Mac4100 repair

[carlthess40]

Well that’s a lot less then I was thinking
Thanks for the info. Mine may be higher as it has a few speaker post cracked and I believe all the lights need updating. I wonder if the can put LED’s in it?

[70sMac]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

70sMac... Welcome to AA!

Thanks, Ivan. Perhaps, when you get some time, you could take a read of my new thread. Yes, it's confusing, but feel free to Set Me Straight (the title of the thread).

[70sMac]

Originally Posted by carlthess40

Well that’s a lot less then I was thinking
Thanks for the info. Mine may be higher as it has a few speaker post cracked and I believe all the lights need updating. I wonder if the can put LED’s in it?

Hi Carl - I really have no idea about the compatibility of LEDs in our old MAC4100 receivers, but I'm very happy to read that someone else cares enough to consider sending one to Alton for service! I still vividly remember the first time a MAC4100 was demonstrated for me and, quite honestly, it really burned the word "McIntosh" into my brain [seemingly] forever. Take care ~ Bill

[62caddy]

I've seen a number of MAC4100 with LEDs installed and Terry DeWick mentioned he had done a few himself so it can definitely be done. Only issue is they're usually quite bright when converted. Perhaps LED conversion in "soft white" might be preferable.

[carlthess40]

I was thinking of finding the same color as Mac uses now. And in that color it may not be as bright. And sometimes you can install the colored cover over the LED and tame it down some and also with led’s you can reduce the voltage and that will reduce the brightness of it.

[70sMac]

Carl.......This may be what you're thinking of, but I've seen lamps with filter covers placed over them to alter the light. In my case, the covers were placed over the lamps to change the color, but I see no reason why they couldn't be used to dim an LED.

[62caddy]

The problem is that LEDs tend to be resistant to voltage drops and the extra circuitry will be needed to achieve the desired brightness. I know this because when I tried LEDs in my MX113, the panel brightness switch had almost no effect and later found out that this is what would be needed to correct the situation so I wound up putting the regular lamps back in.

Up to you but were it up to me, I'd just keep the stock lamps in the MAC.

[carlthess40]

That’s what I’ve been finding out from the reading I’ve been doing online. Thanks

[70sMac]

carlthess.......Will you let the thread know what you've been finding out about modifying your MAC4100 to LEDs? As you know, we own the same receiver and, more immediately, our MC300 needs some lamp work, as well. It's operating very well as an amp, but I just replaced the front glass panel: and there is zero light coming through the front panel...so there's a possibility that all (12) lamps are defective in the front end of our MC300.