McIntosh Labs
Product Description
Inspired by the amplifier that inspired a generation.
There's no denying the historic significance of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair. There had never been anything like it, and many would argue there's not been anything like it since. With an unexpected crowd of over 400,000 people, there was a lot that could have gone wrong – and some things did. But one aspect that's nearly universally agreed upon was how great all the musicians sounded. That sound quality is thanks in part to the McIntosh MC3500 Vacuum Tube Amplifiers that exclusively powered the sound system used at Woodstock.1 The MC3500 would go on to power many other influential music events.
A new MC3500 Mk II (left) with an original MC3500.
One of the original McIntosh MC3500 amplifiers that was used at Woodstock displayed at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.
It was at a 2019 event to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock where McIntosh President Charlie Randall, realizing the historical importance of the MC3500, first dreamed of bringing it back into production. That proved no easy task considering it was first designed over 50 years ago. But after more than two years of development, that dream has become reality as McIntosh is proud to announce the MC3500 Vacuum Tube Amplifier Mk II.
The MC3500 Vacuum Tube Amplifier Mk II is a conservatively rated 350 Watt monoblock that takes its inspiration from the original 1968-71 MC3500 and incorporates everything we have learned about vacuum tube amplifier design since the 1960s. It has been upgraded to modern standards and with modern components to deliver an audio performance worthy of its predecessor and the legacy of their shared model number – all while adhering to the original design as much as possible. Like the original MC3500, the MC3500 Mk II uses our Unity Coupled Circuit output transformer, which allows the full 350 Watts to be safely delivered to virtually any speaker regardless if it has 2, 4 or 8-Ohm impedance.
The MC3500 Mk II is powered by eight EL509S high-power output vacuum tubes. The EL509S tube was chosen specifically due to it having many similar qualities and characteristics of the 6LQ6 "sweep tubes" used on the original MC3500. Like the 6LQ6, the EL509S is very rugged thanks to its robust cathode and associated heating element which produces a high peak plate current capability in excess of 1 Amp.
Sweep tubes like the original 6LQ6 were primarily designed for 1950-60s era TVs where they would sweep the cathode ray gun in the picture tube across the phosphor screen. This was a very power-hungry process that required these high-powered sweep tubes. The use of sweep tubes by McIntosh engineers in the original MC3500 amplifier was a very cool and innovative application. By using the high-power EL509S vacuum tubes, the MC3500 Mk II amplifier remains as faithful as possible to original MC3500 output design. In addition, just like in the original MC3500, the MC3500 Mk II uses an additional feedback loop to enhance the linearity of the output tubes.
Like the original MC3500, the MC3500 Mk II has a fully balanced driver section that utilizes three 12AX7A and one 12AT7 vacuum tubes. The first 12AX7A is the differential input the second is the buffer/driver for the voltage the third is the voltage amp. The 12AT7 is the buffer/driver for the EL509S output tubes. All the vacuum tubes are located behind the power and output transformers, and are covered by a 12-gauge stainless steel wire cage with a black powder coated finish. The cage is shaped so that our patented, gold-plated Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts are easily accessible even when the cage is installed.
Our exclusive Power Guard Screen Grid Sensor™ (SGS) technology is included in the MC3500 Mk II. Power Guard SGS is designed specifically for our vacuum tube amplifiers and similar in nature to our patented Power Guard® technology found in our solid-state amplifiers. Power Guard SGS helps prevent premature vacuum tube failure by monitoring the screen grid current in the output vacuum tubes. If the current becomes too high, a circuit in Power Guard SGS is activated which dynamically attenuates the input signal in real time to keep the vacuum tubes operating at safe levels. The fully balanced driver section of the MC3500 MK II is an ideal match to use with Power Guard SGS. Sentry Monitor™, which observes the output current and shuts the amplifier off if it ever exceeds safe limits, is also included.
Both a balanced and unbalanced input are included for connecting to your preamplifier and the rest of your home audio system. A balanced and unbalanced output are also included for multi-amp configurations, such as bi-amping or tri-amping.
Just as the original MC3500 did, the Mk II version has an output meter, though it's larger and centered on the front panel instead of offset to the left side. This makes the meter easier to read and presents a symmetrical look in a typical two-channel stereo system layout. The meter uses a variation of our DualView™ Power Output Meter design, with the top scale showing the power output in both Watts and decibels, while the bottom scale shows the amplifier warmup time. When powered on, the meter starts to slowly rise; once it reaches 100%, it drops back down to zero and the amplifier is ready to play music.
A new MC3500 Mk II (left) with an original MC3500.
The MC3500 Mk II has handles just like the original, but they have more ergonomic design that are friendlier on your hands when moving this 121 lb. (54.9 kg) heavyweight. The base of the chassis is stainless steel polished to a mirror finish. The front panel is machined aluminum with a bead blast finish and gold anodizing that emulates the look and finish of the original MC3500. A clear glass insert covers the meter; a black glass insert at the bottom houses the knobs and illuminated lettering.
Shown are the U-shaped siderails and black bumpers, along with the wire cage installed over the vacuum tubes.
As an homage to the look of the original MC3500, the Mk II features two U-shaped siderails that wrap around the top, back, and bottom of each side. Many of original MC3500s were used on the road a lot and these siderails provided a lot of strength and durability. It is a very unique design element that we wanted to duplicate in the MC3500 Mk II. There were also four black rubber bumpers on the back of the rails that allowed the amp to be temporarily stood upright while setting up for shows; the bumpers were big enough to prevent any parts sticking off the back of the amplifier from scraping against the floor and being damaged. These bumpers have also been replicated on the MC3500 Mk II.
The MC3500 Mk II is both a thoroughly modern and thoroughly retro amplifier. It's inspired by the amplifier that helped inspire a generation. You can combine with a variety of preamplifiers, turntables, CD players, media streamers, speakers and other specialty products to form a complete home audio system. Contact your local dealer to learn more.
1) Woodstock is a registered trademark of Woodstock Ventures LC.
Shipping
SHIPPING & PROCESSING
We offer free regular shipping on most orders of $150 and above (before applicable taxes, fees and promotional discounts). Some restrictions may apply.
Televisions, projector screens, seating and furniture are only available for in store pickup or local delivery only. Click to see delivery radius here.
Clearance items and trade-in/consignment items do not qualify for free shipping.
All new products are shipped in their original manufacturer's cartons with appropriate packaging (unless otherwise specified) and are able to be shipped anywhere without concern for damage of the product due to shipping.
All shipments are insured for the value of the transaction from shipping damages.
If the shipment arrives substantially damaged, the shipment should be photographed, refused, and you should contact the store at 905-898-7133 immediately.
Any shortage or internal damage must be reported within 48 hours via email to info@liptons.ca. If internal product damage is found, we will contact you with return and replacement instructions and options.
Processing/Shipping Time
Orders are typically processed within 2 business days. Please note that orders placed after 1pm EST are processed the next business day.
- Standard Delivery for in stock items is between 2-3 business days in Ontario & Quebec, 3-5 business days for Eastern Canada and 4-7 business days for Western Canada. Northern or remote Canadian customers should contact us to confirm shipping availability and costs. During peak sales periods (for example Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Day/Week) up to an additional 5 (five) business days may be needed.
- Items not in stock will be shipped to our Newmarket store and then shipped to you. Turnaround time may depend on the manufacturer/distributor. If a manufacturer or distributor has stock of the item, then we can normally expect to receive the product within 10 business days at which point we will immediately ship it to you.
- If we become aware that delivery time to you will exceed 16 business days we will contact you to confirm the order or review options.
Restrictions
The following are our shipping restrictions:
- Shipping available within Canada only
- Free shipping does not apply to express shipping.
- Certain oversize, heavyweight or high-ticket items and brands may not be available for shipping.
- Some remote areas of Canada can only be serviced by air delivery or other higher cost courier. In these cases free shipping is not available and extra shipping charges may apply. If extra shipping charges are required for your order we will contact you to confirm whether you’d like to pay the additional fees or cancel your order. If you don’t respond within 48 hours, your order will automatically be cancelled.
- We do not deliver products to a PO Box address. A street address is required, and products will be delivered with the appropriate courier to handle the item(s) that have been ordered.
Please note that Liptons Audio Video will not be liable for any delay that is due to factors beyond their control including, and not limited to, weather-related events, other uncontrollable shipping delays and breakdowns by the courier services that are beyond our control.
RETURNS, EXCHANGES & WARRANTY CLAIMS
If your product is damaged, defective, or dead on arrival you are eligible for a refund or exchange within 15 days of the product being delivered to you.
If you are not satisfied with your purchase and would like to request an exchange, please note the following:
- All returns and exchanges will only be accepted on products with no damage due to misuse and have all original packaging, accessories, manuals and the original sales receipt.
- Refunds paid by credit card/PayPal will be returned in the same method payment was received when possible. Wire Transfer payments will be refunded in the form of company check or E-Transfer. For exchanges with a difference in value, the balance will be charged or refunded in the same method as the original payment was received.
- Liptons Audio Video reserves the right to assess whether the product is defective or not. Products with physical damage will not be accepted for refund or exchange.
- Exchanges will be offered only on non-special order items with return shipping at the buyer's expense and must be shipped with insurance reflecting the transaction value and must ship via a trackable courier/delivery company. Exchanges will only apply to unopened products received in new condition
- Products with non matching serial numbers to either the packaging or the recorded Serial number associated with the transaction are not eligible for refunds or exchanges
- Products with modified or missing serial numbers/UPC codes or other identifying information are not eligible for refunds or exchanges
- Products that are not returned with all original packaging, equipment, accessories, manuals and software will not be refunded or will be charged a restocking fee at the discretion of Liptons Audio Video.
- Products must be new and show no signs of use. Any sign of use – Including installation, scratches or other signs of use such as physical marking, painted grills, screw holes, cut wires or similar would not be returnable
- Equipment sustaining damage from operation or misuse will be deferred to the manufacturer's warranty and replacement policies.
- Replaced items will be exchanged for the same model
- If a product you purchased from us proves to be defective within 15 days from purchase, we will replace it with an equivalent new unit at no charge. If the item is returned through shipping, the exchange will be processed once we receive the parcels & confirm that the product is not working. Exchange processing will take 10-20 business days from the day we receive the parcel.
Final Sale Items/Exclusions
- Special order items including cut to length cabling and custom furniture
- Headphones/earbuds/in-ear headphones for hygienic reasons
- Turntable cartridges/styli
- Projector lamps
- Installed in-ceiling, in-wall speakers or subwoofers
- No refunds or exchanges on products purchased for commercial use.
- Clearance, consignment items.
Online Order Returns/Exchanges Process
Please contact us to begin our online return process at info@liptons.ca. Once we have received the details about your order, we will generate a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number and send you the RMA form to be completed and sent back with the parcel.
Pack the item back in its original packaging with all parts, accessories and manuals. We recommend packing the item into an additional box meant for shipping. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer. Any damages that incur during return shipping will also be the responsibility of the customer.
In the event the item was offered free shipping, the original shipping charges and handling fees, for the returned item(s), will be deducted from the refund. If the item is refused and returned to Liptons Audio Video without record of cause and evidence of damage any return freight costs will also be deducted from the refund.
In Store Returns & Exchanges
Returns on damaged, defective and DOA products, as well as exchanges can be made in store. Please note our store hours https://liptons.ca/pages/contact and be sure to bring your receipt or online order confirmation.
Product Warranty
All new products carry full manufacturer warranty which varies for each product category and manufacturer. Refer to the manufacturer’s warranty information for exact details.
Demo products come with either the full manufacturer warranty or the balance of manufacturer warranty unless otherwise specified.
Open Box products come with either the full manufacturer warranty or the balance of manufacturer warranty unless otherwise specified.
Used and Consignment pieces will have individually specified warranty. If no warranty is listed, no warranty is available, but the unit has been tested in store and determined to be working properly unless otherwise specified.
Installation Warranty
All Liptons Audio Video installations come with a one-year warranty against workmanship performed by us. Defective equipment covered under manufacturer warranty is subject to a removal and reinstallation charge of one hour at our current installation rates. Installation warranty claims can be made within one year of installation date by phone at 905-898-7133 or email at info@liptons.ca
If you have any questions or concerns regarding product returns, exchanges and warranty claims, please call is at 905-898-7133 or email info@liptons.ca
