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At US$21,499, this is a fair-market asking price, landing exactly at the median of three recent comparable listings. It is well above the US$10,762 25th percentile but comfortably below the US$27,434 75th percentile, so it is neither a bargain nor an ambitious outlier.
The MC3500 remains a seriously desirable statement amplifier: huge power reserves, classic McIntosh build quality, and the authority and scale that make difficult loudspeakers sound effortless. Its rarity and collector appeal support the price, particularly if it is original, properly serviced, and complete with the correct meters, transformers, hardware, and documentation. At the median, condition matters: verify transformer health, output-tube condition, service history, and safe shipping or local pickup before committing. A clean, well-preserved example is worth considering; negotiate harder if maintenance records or accessories are missing.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
McIntosh Laboratory, founded in 1949 in the United States by Frank H. McIntosh and Gordon Gow, embodies a storied heritage of American audio innovation. Originally based in Silver Spring, Maryland, before relocating to Binghamton, New York, where products are still handcrafted today, the brand emerged from a commitment to superior sound reproduction. From powering President Lyndon Johnson's inauguration to the Grateful Dead's Wall of Sound at Woodstock, McIntosh has shaped pivotal moments in music history and pop culture, earning its place as a cultural icon.
The company specializes in a comprehensive lineup of high-fidelity components, including renowned amplifiers—particularly its revered tube models for their warm, enveloping sound—along with solid-state power amps, stereo tuners, loudspeakers, turntables, music streamers, processors, and digital-to-analog converters. This breadth supports both two-channel stereo systems and multi-channel home theaters, delivering immersive experiences in music and film. Iconic blue watt meters on their gear have become globally recognized symbols of precision and power.
Positioned firmly in the high-end market, McIntosh commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its uncompromising quality, luxurious build, and timeless design. Far from mid-tier or niche boutique, it stands as a premium benchmark, favored by legendary musicians and producers across decades, blending vintage allure with modern performance for those who demand the ultimate in sonic fidelity.
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