Many purists used to laugh at the MCS brand. Not anymore. Well, there are probably still some that laugh at it but less loudly then before. The Modular Component Systems receivers once marketed by J.C. Penney are rising in value and recognition. Once assumed to be poorly built and designed for visual shock value rather than function their reputation has risen in the last few years. This is the MCS 3275 which, at the time, was the next unit down from the top of the line 3125.
The MCS 3275 puts out 75 watts per channel with less than 0.25% total harmonic distortion. It was sold in J.C. Penney stores around 1979 and they never seemed to be sure if theyu wanted to market to higher end audiophiles or lower to mid range consumers. Because of that their audio components had a somewhat cheesy look but actually performed very well. You’ll be hard pressed to find an owner of a high end MCS unit that doesn’t like it.
Now, about those asthetics. The MCS 3275 has two 5 band graphic equalizers built in – one for each channel. They both have crazy sine wave graphics with red LED lights. There are a total of 30 buttons, knobs and switches on the front panel as well as four meters (not including the EQ’s). The two power output meters go up to 150 watts per channel despite the unit being rated at 75 wpc. It also incorporates an analog Deviation/Multipath meter and an LED tuning strength meter. You might also notice that it has a huge volume knob which isn’t actually labelled “volume” but rather “Attenuator”. That gives a far more technical sound to it.
I think the general consensus is that the MCS units were most likely built by NEC but I have seen others claim it to be Technics or Panasonic (which were the same at one point). In Canada the NEC AUR-8075 was essentially the exact same receiver as the MCS 3275 only with a black face so that would give credence to NEC producing these units. Nonetheless the build quality really isn’t bad. In fact it’s good. It has an oversized power transformer and filter caps for its power rating and even has 4 power transistors per channel. Owners claim that is has a great FM tuner and good phono stage as well. The 3275 measures 19.25″ x 15.5″ x 7.75″ and weighs in at around 40 pounds.
Having followed vintage receiver values for some time now I can safely say that prices for the higher end MCS units have been climbing. No, they are no where near the prices for high end Pioneer or Sansui units. Still, a good clean MCS 3275 will sell for about $200 up to $400.
Keep in mind that the controls for these units seem to have issues with corrosion and many times a good cleaning of them will result in far better performance. So, if you’re looking for a monster receiver but have a very tight budget maybe the MCS 3275 or MCS 3125 are for you. Not only will it perform well but it will definitely draw the eye of any visitor you may have over.
my 3275 mcs works and looks great only draw back is the lower end of bass response sucks. Is this normal? thanks for any info.
I think you need to clean all the switches with DE OXIT. What type of speakers are you running?
I have a 3275 on ebay right now for sale with green led lights
I bought one of these MSC 3275’s about 5 years ago and just stacked it with a bunch of other audio gear. Decided to clean it up and DE OXIT the Potentiometer’s this weekend.. Sounds really nice and looks cool with the meters.
Just got a MCS 3253 receiver,6502 turntable,3561cassette deck at a yard sale for 10$ bucks!! I have not tested them out yet but they came from a good home there is a nice set of speakers but the felt is rotted out on the speakers can the speakers be fixed
Most speakers with rotted foam can be fixed. YouTube has many tutorials on how to refoam speakers. If they are good speakers they might be worth fixing.
You came all the way over from audiokarma and brought the exagerated low end “only paid” for good vintage audio gear. That website is a joke.
In regards to audiokarma I have troubleshooted many receivers with that website and there is a very large amount of knowledge available there . The members are friendly and always willing to help ..
i have a mcs-3275 for sale , this is fully funtional and looks like new asking 450.00
rod69973 at gmail.com
Do you still have this MCS 3275 receiver shown looks like about four years ago
Thanks
I’m interested in purchasing an MCS 3125. Does anyone have one to offer?
I have the NEC AUR-8075G (black face version). I took it to a red seal electronics tech and had it completely restored. It has all new caps including main filter caps, all new lights and a bunch of other stuff done to it, I am just waiting for the Audio level meter IC that he ordered to arrive and once he replaces it the unit will be better than when it was new, it even looks new.
The tech said he read the comment Ron Parker about the receiver not having bass and said it was probably because he never had the caps replaced, he told me that with old caps the bass becomes week. My tech told me that with the new caps the output stage kicks butt and there is no lack of bass.
I don’t know if I will ever sell this receiver, it sounds too good to let it go and I would never get my money back that I have into it anyway.
I have a 3235. I love the look. I bought one new from Penny’s circa 80. I loved it then. Not sure about this one.Advise?
i have mcs full system mcs series 3042,3051,3596.3874
I am searching for an MCS 3275 if anyone knows or someone has one interested in selling please contact me. thanks
I have one I would be interested in selling. It’s mechanically sound. The dial indicator light & power meter lights do not operate. Mike
I have one
How much are you asking for your MCS 3275 and what condition is it in?
I have one, works perfect amazing condition jeffwater6@ gmail.com
Hello people!
I am looking for MCS 3125, 3275, 3245, and 3253 receivers.
Let me know what you have, thanks!
Smpeterson83@yahoo.com
I have a 3275 available in good cosmetic condition. Output is nearly nonexistent.
Tuner works but volume from radio is barely perceptible.
zumpa21@yahoo.com
How much I want for your 3275. batemanrob500@gmail.com
I am looking for a Pioneer SX-1980, can anyone let me know what’s out there…..
I have a Modular Component Systems 3275 for sale, 2/11/22, contact riscx@mac.com for more info, thanks!
Anyone know anything about an MCS 3205. Had it since around 1981 and needs a little work. Debating whether it’s worth spending money on it. Have been trying to find some info online but have not found any. Am using it as a secondary receiver.
Any help would be appreciated
Looking for some advice with a bunch of components I have and no idea which ones to keep/service – Receivers I have a choice of MCS 3275 ( which may need looking at as I believe 1 channel not fully working) or Onkyo TX DS 656. Turntables – Pro-Ject – Debut Carbon or possibly Debut III – i have a pair of floor standing Infinity speakers and a large bass speaker. probably going to add my Sony 300 disc jukebox and Sony MD recorder player to it. so – first off – is the Onkyo or MCS better? and Debut Carbon or Debut III ? I’m a complete novice and just trying to figure out which is the best way to go. will probably need to get someone to look at ( ie: fix? ) some of it – if worth the expense? thanks in advance for any help
Well, the Onkyo is an A/V receiver so if you’re going to hook up a surround sound system or something then that would be the choice. If you just need a two channel system then I’d go with the MCS. But, if the MCS needs extensive service then it might not be worth the time and money. It may just need the potentiometers cleaned.
A really nice MCS 3275 will sell for $400-$700 while the Onkyo is lucky to bring $100 just to give you an idea of how much you might want to spend getting either of them serviced. The MCS is also more easily saleable in the future if you want to upgrade to something better later. Just my 2 cents. You’ll also want to make sure that the MCS has enough inputs for the Sony equipment if you’re going to run them through it. It does have an AUX input which will work for the CD player but not sure about the other component.
I’m not that familiar with the turntables but I think the Carbon is the better version of the two.