I need a McIntosh MC225 output transformer. . . or a parts MC225 with a good transformer. I know that I am wishing on a star here but thought I would try. I have tried so many outlets, including McIntosh labs, all of their recommendations, transformer re-winders and makers. This is a family heirloom and would very much like to get it operational again. Thanks, Tom L.
Is this a transistor or valve amp? I have an MC250 that is operational (transistor). I am curious though, why couldn't a transformer winder make it if there is nothing available commercially?
The design of McIntosh tube output transformers is proprietary and not able to be accurately duplicated.
Unfortunately for these reasons, you are unlikely to find one available.
Unfortunately for these reasons, you are unlikely to find one available.
I'm certainly not going to recommend buying another complete unit. BUT I have a MC225 that looks like it just came off the assembly line with a MX110z to match (honest 9.5). I also have a MC240 (8.8) and a MC275 (9.0). I sold the exact quad
for 20k. I had 3 complete sets. I'm down to one. I also have a pair of C20s, MC60 (I have new gold gases) and a pair of MC30s
Let me do some snoopin'. Mike Samra if he is still kickin would know. Mike you out there? What's the name of the guy
you used for transformers? Terry DeWitt if you can get ahold of him. He's tough unless you personally know him though.
I don't but have picked his brain a few times. Nice fellow.
Here is a quote from Mike in 2006:
Maybe a start? Good luck
Regards Oldhvymec.
for 20k. I had 3 complete sets. I'm down to one. I also have a pair of C20s, MC60 (I have new gold gases) and a pair of MC30s
Let me do some snoopin'. Mike Samra if he is still kickin would know. Mike you out there? What's the name of the guy
you used for transformers? Terry DeWitt if you can get ahold of him. He's tough unless you personally know him though.
I don't but have picked his brain a few times. Nice fellow.
Here is a quote from Mike in 2006:
- In Reply to: McIntosh Mc225 Transformer failure posted by Pyfite on December 19, 2005 at 07:33:55:
Maybe a start? Good luck
Regards Oldhvymec.
Thanks, I am reading that Doc Hoyer passed away in 2020 https://hifiheroin.blogspot.com/2020/06/doc-hoyer.html
Tom L.
Tom L.
The following probably won't help the original poster much but I have to clarify.
The Unity Coupled transformer design is no longer proprietary. At least two vendors offer them.
This vendor for at least 15 years that I know of: https://www.mennovanderveen.nl/index.php/nl/producten/specialist/vdv-1070-uc-detail
More recently MC275 output transformer clones on aliexpress:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256....0.0.715138dasQJLqm&mp=1&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
I've tested and built circuits with both. The first one is here:
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index...rveen-vdv-1070-uc-output-transformers.937649/
Results from MC275 output transformer clone testing.
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/mcintosh-mc275-clone-build.1032698/
The Unity Coupled transformer design is no longer proprietary. At least two vendors offer them.
This vendor for at least 15 years that I know of: https://www.mennovanderveen.nl/index.php/nl/producten/specialist/vdv-1070-uc-detail
More recently MC275 output transformer clones on aliexpress:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256....0.0.715138dasQJLqm&mp=1&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
I've tested and built circuits with both. The first one is here:
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index...rveen-vdv-1070-uc-output-transformers.937649/
Results from MC275 output transformer clone testing.
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/mcintosh-mc275-clone-build.1032698/
I think that's the McInlosh "Cow Biliary Output" version on Aliexpress vs. McIntosh. But seriously I can't believe winding a transformer or an autotransformer is such a hidden art that it can't be made anymore. If it weren't for the price I would pick up a pair of the Aliexpress versions, I feel like I would just check with the motherboard and take a seat. Also it seems hard to believe that either a vacuum tube or a transistor would smoke those transformers, at least in my mind. I set fire to my amp in a night of loud music and as expected it was just a failed transistor in the end.
Oh it can, the problem is cost and who? A person spends 2 day figuring it out and two weeks tinkering. Then he
gets a call 2 years later for ONE more. LOL Pretty sparse pickings considering there might be 1500 MC225 in existence.
It's just a guess, but I've seen more than one get tossed. MC240s a lot more. I'd guess there are more 240s than any
other older valve unit with turrets vc ICs and Mcintosh.
The older MC240 were fixable but really not desirable unless you were running the preamp that was made for it.
I think they shared the PS through the umbilical cable. Terry DeWitt sure wasn't a fan. He warned me years ago
ALWAYS use a Variac on the older MC240s.
I've had a ton (2000lbs) at least through the years, 40-45. 10% or more were making one out of two and selling what you could.
It amazes me what a pair of MC30s go for all dolled up.
Regards