Drive Your Speakers to Their Limits: Gorgeous McIntosh MC830 Monoblock Power Amplifier Outputs 300Wpc, Offers Sound Distinguished by Alluring Smoothness, Warmth, and Dynamics

There is nothing in the world like the sound of a McIntosh monoblock amplifier. Case in point: The direct-coupled MC830, which delivers a fluent 300Wpc into eight ohms (480Wpc into four ohms) and drives practically any speaker made with aplomb. The warmth, detail, smoothness, and dynamics for which the New York-based company has been known for more than seven decades is here in spades. 

Featuring classy industrial looks that echo those of the C8 tube preamplifier and MCD85 SACD/CD player, the 48-pound MC830 benefits from visually distinctive Monogrammed Heatsinks that will keep everything running cool for optimum performance. Also onboard: Patented Power Guard technology monitors the output signal to protect your speakers from being over driven and, if necessary, makes real-time micro adjustments to the input signal to prevent clipping. Added assurance comes in the form of a trademarked Sentry Monitor fuse-less short-circuit protection circuit that will disengage the output stage before current exceeds safe operating levels. It automatically resets once operating conditions return to normal.

On the cleanly laid-out rear panel, two patented, gold-plated Solid Cinch speaker binding posts secure your speaker cables to prevent them from coming loose and possibly causing a short. One balanced input and one unbalanced input awaits your preamp connection. Have other Mc gear? Power Control ports allow for simple system power up and shutdown by sending power on/off signals to your other connected McIntosh components. And a user-selectable Auto Off feature turns off MC830 after 30 minutes if no audio signal is received, saving power and wear. 

Of course, the most distinctive aspect of the U.S.A.-built MC830 — other than its arresting sonics — stares right at you. That hallmark dual-scale blue meter that not only reminds you you’re in the presence of greatness, but serves as practical function by providing an accurate readout of power output for both speaker impedances. Die-cast aluminum badging, a mirror-polished stainless-steel chassis, black glass front panel, and the illuminable McIntosh logo rounds out a beast of a monoblock that comes with a three-year manufacturer warranty and the satisfaction of owning an American legend. 

For any questions on MC830 or McIntosh itself, just call a Music Direct audio consultant at 312-433-0200.