Crusty McIntosh 2205 Restoration Time Lapse

Restoration of a crusty McIntosh 2205. I have a ton of crazy hobbies, including vintage audio repair and restoration. I own a small company called Orangeville Audio where I specialize in vintage HiFi audio equipment service and sales. This video is a time lapse from about 4 days of footage. The amplifier (although rusty and gross) worked well and definitely needed some TLC. Thanks for watching!

[@Kakuro-hl1kk]

A shame to let such a first-class device go to waste. It's nice to see that an expert has restored the device to perfection. Thanks for the nice video. Many greetings from Germany.

[@dubdoodle7191]

Would you prefer McIntosh or ReVox amp/ preamp ? America vs Deutschland ?

[@markwroblewski6500]

@@dubdoodle7191 Both.

[@midnightsteel5]

Thank you for showing us how to revive a Sherman Tank. What a beautiful machine - awesome job!

[@dufey1969]

love seeing someone putting so much care into fixing something

[@vettemaniac2237]

As a McIntosh fan and proud owner, I salute you for bringing this artful beast back to life. Long may she run!!!

[@craigm.9070]

Thank you for your time; incredible work to revive this great amplifier. It pains me that people, for whatever reason, allow these classic pieces to deteriorate like this. Rather than have a piece like this spend years or decades in a storage unit, basement or another moisture trap environment, sell it to a party that can/will restore it and save it. These amps are a beast; they don't make them like this anymore!

[@dubdoodle7191]

Doing all this work without damaging your wristwatch is impresses on its own !

[@vettemaniac2237]

Straight out of Binghamton ... Beautiful job.

[@richardhuston2426]

I enjoyed watching your restoration. I have the same amp, serial # AX6947, that I bought Aug. 10, 1978, probably just a couple months before yours was built. I have it serviced about every 10 years and last year I had LED’s installed that I now regret. The left side of the left meter is noticeably dimmer than the rest of the meters and the tech told me he can’t make it brighter, something about a white reflective material that doesn’t stay in place. That’s the only flaw with this amp now, otherwise it’s pristine.

[@SirBunghole]

I am glad you left some patina on the chrome and didn't go for a rechroming. I wasn't sure about the blue filter caps but they do compliment the meters and actually work out nicely.

[@danhorton6182]

Nice work! I like the final look. This year I’ve restored three MC2125s and I too recommended to every customer to leave that tacky plastic bezel that goes around the meters off. I sent them pics and they all agreed, looks much better with the plain glass.

[@danamcreynolds9456]

Thank you so much for doing this and showing your work. I have one that will never see this condition unless a world war comes to my neighborhood. I may be in the minority, but I prefer the meter bezel. I'd buy the one you removed if it's presentable.

[@juanenriquezmartinez6864]

10/10 amazing restoration process, it looks better than new! Many thanks for your enjoyable video.

[@skysurfer6870]

What an amazing job, sir !

[@ElektroMessTechnik]

She gave him his youth again...Respect for you...

[@randallcromer66]

Awesome restoration of a even more amazing power amplifier, you sir are a true miracle worker...💯👍

[@MrBillblake123]

I loved this video. ..... It was EXTREMELY satisfying to watch. .... Thanks

[@fulvioplatania3091]

great power amplifier: my belover uncle Richard’s got with its C32 preamplifier and Magnepan MGII 43 years ago!

[@Tomsongsrocks]

Nice job! Nice work on a fine piece of equipment. But, there is one thing that could make this amp look nicer. If it was sitting in my studio! Ah yea, Thanks Mr. Bob! Enjoyed the clip!

[@ChadBoughton]

Incredible gob, it looks great!

[@johnpetty3574]

At this point in my life, if this was the only way i could get my hands on one of these, I'D TAKE IT !!!

[@upreydeen]

Nice you re cap, highly recommended in vintage units, I would also replace the operational amps, maybe some Bursons

[@alainduquenois3812]

Excellent amplificateur et surtout excellent travail de restauration bravo

[@HogGreen]

Awesome work, thank you!

[@fabieneldridge3414]

Absolutely Beautiful ! You did a fantastic job. I need my old Marantz 2325 recapped but still rocking after all these years.

[@janosturzo5079]

Respect to your work!

[@scotthall2214]

holy crap, you work fast! I've frankly never seen anything like it .

[@BC-ni3sk]

Nice. Those blue caps look like they might be Nichikon. They aren't cheap. Nice job on the restoration.

[@Grange1140]

Great work, What a beauty

[@COFFEE-e3p]

beautiful job mate !!

[@markmiller7103]

Nice job thanks for uploading

[@renotsttam]

I recently acquired an early production MC2300 amp, it’s unfortunately in somewhat worse condition than this unit. That heavy rust that is somewhat contained to one area tells me that it was urinated on by an animal at some point. My 2300 was unfortunately stored face up with the back panel on the ground and something pissed on it collecting inside on the rear speaker terminal area. The whole rear panel is rusted on the inside and has spread to the steel side panels. It’s salvageable, but I’ve got quite the project ahead of me. Thank you for posting this though, it’s motivating to see the results.

[@BobWilson84]

Sounds like a fun project! Honestly those are more fun than typical repairs!

[@justicelut]

Poor thing, looks like it’s been living in a lake! Good luck with the restore!

[@victorhugojimeneztorres9907]

Excellent work. I have a 2150 and I pretty sure that needs a restoration. Sadly here in Colombia I don't know of a experienced technician. How much could cost aprox?

[@SylvainThuret]

Beautiful. Right now i unplug, open the chassis, take my vacuum cleaner, then I put quite a deal of electronic Spray and then use Q tips to manually clean the PCB and stuff. Im no electrician so thats my limit. But I see different cleaning technics here. Would love to have advices on how to open and clean safely my amps and cd players. Take care.

[@BobWilson84]

Hello, above all else, take a few courses on basic electricity. Learn ohms law, learn about power supplies, and learn about working around high voltages. Some amplifiers will hold charged capacitors for days, and they can pack a punch!

[@隆之八尾]

真空管アンプは、ほんまにええ音ですね💖TANNOYのスピーカーで、聞きたい💞

[@TheChakura25]

このアンプはトランジスタアンプですけどね 確かにタンノイのスピーカーとは相性が良いです。

[@tesmith47]

excellent work...., but where is the QC spec test sheet??

[@pallorjohannsson6686]

Nice work

[@AndrewDeVries211]

So cool. Great video

[@kevinryan2556]

Totally mesmerizing! What does a job like that cost?

[@alejandrodiaz673]

Lo más fino en aparatos de audio!

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Great Job and thanks for the video - Subscribed 😃

[@Mattospianos]

well done!!! thanks for sharing

[@TheWindaub]

Great !! ..Respect Bob !!

[@waynewayne3709]

I'd woulf enjoy working on one of these high end amplifiers.

[@alexzildjian]

Hiciste un excelente trabajo, me encantó ver a detalle como está construido todo por dentro 😃🎙️🎧🎸🎼👋

[@СергейФедотов-щ5ф]

Мастеру 5 звезд из пяти. Какой вес у этого усилителя?

[@harrisfogel6992]

Wonderful! I wondered if you upgraded from original light bulbs to LEDs for longevity? I assume there was some paint work involved, although not pictured.

[@williambravin1254]

I have a 2705 and i tried to have a professional do the work unfortunately the LED did not last long (even with a powers adapter)

[@joseabrahaoabrahao7937]

Fantástico, excelente trabalho.

[@mirzailyas3242]

Love you from Sargodha Pakistan... Great skill..

[@grkspartan009]

Will that fit a '99 Trans am with Monsoon speaker system?

[@BobWilson84]

Yes. It will fit in the dash.

[@dandinhofer9240]

Nice work. However, it's a shame that with all that disassembly of components the job didn't entail taking it one last small step further and have the chrome chassis base replated. Why? cause as soon as that amp re-enters back to the humid environment that produced this oxidation in the first place, it'll start eating at the metal again - but now even worse than before since the protective outer layer was removed. The cancer thus resumes where the pitting was present.

[@santretaylor4352]

Wonder if he can fix my pioneer elite SC-09tx

[@mazdef2001]

I noticed the same when I replaced the bulbs with LED's on my C26 that some parts of the display lit up brighter than others. I'm guessing this is unavoidable?

[@mazdef2001]

great video by the way!

[@yelloroom]

How did you remove the orange pcb? wire from the header clip? That is the last wire that I cant seem to remove :(

[@3125234302]

WONDERFUL . YOU HAVE THE HANDS OF GOD.

[@MrAmity009]

How can someone abuse such a artwork that way?

[@walterbkeen]

Easy... House fire 🔥 Fire department isn't concerned about your $10k stereo, and nor shoud they be. Equipment gets written off as a loss, but ideally gets repaired.

[@mausermann7918]

That was the first thing that came to my mind.......such a shame.

[@hsinkai1557]

Amazing

[@sergiosaraullo3230]

Devo farti veramente i complimenti ,perche sai dove e come metterci mano ,solo una domanda . quanto hai speso di pezzi di ricambio ,sopratutto ,si trovano ?

[@fw1421]

Was it left out in the garage or years?

[@edifierbass7821]

Yes i like that Mcintosh design hard to find with two big meter, but anyway maybe i'll just build my own put a large meter and buy a ready made Sanken kit or Diy power amp from scratch

[@johnbrewer2206]

Never used Deox-it D5 (red can) on a carbon pot as you did. The D5 spray has a cleaner that dissolves carbon and will kill the pot and can cause issues with the amp. You should be using the green can, F-5 or F-100 any of the fader lubes on those VRs or pots and your set.

[@BobWilson84]

I’ve heard that before and some of the techs I know also say to use the F5 on carbons. I’ve used D100 and D5 for years without a problem, maybe I’ve been lucky. But thanks for the reminder, I’m going to order the F-5.

[@jimmyjam9662]

Looking for a Power board for my MC2205 with this model number ( AXT 454 ), a little different from this one, if anyone can point me in the right direction. A hard to find part......Thanks !

[@BobWilson84]

Why not just rebuild the board instead of replacing it?

[@jimmyjam9662]

@@BobWilson84 The board is damaged beyond repair. Thanks, I thought of that, or at least beyond my expertise.

[@BobWilson84]

@@jimmyjam9662 dang!!! I actually have another 2205 in pieces. If I decide to part-it-out I'll make sure to let you know.

[@nekerrivera]

I have one of those in my office that I’m planning to sell but I have no idea of how much they cost now

[@BobWilson84]

Low end 1500 high end 2500

[@robertoalcorta4931]

Excelente trabajo 👍

[@BobWilson84]

Thanks Roberto!

[@marc49lewis]

It's almost a sacrelige to see a Mc2205 in that condition! Glat that there was someone with the knowhow and skill to restore it.

[@jojitsb]

Sir Bob where is your office located? Thanks

[@BobWilson84]

Sir Bob here, NE Ohio. Sorta near Youngstown

[@Antonio-gc1cn]

La grande bellezza!!!

[@franciscorompana2985]

1:25 Haha, best office speakers on the internet.😅

[@3125234302]

HEY BOB. HOW DID YOU GET RID OF THE RUST ON THE TRASFORMER. YOU DID NOT SHOW IT. LET ME KNOW. THANKS.

[@BobWilson84]

Sanded and painted with satin black. I hate painting stuff, but they were too far gone to save the original finish

[@3125234302]

@@BobWilson84 THANK YOU. GOD BLESS YOU.

[@cesarquezada7330]

Hola. Tengo uno igual cuánto cuesta una restauración así??

[@hiennano428]

Model mc 7270 please! Thank pro.

[@richardadelberg8961]

Do u do this for others, I have one that’s low hrs, all original, should be recapped etc.

[@BobWilson84]

I do, but these big McIntosh amps are difficult ship.

[@richardadelberg8961]

@@BobWilson84 I’ll remove front frame and glass. Btw does the diffuser bevel side face bulbs or back of faceplate. Can’t tell

[@fromvarosh]

Why didn't you change all the lights?

[@BobWilson84]

I installed new LED bulbs in the Mac, maybe I missed that part of the video when I did the editing.

[@OssidianOssidian]

Respect

[@Bueno336]

Esse aparelho não foi restaurado, foi feita apenas uma limpeza.

[@oleg-nf1km]

Very nice job

[@pierogiengineering]

The chrome is still messed up though…

[@BobWilson84]

Yea, it’s good. Not great. Better than most.

[@Cetrifuga1945]

Grade ampli suonava da Dio retro 👍👍

[@marcoslopes5264]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🔝 Tenho um MC-2105

[@moitoi3226]

blue capacitors !!

[@gglegreff1858]

Je me demande qui est la personne qui a pu laisser un tel appareil dans cet état, donnez moi le, il sera mieux traité....

[@DiCarpio-yk9pd]

👍👍

[@restorationsofmusicsystems8609]

Everything turned out great. Thank you. However, the quick video showcased everything very poorly. My humble suggestion to you is to make your videos in two or three parts. Play normally. Many things cannot be understood in fast images. I'm happy to follow you. Greetings and best regards. ​

[@audiononsense1611]

Sand cast resistors, Yikes! Also changing caps for the sake of changing is something I don't recommend unless, in this case, unit is old and or abused... Nice job all said...

[@marc49lewis]

Most electrolytics that age are well past their life expectancy and have more than likely increased in ESR dramatically due to the characteristics of the electrolyte "paste" they're made with - it dries out.

[@Chokechain1111]

Oh nonsensical

[@petenamlook18]

All that work and you didn't re-grease the outputs :(

[@BobWilson84]

Very good eye! This amp was serviced sometime in the semi-recent past, and the insulators were not original. I made a judgement to leave them as-is. The paste wasn’t flaky and the work was done neatly. I think it was serviced and then stored in a damp location until now. Great catch!

[@dikludas]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@waynepollard6879]

No audio !

[@MrZzorg]

вэдешечкой смазал потенцеометры, на транзисторах не поменял термопасту, после перепайки электролитов не проверил ток покоя и напряжения нуля на выходе - так себе реставрация, чисто декоративно почистили... чисто на продажу

[@propanbutanovichmetanov5950]

Why to replace thermal paste? And why to regulate DC levels after capacitor replacements..

[@MrZzorg]

@@propanbutanovichmetanov5950 No, but if so, then there is no need. Everything is fine. go on. the main thing is to have a beautiful picture.

[@Chokechain1111]

That's what she said

[@danielsamson9505]

👌👍

[@RegiPavan]

😎😎👍👍

[@manuelsolsona5795]

Fantastic !!! If you find another, even worse, let me know, I buy it for you damaged😋

[@gasek1978]

Wszystko fajnie,ale poteciometry powinno sie rozbierac i czyscic,a nie tylko psikac ...

[@alfonsodefidio5051]

😊

[@tvpostel]

Am Schluss alles viel zu schnell....

[@gerardballon3923]

On ne sait pas ce qu’il fait , rien n’est expliqué, mis à part nettoyer, et tout démonter.

[@matrempit2885]

Only clean not restoration..❗️ No change component at this video....‼️ Oh Lord.....😢😢😢😢

[@Z_E_T_7]

нелепейшая подсветка.. вырви глаз сводит на нет всё великолепие .

[@jmbt7548]

Shame on you 😢

[@Z_E_T_7]

@@jmbt7548

[@jacquesgilbert2774]

Restoration of a high end electronic device NOT done by a guy in sandals sitting on a dirt floor, with rusty oversized tools and a dollar voltmeter? I am not sure it is legit.

[@BobWilson84]

Good point. Maybe I should have added the part where I pulled this out of the Amazon river. What the heck is up with those obviously fake videos?

[@haraldseitz9054]

Man sieht ständig nur deine Wurstfinger vor der Kamera. Sorry

[@Chokechain1111]

Do you mean his tools? It's hard to remove from repair videos

[@user-wl6wi5qd3o]

Absolute great Job...👍