McIntosh MAC 1500

The McIntosh MAC 1500, introduced in 1965, is essentially a hybrid amplifier with a solid state preamp section, tube output section and FM tuner. It is a fairly rare piece of equipment as only around 2600 units were made for domestic U.S. use only.  It had a retail price of $499.99.

In stock condition many enthusiasts have doubts about its performance overall. However, with a transistor upgrade on the solid state preamp the performance can be enhanced greatly, even to the point of outperforming a Fisher 500C. Of course, everyone has their own opinions.  McIntosh later produced the 1700 which had solid state preamp and output sections and tube tuner. The later 1900 became a full solid state unit.

The MAC 1500 puts out 30 watts per channel and is also know for having one of the better headphone sections of any receiver. It apparently has special secondary transformer windings specifically for the headphone output as opposed to the usual resistor placed in the speaker output circuit. It weighs in at over 40 pounds and measures 5-1/2″ x 16″ x 16″.  It uses the following tubes: 4-7591 output, 2-6DS4, 3-6AU6, 6SC6, 6EA8, 3-12AU7, 12AX7.

If you’re looking at a Fisher 500C or McIntosh 1500 you might want to also consider a Sherwood s8000. They actually have better performance specs then both the other receivers, are built exceptionally well, and cost less due to less demand then the other either the MAC or Fisher.