McIntosh Laboratory
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| Type | Corporation |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1949 |
| Headquarters | Binghamton, New York |
| Key people | Frank McIntosh, Founder |
| Industry | Electronics |
| Products | Audio equipment |
| Parent | D&M Holdings |
| Website | McIntosh |
McIntosh Laboratory is a manufacturer of high-end audio equipment based in Binghamton, New York. Founded in 1949 by Frank McIntosh[1], the company is noted for its extremely high build quality and excellent technical specifications. The "classic" vacuum tube components of the 1960s include the MC275 power amplifier, the C22 preamplifier, and the MR67 tuner. Later McIntosh solid state power amps are known for their distinctive blue colored meters.
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[edit] Company history
In 1946 Frank McIntosh, a design consultant for broadcast and TV stations, hired Gordon Gow to help him design a high power, low distortion amplifier needed for his clients. This amplifier would become the 50W-1. It included McIntosh’s first patented circuit, the Unity Coupled Circuit, still used by current products.[2]
| Year | Product |
|---|---|
| 1949 | 50W-1 power amplifier |
| 1950 | AE-1 preamplifier |
| 1953 | A116 power amplifier |
| 1953 | C108 preamplifier |
| 1954 | MC30 power amplifier |
| 1954 | C4 preamplifier |
| 1957 | MR55 AM-FM tuner |
In 1956, the company moved to its current location of 2 Chambers Street, Binghamton, NY.[3]
Dave O’Brien joined McIntosh in 1962. He lead the McIntosh Amplifier Clinics for the next 30 years.
McIntosh created a Loudspeaker division 1967[4]
| Year | Product |
|---|---|
| MC240 stereo power amplifier, | |
| MX110 tuner-preamplifier | |
| MR67 tuners; | |
| MR71 tuners; | |
| C24 preamplifier; | |
| MC250 solid state power amplifier | |
| MC2100 solid state power amplifier | |
| MC2505 solid state power amplifier | |
| MC2105 solid state power amplifier | |
| MX112 solid-state tuner-preamplifier | |
| MAC1500 receiver |
McIntosh amplifiers were used at the Woodstock Music Festival in 1969.[5]
| Year | Product |
|---|---|
| ML1 Loudspeaker | |
| ML2 Loudspeaker | |
| ML4 Loudspeaker | |
| 1972 | MR78 tuner |
The Grateful Dead's “Wall of Sound” reputedly utilized forty-eight 300-watt per channel McIntosh model MC 2300 solid state amplifiers for a total of 28,800 watts of continuous power[6]
Frank McIntosh retired in 1977 and Gordon Gow became President of McIntosh.[7]
[edit] The Japanese Years
The company was purchased by Japanese car audio maker Clarion in 1990. McIntosh components, particularly the early tube models, are highly regarded in Japan. In a speech shortly after the purchase, Clarion president Yutaka Oyamada told McIntosh employees, "...we like McIntosh as it is, and we have no intention of changing what has made it so successful."[1] Since the Clarion purchase, McIntosh has expanded into car audio and home theater.
In May 2003, McIntosh was sold by Clarion to D&M Holdings, also of Japan. McIntosh continues to operate independent engineering, design, and production operations in accordance with the company's tradition.
[edit] Car audio
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Models currently available include a CD changer, CD changer/AM/FM controller, and an external DAC.
Unique features such as the Fast Responding Wattmeter and the patented Power Guard circuitry set their amplifiers apart from others' products; currently, there are seven models, offering from 75 to 2000 watts, divided amongst one to six channels. High quality power supplies, powerful circuit topologies, and balanced inputs complete each amplifier.
At the end of the chain lie their hand-built drivers, which come in standard 5-1/4″ and 6-1/2″ nominal sizes; all current models are two-way systems, utilizing either an MS10 or MS20 tweeter. All applicable car products are finished with McIntosh's signature glass plate displays.
A few vehicles are available from the factory with McIntosh sound systems, including newer Subaru Legacy/Outback models and the 2005–2006 Ford GT.
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/inside/89.asp McIntosh 1900-1940
- ^ http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/inside/89.asp McIntosh 1900-1940
- ^ http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/inside/88.asp McIntosh 1950's
- ^ http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/inside/87.asp McIntosh 1960's
- ^ http://www.robbreport.com/archived-issues/Article.aspx?article=13107 Home Electronics: Power Player
- ^ http://www.wallofsound.ws/ The Story Behind the Image
- ^ http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/inside/86.asp McIntosh 1970's
[edit] External links
- McIntosh Laboratory website
- Roger Russell's webseite
- Press release for 2003 acquisition by D&M
- Berner's McIntosh site
- McIntosh Resource @ The High Fidelity Museum
Coordinates: 42°06′00″N 75°52′30″W / 42.100129°N 75.875136°W
