For more than 40 years, McIntosh can be said to be one of the few famous brands that has always maintained its prominent image. This is the result of Frank McIntosh and Gordon Gow, who have been in business together for thirty years, and it still stands today. Starting in 1997, after Gordon inherited the position of president of the company, he continued to carry forward this tradition and made the company's great image invincible. Even in modern times, McIntosh's power amplifiers are still unmatched by other manufacturers with their unique high efficiency and low distortion "unified coupling circuit".
In the 1960s, many amplifiers switched to semiconductor components. McIntosh was the only amplifier manufacturer to retain output transformers at that time. Although many people severely criticized McIntosh's outdated technology and outdated design at the time, the company accepted this and explained it one by one, explaining the superiority of the speaker interface of the modern transformer, which is safer for both speakers and amplifiers. , which can make both work more stable, and the comprehensive value of sound quality and commerciality is very high, so the company has stated that it will not abandon this line. In addition, for the rigid distortion of semiconductor products, McIntosh developed a "power protection circuit" to solve this problem and proved that transistors are not worse than vacuum tubes. Gordon is not only a technical worker, but also a well-known figure in international academic circles. He is considered an authority on "semantics". He once had a famous saying, "Audio equipment must arouse the user's emotions towards music." McIntosh's amplifiers are usually equipped with black glass panels with red, green, and blue lighting and rich sound, which symbolizes this philosophical statement. famous quotes.
On June 25, 1989, Gordon died of a heart attack. However, his spirit still lives on in McIntosh products. In 1949, it was still the era of vacuum tubes (tube amps). "McIntosh" successfully launched the first power amplifier 50W-1. At that time, this machine could be regarded as a model with extremely high fidelity. In terms of circuit design, "McIntosh" adopted a brand-new method. Later, this method called "Unity Coupled" was successfully patented and had a considerable impact on its future products.
In the following year, "McIntosh" once again successfully launched a preamplifier called AE-1. In the following years, "McIntosh" continued to launch a variety of split-type mono amplifiers. , power stage vacuum tube amplifier and vacuum tube tuner. It was not until 1959 that the first stereo amplification preamplifier C20 was successfully launched. It also had a high-level signal input and a phono cartridge input section, which was quite the prototype of a modern model. The following year, the first stereo power amplifier MC240 was officially launched. Its output per channel reached 40 watts, while the total harmonic distortion was only 0.5%. It was considered a classic at the time, but when it comes to the most famous Those who live through the ages have to count the C22 vacuum tube preamp and MC275 vacuum tube power amplifier that were launched in 1962. These two devices are still the objects of pursuit of some audiophiles today, so it is unclear whether their personality orientation meets the requirements of today's audiophiles. , but it is so classic, just look at today’s selling price, and the emergence of new commemorative edition models with the same design more than 30 years later. Each channel uses a pair of KT-88 strong square tubes for push-pull amplification, with each side outputting an MC275 of 75 watts. When the limited edition gold MC275 was launched in 2003, its main line Both the design and capacity are as faithful to the original as possible, and a balanced input socket is added to facilitate the different needs of modern users. The C22 commemorative preamplifier, which was later released again, is regarded as a contemporary treasure by some modern audiophiles and audio commentators. As for the first McIntosh integrated vacuum tube amplifier MA230, after its launch in 1963, it declined with the evolution of transistor atomic particle equipment. "McIntosh"'s farewell to vacuum tubes was the MC3500 model launched in 1968. Since then, "McIntosh" has officially entered the development era of transistor models. Big blue eyes are the classic symbol of McIntosh: from vacuum tubes to transistors, "McIntosh" took four years to adapt to the changes of this era. Of course, there is only one reason why - that is. Make sure the fax is expressive, stable and reliable. "McIntosh"'s first stereo preamplifier C24 was first launched in 1964. With the development of transistors, a series of transistor power amplifiers appeared one after another, which can mark the new generation of "McIntosh" power amplifiers. One of the major features is its A pair of big "blue eyes", used as a blue display screen to indicate the maximum output indicator of each channel, is still a symbol of the factory's quality assurance today.
With the development of diversification, in addition to continuing to produce transistor tuners, McIntosh also launched a series of speaker products for the first time in 1970. After more than 20 years of evolution and evolution, "McIntosh" has become a leader in tuner lines and The equalizer system has achieved unique styles and achievements, and has obtained registered patents. Its two most far-reaching major registered patents fall on the manufacturing of loudspeaker bass units and the world-famous "multiple electronic protection circuits" ( Power Guard). Since 1973, most of the speakers produced by "McIntosh" have used a registered patented LD/HP magnetic circuit design in the bass unit. This design can reduce the distortion rate of the speaker's bass unit by up to 10dB. So much, this advanced design allows "McIntosh" to occupy an important position in the speaker market. To this day, some speaker series still use this low-distortion/high-performance LD/HP design.
McIntosh spent four years researching transistor products. It was not until he was completely satisfied with the transistor amplifiers he produced that "McIntosh" vacuum tubes were officially discontinued. Following the emergence of the first transistor C24 preamplifier, the C28 preamplifier, which was famous in the 1970s, and a series of preamplifiers in the 1980s have left a glorious page in the history of audio. In the early 1990s, the most coveted audiophiles were the C40 and C36 audio control centers (i.e. preamplifiers), especially the C40 preamplifier, which used a logic-driven electromagnetic conversion selection system. At that time, it was extremely advanced. The design and the first use of logic drive system, as well as balanced (Bal) input/output sockets, etc., are all high-quality conditions that only the top audio equipment of the year can have, and the total harmonic and intermodulation distortion can effectively The control is below 0.002%. There is also a set of five frequency equalization devices up to +/-12dB and the "McIntosh" patented dynamic expansion/compression system, etc., which can be found on the C40. Other equipment For example, multiple sets of high-level installations and moving magnet phono inputs, double-shielded power transformers and independent separated signal channels are all the main reasons why the C40 was widely welcomed at that time. Another special thing is that although the C40 itself is called a professional preamp controller, it also has a power device, with a power output of up to 20 watts per channel, and a "McIntosh" patented design. "Multiple protection circuits", after connecting to the power amplifier, if the speakers cooperate, you can use C40 and the power amplifier of the same manufacturer at the same time to create dual public amplifiers. In order to enable more general public audio music fans to enjoy the achievements of "McIntosh" in audio history, the manufacturer has launched a more popular audio control center C712, whose basic installation and functions are roughly the same as C38 , also has a remote control device and eight sets of high-level signal inputs/one set of balanced signal outputs, but its selection and function buttons are all responsible for the electromagnetic conversion processor driven by digital logic, as well as a set of signal processing loops and two sets of recording Monitor selection, etc., still maintain a certain quality and level despite simplification. I believe this is the fulfillment of "McIntosh"'s commitment to customers since 1949. As the quality of audio equipment continues to improve, "McIntosh" not only diversifies its products, it also spares no effort in upgrading its products. The latest flagship launched in 1997------C100/PD100 split power supply preamplifier, it can be said that "McIntosh" has set a new milestone in the Hi-end market. C100 adopts a large number of high-tech designs. In addition to the electromagnetic conversion selector driven by digital logic, it is also equipped with another set of volume attenuation adjusters with a precision of up to 0.375dB, making it easier to control the volume. Independent listening and recording equipment, coupled with multiple sets of balanced input/output terminals and split independent power supplies, not only reduces interference to components within the chassis, but also provides a powerful and stable pure power supply. There are full-featured remote control devices, etc., setting new standards for "McIntosh" Hi-end preamplifiers.
Since "McIntosh" patented its unique design of "multiple protection circuits" in 1975, it has been frequently used in the amplifiers it produces. With the blue-eyed display screen, it has become Became a registered trademark of McIntosh.
McIntosh's amplifiers are well-known for their powerful power output and high current capacity. The most representative part of the transistor power amplifier is believed to be the MC1000 monophonic power amplifier, which has 1000 watts per channel. With a huge power output, current up to 160 amps, and a chassis weighing 47.7 kilograms per channel, it is still a rare high-power amplifier for civilian use today. No matter how difficult the speakers are to control, they all surrender under the driving force of MC1000.
In order to cater to the needs of the market, "McIntosh" has launched two high-quality remote control integrated amplifiers, MA6800 and MA6400. Generally speaking, the two models have the same functions and equipment. The only difference lies in the power. However, the many unique functions and designs of the "McIntosh" in the front and rear stages can be used on both models. turn up. In particular, the MA6800, in addition to having a double-shielded power transformer and a separated signal pass-through line, is also equipped with other digital logic conversion selectors and auto-coupling output transformers, as well as an exclusive patented "multiple protection circuit" system wait. In addition to achieving great results in the research and manufacture of amplifiers, "McIntosh" also performs well in the design and production of speakers. Since the first pair of speakers were launched in the 1970s and the magnetic circuit design of the LD/HP (low distortion/high performance) woofer unit was patented, its speaker products have continued to develop, mainly divided into the XR series and the LS series. The design concept of the popular LS series is a fusion of electroacoustic logic theory and actual listening experience. It uses the best materials and advanced driver design technology, plus long-term use in a large-scale, non-destructive audio room and standard Developed under measuring instruments. Generally speaking, most LS series speakers adopt a two-way or three-way crossover network design. Their Linkwitz-Riley design enables the crossover frequencies to be transmitted smoothly, naturally, and in one go. In terms of tweeters, most of the LS series uses a 1-inch diameter aluminum dome tweeter, while the cone materials of the midrange and woofer units are carefully selected, combining high hardness, light weight and excellent internal damping. In addition, it also has a registered patented LD/HP magnetic circuit design, which allows the bass to remain highly fidelity while being refreshing. The natural rubber material is used around the speaker cone. In addition to being long-lasting and durable, its linear amplitude during movement is also greatly improved. Less, just like the tweeter uses "polyvinyl chloride" around the outside, which is helpful for its high-frequency diffusion and wide and flat frequency response. The LS series includes two speakers, LS310 and LS330, with anti-magnetic designs that will not interfere with TV sets.
The XR series speakers of "McIntosh" can be described as having a huge lineup, the best of which is a pair of XR290 three-way flagship speaker systems with 40 independent units.
With the changes of the times, amplifiers have been transformed from vacuum tubes to transistors. In terms of sound sources, the development of digital technology has also tended to replace vinyl turntables. In 1985, "McIntosh" launched the first integrated CD player---MCD7000, and then launched another multi-disc laser record player MCD7008 that can be used as a "Music Bank" with a storage capacity of up to 7 Zhang laser disc. , users can arrange the playback order of up to 50 tracks by themselves, and can continuously play their favorite music for eight hours as they wish. The arrangement program can be carried out on the fuselage panel. The heart of the MCD7008 is a 20-bit digital/analog conversion and eight-fold sampling digital filtering system. The CD disc clamp used in another model of the same manufacturer, the MCD7009, is a product that many Hi-end manufacturers are happy to adopt. Its characteristics are: High rigidity and no resonance, the energy pickup system is more accurate. The lake blue real-time power output display meter McIntosh Power Level Meters
The "McIntosh" logo on the power amplifier reminds people of the lake blue real-time power output display that looks like the instruments on an airplane. "Blue Eyes" can calculate and display high-accuracy power data in real time. It can accurately grasp the maximum power of the speaker regardless of whether it is dual-channel or bridged mono. It has also become a manufacturer's choice today. Quality guarantee symbol.
However, the real value of "McIntosh" lies in its internal circuit design and multiple patented technologies. Meticulous and strict requirements for product manufacturing have become its secret to success, making every "McIntosh" product achieve near-perfect quality. Replay tone McIntosh Power Guard®
"McIntosh"'s original protection circuit design continuously monitors the operating status of the circuit during the operation of the amplifier and makes detailed comparisons of input and output signals at a speed of every microsecond. Instantly compare the waveform differences between the two signals and the destructive power of the speaker's back electromotive force feedback, thereby adjusting the input voltage reduction with a very fast response of 10ms. When the Power Guard® indicator light flashes, it tells the user that the audio system is reproducing sound at the highest efficiency and with the lowest distortion, ensuring the best protection and highest durability of the audio system.
Continuously monitor the current, voltage and output status with a variety of extremely sensitive components, and protect the operation of the entire circuit, thereby avoiding the impact of accidental short circuits on amplifiers and speakers, and providing safe The output is guaranteed without limiting the normal power output, so that the equipment can play its best tone within a safe range. McIntosh Output Autoformer®
The ultra-wideband "McIntosh" new generation balanced amplification circuit uses a "multi-wire parallel-wound output transformer" (10Hz~100kHz). The manufacturer specially designed its patented output transformer Used in amplifiers, it can make the amplification components and load operating points in the amplifier permanent and stable, put the transistors in a more ideal working environment, greatly improve the service life and safety of the amplification crystals, and at the same time protect the speakers from damage due to any accidents. . McIntosh Thermal Protection
If the fuselage overheats due to long-term operation, the temperature monitoring circuit will come into play to maintain the appropriate temperature of the fuselage and prevent overheating and damage to various components. McIntosh speakers are guaranteed to last for many years. McIntosh Electromagnetic Switches
Generally, when all signals are input to a preamplifier, even if one group of signals is turned on, current will still flow through the other signals if they are not used, thus causing current interference and affecting the perfect sound performance. But in McIntosh's audio world, digital logic electromagnetic control switches are installed in both the preamplifier control center and the preamplifier circuit of the integrated amplifier. When the DC voltage passes through a sealed glass tube filled with inert gas, it passes through two blocks in the glass tube. Conductors with excellent communication effects, such as "ruthenium" metal conductors, will automatically join to allow current to pass through to complete the loop, thereby achieving absolutely ultra-quiet and arc-free signal source switching, and also eliminating interference and oxidation caused by contact with other signal sources. The environment ensures that there is no noise and will never be lost, thus obtaining pure, delicate and noble sound quality with clear positioning. McIntosh Precision Digital Volume Control
The factory's original and extraordinary design allows the volume to be adjusted to the highest level with a 214-level fine-tuning optical volume control circuit, which has an accuracy of 0.5dB gain adjustment at each level, making the sound output more detailed. , the volume control is more flexible, effectively improving the signal-to-noise ratio and separation. McIntosh Backlit Back Glass Front Panel
McIntosh's high-transparency tempered glass panel has become unique in the world because it spent more than $300,000 on high-pressure hydraulic drilling equipment. It is made by hand and goes through eight production processes. The craftsmanship is extraordinary, fine and not easy to oxidize. With more than 13 screen printing processes, the McIntosh logo is not easy to change color or fade, and it will remain durable after many years of use. new.