Do not use any oil based cleaners. Any oil left on the chasis, and in the socket areas 'could' react as the metal changes temperature and gets hot. This could cause spots to occur or mottling to appear. I learned the hard way!
I would call McIntosh service and see what they recommend.
For my vintage gear I take an air hose and turn the output down so I dont bust any connections, and blow all the loose dirt and dust off, away from switches and pots.
Then I take clean, lintless clothes, and wipe everything down with warm water with a drop or two of 'dawn' detergent, and then I clean and wipe dry.
The other method I use, if the unit is a mess, is a spritz of 'brake cleaner'. It evaporates fast, has no oils or harmful chemicals that would attack socket or insulation materials. You need to be careful when using this though.
Sean is absolutely right about toothbrushes! They work great. Just be sure to rinse all the crud out of them and use the soft ones.
Remember it is the physical cleaning that does the job, scrubbing, wiping, etc. There is no magic voodoo juice!
Hope this helps.
I would call McIntosh service and see what they recommend.
For my vintage gear I take an air hose and turn the output down so I dont bust any connections, and blow all the loose dirt and dust off, away from switches and pots.
Then I take clean, lintless clothes, and wipe everything down with warm water with a drop or two of 'dawn' detergent, and then I clean and wipe dry.
The other method I use, if the unit is a mess, is a spritz of 'brake cleaner'. It evaporates fast, has no oils or harmful chemicals that would attack socket or insulation materials. You need to be careful when using this though.
Sean is absolutely right about toothbrushes! They work great. Just be sure to rinse all the crud out of them and use the soft ones.
Remember it is the physical cleaning that does the job, scrubbing, wiping, etc. There is no magic voodoo juice!
Hope this helps.