The MC-30 was one of the first (if not THE first) McIntosh amplifiers to feature the now-famous chromed chassis. A development of the earlier A-116 30-watt amplifier, the MC-30 (also designated as the A-116B) had an impressive specification for its time. Harmonic distortion was less than 0.33% at 30 watts output, 20Hz - 20kHz and frequency response was 20Hz - 30kHz ± 0.1dB at 30 watts output. Hum and noise was 90dB or more below rated output. The MC-30's major improvement over its predecessor was the addition of a direct-coupled cathode follower driver which reduced IM distortion even at full output from 0.5% to 0.25%

It could be operated from any source delivering 0.5 volts or more, or from the McIntosh C-108, C-4, C-104 or C-8 audio compensators (preamplifiers). Damping factor was 12 or better for 4, 8 & 16 and later versions equipped with variable damping control. A 600 (balanced to ground) output was also provided with a damping factor of 16.

The front panel featured a barrier strip providing the different output impedances plus an input. Next to it was a single RCA-type input and an input gain control. Below these were two large octal sockets, one marked output, the other input (to connect to a McIntosh pre-amp). A hum balance pot was also provided.

The MC-30 remains one of the most sought-after and highly rated American mono power amplifers. Priced at $153.00 when new, these prized mono blocks typically sell for between $1400 and $1800 a pair in good working condition with minor cosmetic blemishes. A 'mint' pair would easily top the $2000 mark.

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