MC Intosh MC830 mono amplifier

The McIntosh MC830 mono amplifier is a single channel semiconductor power amplifier.
It has the same famous open chassis as the popular MC275 tube amplifier, the McIntosh MA 252 integrated amplifier  and the McIntosh MA 352 integrated amplifier.

MC INTOSH MC830 MONO AMPLIFIER: FRONT PANEL

As usual with the American manufacturer, the front panel is imposing. We have here the mirror-polished stainless steel control panel. This inclined panel features two rotary buttons. The left one handles the display brightness and the right one handles the power-up.

The McIntosh MC830 mono amplifier is provided with a black glass front panel with a blue power meter inside. Below, we can find the famous greenlit logo.

MC INTOSH MC830 MONO AMPLIFIER: CONNECTIONS

The back of the device has a speaker output with superb proprietary terminals. These Solid Cinch™ speaker terminals are compatible with banana and fork connectors. They are gold plated in order to prevent corrosion and ensure the transmission of an excellent quality audio signal.

The (mono) input is available via an RCA or an XR female socket. The power supply socket is in 10A IEC format and therefore allows the connection of a quality power cable.

MC INTOSH MC830 MONO AMPLIFIER: TECHNOLOGY

The McIntosh MC830 mono amplifier is a direct coupling output amplifier with a nominal power of 300 watts at 8 ohms or 480 watts at 4 ohms. A fast response double-scale wattmeter provides an accurate reading of the output power for both speaker impedances (4 and 8 Ohms).

The Monogrammed Heatsinks™ allow the McIntosh MC830 mono amplifier to manage temperature rises from the components. In order to protect your speakers and your whole system, the McIntosh MC830 mono amplifier is provided with the Power Guard® which monitors the amplifier output signal to protect speakers from overloading.

If necessary, it performs real-time micro-adjustments of the input signal to prevent any clipping that could damage the speakers.

There’s also the Sentry Monitor™. This protection circuit against short-circuits without fuse deactivates the output stage of the McIntosh MC830 mono amplifier before the current passes safe operating levels.

It resets automatically when operating conditions go back to normal. The automatic shut-down function, which can be selected by the user, stops the MC830 after 30 minutes if there’s no audio signal.

MC INTOSH MC830 MONO AMPLIFIER: TESTING AND LISTENING

Obviously, we associated a pair of McIntosh MC830 mono amplifiers to the manufacturer’s McIntosh C8 preamplifier. But, we also got excellent results with our reference preamplifier (Audio Research).

From the first few measures, we realise the presence of an important power reserve. The McIntosh MC830 can drive most speakers present on the market, even difficult ones.

Its dynamism and punch are remarkable.

It’s not afraid of large bass drivers, it perfectly handles them and offers them a rare articulation. At any rate, the McIntosh MC830 mono amplifier remains refined and very nuanced.

The mid-range is accurate and present without showing any aggressiveness. The high end of the spectrum is perfectly integrated to the other registers and also contributes to this amplifier’s quality.

We also notice that the soundstage is wider and more accurate than on most amplifiers from this range.

No doubt, it’s a McIntosh amplifier.

Would recommend +++