At Bob the Tech Audio we use the right tools and technology to maintain both vintage and modern McIntosh audio and video components. We enjoy working on vintage audio with tubes, hand assembly, and point to point wiring. A good soldering iron and wire cutters are often sufficient for repairs, because the work is relatively “big” and easy to see.
We have a large component datasheet library and cross reference. We use exact replacements or equivalent parts in all cases, avoiding undue modifications to your quality equipment. With our curve tracer, below, we are able to match transistor characteristics. This is important for critical applications like differential amplifiers in vintage equipment.
Quality tools such as Velleman soldering irons, AMP crimp tools, and Bausch and Lomb microscopes support our quality work. Our work is always clean.
Tools & Technology for Modern Mcintosh Equipment
We have also invested in tools and technology allowing us to maintain the “small” stuff. Because of this we can also repair the more modern equipment with surface mount technologies, microcontrollers, and digital audio. Have confidence in our work, contact us here to get started with your repairs.
We are especially proud of our newest addition to the shop, a Quick hot air rework station. This tool enables us to perform repairs in modern McIntosh equipment using the latest surface mount device technologies. It’s shown in action below:
We employ computer-based test equipment to perform firmware updates. Our computer-based Spectral Measurement dScope M1 and Audio Precision Portable One Plus – Dual Domain audio analyzers allow us to make distortion and frequency response measurements. These dual domain analyzers, and tools such as SIG, allow us to exercise and service digital audio/video interfaces such as USB, HDMI, BlueTooth, and WiFi.
Our tools, technology, and test facilities include the following equipment to ensure that your vintage or modern McIntosh unit is fully functional and performing to specification:
Audio Test Equipment
- Variacs – General Radio W10MT3A and W20MT3A, Tektronix TU-77, McIntosh P486A Power Controller
- Load Box, 4-8 Ohm
- Audio Analyzers – Audio Precision Portable 1 Plus Dual Domain, Spectral Measurement dScope M1E, Sound Technology 1700B, 1701A, and 1710A Distortion Measurement Systems, Amber 3501 Distortion Analyzer
- Rigol MSO1104Z Mixed Signal Digital Oscilloscope
- MacBook Air + SIG App (USB source)
- Rocketfish Music Receiver (Optical source)
Tuner Alignment
- Panasonic VP-8122A AM/FM Signal Generator
- Sound Technology ST1000A FM Alignment Generator
- Sencore SG165 AM/FM Alignment Generator
- Phillips PM 6673 HF Frequency Counter
- iClever FM Transmitter (over the air FM source)
Video Test Equipment
- Samsung DVD-HD860 DVD player with outputs in all video standards
- Sceptre television within inputs in all current video standards
Bench Test Equipment
- Uni-T UT58D Digital Multimeter
- Hickock 600A Tube Tester
- Eico 950 capacitance meter
- Sencore LC53 Z-Meter capacitance/inductance analyzer
- Pyramid Model PS-25 Regulated Power Supply
- Heathkit IP2717 High Voltage Power Supply
- Keithley 503A MilliOhmmeter
- Simpson Model 464 Digital Multimeter (a current project)
- Hewlett Packard 200AB Audio Signal Generator
HF Radio Test Equipment
- Hewlett Packard 606A HF Signal Generator
- Rigol DG832 HF Arbitrary Waveform Generator
