Stereo Technology Division
A History
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All
contents are copyright 1996-2003 |
About 1975 management
decided to come out with a separate line of lower cost components that did not
have the McIntosh name. The first unit was the Stereotech 1200 AM/FM stereo
receiver (shown in front). It could deliver 50 watts/channel into 8 ohms and 30
watts/channel into 16 ohms. The receiver was designed by McIntosh and built by
Foster Electric Company in Japan. It came with a 3-year warranty.
Two other receivers were also in the works but were never produced; the
Stereotech 1230 and the Stereotech 1270. They were also AM/FM stereo receivers,
but had higher power amplifiers. The Stereotech 120 enclosure (shown) was a
three-piece walnut veneered housing that was available for the receivers. The
top piece was held in place by the two side pieces that were attached to the
receiver with screws.
To complement the
first Stereotech receivers, we designed four speaker systems, Stereotech 1, 2,
3, and 4. CTS, Rola-Jensen and Peerless supplied drivers. McIntosh assembled
the crossovers and the systems. The cabinets were to be lower cost and were
made with a walnut vinyl laminate. Stereotech 2, 3 and 4 had three position
switches to adjust the mid-range and tweeter level. These were located at the
back of the system. Stereotech 3 and 4 were to have sculpted urethane foam
grilles (shown), but were changed to cloth on a frame like the ST 1 and 2. Mr.
Gow was concerned about the deadly cyanide fumes that could be emitted by the
burning urethane if there was a fire in a customer home.
Unfortunately the increase in material costs forced the Stereotech
program to end in 1976.
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About This Site |
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More text and pictures about McIntosh will be added as my research continues. Any comments, corrections, or additions are welcome. |
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Created by Roger Russell |
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