McIntosh MC-240 Stereo Tube Amplifier:
A piece of Americana
We should be so lucky
Great buys can be unearthed in the most unlikely places. My purchase of this MC-240 came about through the "for sale bulletin board" in San Francisco State University where I was taking graduate work. A radio announcer studying in the university decided to sell his MC-240 for $200 knowing fully well that it could have fetched a much higher price outside the campus. He was unconcerned and seemed delighted to let me have the MC-240 at the outrageous price. I found his benevolence disconcerting but let this pass as one of those graces that comes from the camaraderie of dealing with a fellow student. He even drove me home because the amp was too heavy to carry home using the Muni bus.
Superior craftsmanship
The MC-240 was built to impress. One look and you know that you're viewing a piece of Americana. The "Mac" amps look strikingly similar with the large McIntosh logo in front and the sloping left side panel that houses the gain and balance controls, RCA inputs, speaker output strips and power cord. Three massive transformers lie atop the chrome plated metal top plate and brown painted side panels. All the tubes are on top, with the tube sockets attached to the chrome plated top plate. By contrast, what you'll often see today are tube sockets soldered on a circuit board. When one inserts or pulls out the tubes, pressure is directly applied on the circuit board.
The MC-240 is rated at 40wpc. The output tubes are 6L6GC. For those unfamiliar with tube amp maintenance, good news--no bias adjustment is required. The unit weighs about 59lbs, mostly apportioned to the rear where the transformers are. It's weight and design provide an overbuilt quality--a component that could possibly outlast its owner. The point to point soldering, parts quality, assembly, and attention to detail are first rate. This is American craftsmanship at its pinnacle.
Associated Equipment
The following components were used to evaluate the MC-240: Audible Illusions Modulus 3 tube preamplifier, Classe' DR-9, VTL 120/50, JVC XL-Z1050 compact disk, Sound Dynamics 300Ti, Linn Kan II, Acoustic Energy Aegis II, and the Rogers LS3/5a speakers. Prior to any serious listening, I had the system playing for about two to three hours.
Music appreciation time
Hearing music rendered by the MC-240 is an experience. It has the classic melody of a refined tube amp. One is quickly caught by the spacious soundstage, full-bodied rendition of musical notes, and the thereness quality of the human voice. It makes one wonder why listeners then would opt to replace their tube amps with transistors. The truth of the matter is: (1) speakers and upstream components during that time were not as revealing then as they are now, and (2) most consumers place a higher priority on convenience.
Listening to Amanda McBroom sing Only With You in West of Oz (Sheffield CD-15) was magical. Her delicate and trembling voice was captivating. Joni Mitchell was such a joy in her Blue album (Reprise 2038-2). Bonnie Rait's sometimes gravelly voice was vividly portrayed in Luck of the Draw (Capitol CDP 596111). I kept on repeating Eric Clapton's Wonderful Tonight song in his Slowhand album (Polydor 823 276-2).
Weaknesses
Upon close scrutiny, the MC-240's age becomes evident. Its weaknesses are one of omission. High frequency extension and bass solidity are missing. Sure there is bass, but it can sound flabby at times, especially with ported speakers. It does not have the authority and competent control that one would experience with the Classe' DR-9. It lacks the delicacy and high frequency extension exhibited by a VTL 120/50. The highs are rolled off and leading edges are masked. Lastly, listening can become a trifle bland and uninvolving. The pace is slower. It does not have the dynamism--that get up and go--and agility that one finds in a truly magnificent amp.
Conclusion
Electronic components unlike wine do not blossom with age. They do keep their endearing qualities, however. Of course, there are much better amps than the McIntosh. Owning a work of superb craftsmanship has its own rewards. If you are looking for an edge-of-the art product, look elsewhere. If you're searching for a product that will deliver music as it appreciates in value, the MC-240 could fit your bill. It'll become more precious as it ages. Right now, the MC-240's depending upon their condition can be found for around $1,000-$1,200.
Two clefs. Highly recommended for those who aspire for old Rolex watches and finely crafted musical components.
by Rome Castellanes
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