This listing is for a used vintage McIntosh solid-state stereo preamplifier in good working condition.

The official cosmetic description of the item is provided through the photographs, so please examine them carefully to assess its condition.

I have personally tested all functions, and everything is working as it should.

That said, please keep in mind this unit is approximately 40 years old and may require service at any time due to its age.

Here’s a link to a YouTube video showing the testing of the unit and the work done to it.

https://youtu.be/0rM-eudQ9Fk?si=-6ndyHvcNwlLVrcU

My original plan was to do a full restoration video for my YouTube channel, but I lost interest due to other projects and responsibilities.

When I opened the unit to take interior photos, I noticed one capacitor was delaminating. I replaced it, and since my workstation was already set up, I went ahead and replaced the small electrolytic capacitors as well, because they have a limited service life.

These components have a rated lifespan in hours at specific temperatures and voltages, and the electrolyte inside gradually evaporates over time—even when not in use.

The parts I used are premium-quality capacitors from some of the best Japanese and German manufacturers in the world, all purchased from reputable suppliers such as DigiKey and Mouser.

The film capacitor I replaced was the colorful “tropical fish” type, which I upgraded to a WIMA polypropylene audio capacitor.

The electrolytic capacitors used were brands originally found in McIntosh equipment—Nichicon and Rubycon—but selected with higher voltage, temperature, and hour ratings than the originals.

I strongly recommend a full restoration at some point for long-term reliability, but at least the process has been started and some of the critical work has already been done.

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Important Terms (Please Read Carefully):

I have been selling personal items on eBay for more than 20 years, and I believe that your satisfaction is the most important aspect of this transaction.

However, due to the fragile nature of vintage electronics, the high cost of shipping, incompetent installers, equipment abusers, and dishonest parts swappers, this unit is being sold AS IS, with NO RETURNS ACCEPTED under any circumstances. Please purchase accordingly.

If you’re not 100% certain that you want to purchase and keep this unit, please do not buy it.

That said, I’m always happy to cancel a transaction—no questions asked—as long as the item has not yet shipped.

Once the unit has been shipped and is no longer in my possession, I cannot accept a return.

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Thank you very much, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about this unit or anything audio-related.