With a similar footprint to McIntosh's MA252 Integrated Amplifier, the MC830 is a direct-coupled output design that is rated at 300 Watts at 8 Ohms or 480 Watts at 4 Ohms. A fast-responding Dual Scale Watt meter gives an accurate readout of power output for both speaker impedances. McIntosh's Monogrammed Heatsinks™ add visual appeal and will keep the MC830 running cool for optimum performance. Both a balanced and unbalanced input are included for connecting it to the rest of your home music system.

To protect your speakers and overall system, the MC830 includes two of McIntosh's cornerstone home audio technologies. Their patented Power Guard® technology monitors the amplifier's output signal to protect your speakers against being overdriven; if necessary, it makes real-time micro-adjustments to the input signal to prevent clipping that could damage your speakers. Another level of protection is Sentry Monitor™, their fuse-less short-circuit protection circuit that will disengage the MC830's output stage before current exceeds safe operating levels, and then will reset automatically when operating conditions return to normal.

McIntosh's patented Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts easily secure your speaker cables to prevent them from coming loose and possibly causing a short. The binding posts are gold-plated to prevent corrosion and ensure a quality audio signal is sent to your speakers. Power Control ports allow for easy system power up and shutdown by sending power on/off signals to other connected McIntosh components. The user-selectable Auto Off feature will turn off the MC830 after 30 minutes if no audio signal is received.

A die-cast aluminum name badge is affixed to each side of the chassis, and the front, top, and rear of the chassis are polished to a mirror finish. The MC830 features a black glass front panel with silver trim, a blue Watt meter, an illuminated logo, and control knobs.