McCormack Active Line Drive w/phono, outboard PS and SMC B+ mods.
I purchased this unmolested unit from the original owner in 1999 and had SMC perform/install the "B+" upgrade. It's been in my system since, operating without issue (excepting the PS power-on LED).
It's quiet, fast, tight and perhaps a touch romantic sounding but never gets in the way. The phono section has jumpers for high/low gain and is socketed for resistors if you'd like to roll your own loading. I've had good to great results with a variety of MM and MC carts including inexpensive Grado, Dynavector 20x and Clearaudio Victory.
Unit has a Direct Input/Passive Output which bypasses all circuitry for one, direct line-level source with volume control.
The standard pre-outs have both normal and inverted outputs to assist with proper phasing.
Cosmetically it's in good shape and very presentable. The front panel shows little if any wear with one 1/8" small nick on the top edge. Knobs are fine. Top has a couple of scratches.
Asking $800.
Here's the skinny....
The original ALD 1 Deluxe model includes:
- Outboard power supply
- Internal phono preamp with Hi/Low gain and loading options for mm/mc cartriges.
- High quality Cardas input jacks
- Balanced and unbalanced (RCA) output
- True Passive (unbalanced) output
- Zero-feedback amplifier design with high-current MOSFET output
- Six independent power supply regulator stages (4 with discreet circuitry)
- Two Buffered Tape Monitor / Processor Loops with disconnect option
- Bi-directional tape dubbing
- A "hard" mute circuit (grounded outputs, which ensure true silence)
The B+ upgrade addresses the amplification and buffer circuitry and replaces the volume control.
- All passive parts in the main circuit path upgraded. Circuit operation is optimized through careful trimming of parts values. Only quality components are used. Caddock, Vishay and Mills resistors along with Black Gate, Muse, InfiniCap, and AuriCap capacitors. Wonder Wire is used for the internal connections, and Wonder Solder is used throughout.
- The stock volume control is replaced by the 'best-in-class' TKD conductive-plastic volume control
What's not immediately apparent is the flexibility of the unit not in only the input/output/switching options but the simple and elegant muting functionality.
The tape loop allow for the stereo channels to easily be switched in or out from a home theater system. This keeps the 'stereo rig' separate from the home theater but always available at the twist of a knob. Also, the mute is a 'true-to-ground' mute which is completely silent and allows moving preamp output cables without removing power. This control will also mute each channel independently allowing for quick independent left or right channel operation with the flick of a switch. Once you've had this simple convenience you won't ever what to be without it when installing equipment, moving cables or hooking up speakers.
Local pickup highly preferred but will ship in original packaging. Buyer responsible for all shipping and insurance costs.
Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!
Mike B.
