Get in your wayback machine. McIntosh reimaninges the MC3500

McIntosh MC3500 Vacuum Tube Amplifier Mk II

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McIntosh Reimagines Iconic Amplifier used at Woodstock in Updated MC3500

Inspired by the amplifier that inspired a generation.

Highlights:

350 Watt Monoblock
Powered by eight EL509S high-power output vacuum tubes
Power Guard Screen Grid Sensor™, Sentry Monitor, Solid Cinch speaker binding posts
Machined aluminum front panel with a bead blast finish and gold anodizing


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 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 seminal music events.

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 McIntosh has 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 McIntosh's 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.

EL509S tubes. One supplier - and one of the worst - for tubes (JJ).

Furthermore, if they stop production or go under, you’re screwed.


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I like the fact they removed the fan from the original 3500. Hate fans. This is an interesting introduction in light of the technically more advanced MC 2301 which is quad balanced and has almost the same power output.

They mention Woodstock but I wonder if it's the same McIntosh used by Grateful Dead's Wall of Sound.

I looked this amp up yesterday and mostly got info on the original, I saw a set of original going for just under $60k on Ebay. Many of the audio mags are putting out announcements now, S&V, Tone, etc.

I still prefer the industrial design of the 2301's. Wonder if there are any SQ differences?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

Many of the audio mags are putting out announcements now, S&V, Tone, etc.

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News, any news, gains eyeballs / clicks / etc. The audio mags don't care how it sounds or if replacing the tubes will be or become an issue.