United States

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc., often referred to simply as McIntosh, is an esteemed American brand renowned for its high-quality audio equipment. Founded in 1949 in Binghamton, New York, McIntosh has established itself as a pioneer in the high-fidelity audio industry. The brand is synonymous with enduring build quality, aesthetic elegance, and unparalleled sound performance, making it a choice of audiophiles and music enthusiasts worldwide.

Known for its distinctive design, McIntosh products feature signature black glass front panels, aluminum end caps, and the iconic "McIntosh Blue" watt meters, which have become a symbol of audio excellence. Their product range encompasses a wide array of audio equipment, including amplifiers, preamplifiers, speakers, turntables, and other audio accessories, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail and acoustic perfection.

McIntosh's dedication to producing high-quality sound reproduction is evident in their use of advanced technologies and precision engineering. Their products are often the result of extensive research and development, ensuring that they not only meet but exceed industry standards.

In addition to sound quality, McIntosh is committed to the longevity and durability of its products. Many McIntosh units from decades past are still in use today, a testament to their build quality and the company's commitment to sustainability through longevity.

Whether for home audio systems, professional studios, or luxury car audio, McIntosh provides an audio experience that is both immersive and emotionally engaging, offering a level of performance that is as close to the original recording as possible. Their legacy and ongoing innovation continue to set the standard in high-end audio, making McIntosh a prestigious and revered name in the world of hi-fi audio systems.

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McIntosh

The McIntosh 50W-2 is a vintage amplifier that was produced between 1951 and 1955. It succeeded the earlier 50W-1 model, maintaining the same high output power of 50 watts, which is generated by a pair of 6L6-G tubes. The amplifier is notable for its performance specifications, including a bandwidth of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz and distortion levels of less than 1%. The 50W-2 features a unique dual chassis design, where one chassis is dedicated to the power supply (P50D) and the other houses the amplifier circuitry. Both chassis can be rack-mounted and are of the same size. The driving circuitry consists of two 6J5 tubes, with a 12AX7 tube serving as the phase inverter and preamplifier. For those needing continuous operation above 50 watts, it was advisable to use Tungsol 5881 tubes as replacements for the output tubes. The driver and output transformers are potted within a single case that serves as the amplifier chassis, while the power supply chassis includes a similarly integrated potted power transformer. This amplifier was designed to work with McIntosh’s preamplifiers such as the C104, AE-2A, or ACF-1, yet it could also accommodate any high-quality control unit. The chassis was designed with adaptability in mind, featuring sockets for various plug-in components like an additional 12AX7 tube or input transformers to enhance its versatility. Originally retailing at $249.50, the 50W-2 now is a collector's item, with prices ranging from $1000 to $1500 for working examples in good to excellent condition.

50W-2

by McIntosh

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