the best sounding at least that's what I keep reading. If I where to get one that would be the model I would look for.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the encouragement. I'll be digging into the archives and I am excited to have it in the collection.
 
Yikes,that Sansui would scare anybody!

Luckily,the Mac's are conservative designs,and rarely suffer major failures.They use a lot of small electrolytics for coupling,and the carbon comp resistors drift like crazy.Usually,only the higher value resistors suffer from this; In the Mac equipment from this era,it seems that ALL of the values are affected.And although McIntosh used house numbers for the semiconductors,there is a manual that gives the original part number for the majority of them.Most are readily available,or subbed if necessary.

Potentially, lots of components to test and/or replace,but at least they won't break the bank:)
 
arts said:
Yikes,that Sansui would scare anybody!
Click to expand...
Ha, you should see it after I try to fix it!

Thanks for the Mac insight! Giving my education a good start.

That you in the Avitar? Norton, P Bass and youth. The holy trinity.
 
cwh said:
Ha, you should see it after I try to fix it!

Thanks for the Mac insight! Giving my education a good start.

That you in the Avitar? Norton, P Bass and youth. The holy trinity.
Click to expand...

Ha,yes,it is me.The photo was taken around 1982/3,just before joining the Army.The bass is a 1961,all original and purchased from the original owner(and is still the only electric bass I play) and the Norton collection is now up to 9 bikes.
A bit of a misrepresentation really,as I am no longer young or thin,and to ever have that much hair again, I'd have to buy a bloody wig :rflmao:

Judging by your pictures,the Mac looks really good,and best of all, appears to be untouched.In all likelihood,just minor stuff to deal with.
 
cwh said:
Some quick and dirty pics of the receivers as I run out the door on a dog walk.
Click to expand...

arts said:
Judging by your pictures,the Mac looks really good,and best of all, appears to be untouched.In all likelihood,just minor stuff to deal with.
Click to expand...

I would just do a deox-it and check the tubes and fuses, might just be all it needs for now.
 
arts said:
Ha,yes,it is me.The photo was taken around 1982/3,just before joining the Army.The bass is a 1961,all original and purchased from the original owner(and is still the only electric bass I play) and the Norton collection is now up to 9 bikes.
A bit of a misrepresentation really,as I am no longer young or thin,and to ever have that much hair again, I'd have to buy a bloody wig :rflmao:

Judging by your pictures,the Mac looks really good,and best of all, appears to be untouched.In all likelihood,just minor stuff to deal with.
Click to expand...
Very cool history. Interested to hear more. Care to indulge with a few pics of the bass and bikes?
 
4-2-7 said:
I would just do a deox-it and check the tubes and fuses, might just be all it needs for now.
Click to expand...
Sounds like I should fire it up on the dim bulb and see what's what. The recycler who I buy from says it just makes a loud noise. I'll post findings.
 
Been running around all day,haven't had much me time!

Something I neglected to mention earlier,but better late than never: Before continuing,verify that the proper fuse is installed.There's nothing better than a 30 amp car fuse to ruin your day.

The lack of dc on the outputs is a good sign.The next step is checking the large filter caps, and especially the rectifiers.On almost every receiver in this series that I've worked on,the rectifiers either needed replacing or had already been replaced.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom