COMPLETE RESTORATION SERVICE---MCINTOSH C-29 PREAMP

MUST READ---MUST READ---MUST READ---IMPORTANT, READ THIS FIRST: This listing is for the service required to make a C-29 work very well. Even a very high quality preamp like this one needs attention after twenty to thirty  years. If you have a C-29 and appreciate its grace and beauty and you would like to have it in premium condition, read on. If you are thinking of buying a preamp of this vintage, you will need this service. Note that this listing also applies to C-32 and perhaps one or two more. If you have a different model, give me a call.

So, you bought your C-29 back in 1980 and you have always enjoyed its excellent performance and its considerable beauty. You have been thinking lately that even the best equipment cannot go forever without service. So in the interest of maintaining performance and in improving reliability, you have decided that now is the time to have restoration service done on it. Or perhaps it has gotten a bit creaky or it has quit altogether and you have no choice, now is the time. Considering that the C-29 is a really high quality piece of equipment, and that replacing it with something new would cost a lot of money, it is a no-brainer that restoring the one you have is the right idea. Since these restore very well, and are substantially like new when finished, you have all the more reason to send it in.

So why do we call it "restoration"? Why not just fix it? Simple enough, after a unit, even a good one is 25 years old or so, it is no longer reasonable to replace a part or two and pay little attention to the rest. By this time it needs to be checked out from end to end. It goes like this, first we check out the unit to see that it will fly, no complicating factors. Next, it is disassembled down to the chassis and it is dusted out and all of the switches and controls are cleaned and deoxidized. After that, it is necessary to replace the most critical electrolytic capacitors, these are primarily in the regulated power supply. These are replaced because they do age, and 25 years is quite a while. Since it is impractical to replace every cap in the unit, we go for the ones that have the most stressful job and make the biggest difference. After this is done, the unit is inspected for bad solder joints.....there aren't usually very many due to the initial build quality, but sometimes we find a few, especially in areas where it runs hot. Finally we replace lamps as needed and do a complete cosmetic so it will sparkle. At this point, it looks and plays much like new.

Well, that is certainly straightforward, what a deal! But here is another question: "Oh tell me guru, if I have a lovely machine that is similar to the one listed here, but it isn't exactly the same, am I then cast into the outer darkness?" Oh no, my child.... you are made for the light.... as is your stereo. If you have a similar model, call or send me an email. Many of these restorations are similar even they are not exactly the same. In some cases the cost is the same, so you can buy the service here and essentially transfer it to a different model. If you have something totally different, then I can post a listing here just for you. You are cast into outer darkness only if you have a "no no machine", one of those that should not be restored for whatever reason.

Anticipating your last question, all units are given a good "burn in" after completion to make sure that they do well. The warranty on service is 90 days and is available on request. So look at that cool stereo you have had for all these years and say: "How do I love Thee......". Then box it up to send it in. I'll be glad to make it like it was many years ago. Thanks, Bill