During the 1970s, the MC-2300 was an expensive piece of audio equipment, with a retail price of $1799 by the time of its discontinuation in 1980. That being said, its outstanding power and sound production quality made it a valued part of many recording studios. And although some people prefer the sound of tube amplifiers, the overall greater reliability and freedom from repair of the newer solid-state amps was a major vote in their favor. Physically, the MC-2300 is a very large and sturdy amplifier, measuring 10.5 in (26.7 cm) high x 19 in (48.3 cm) wide x 17 in (43.2 cm) deep, and weighing an impressive 128 lbs (58 kg). During its production run, 4545 units were made. Today, the MC-2300 remains a very sought-after amplifier for audiophiles and collectors. In terms of McIntosh "family lineage" or production order, the MC-2300 was immediately preceded by the MC-2105 (with blue meters) and the MC-2100 (without), which were both 100 watt-per-channel stereo amps (200 watts monophonic) sold between 1969 and 1977. Before these came the MC-2505 (blue meters) made between 1967-1977, and the meterless but popular MC-250 sold from 1967-1979, both of which were 50 WPC stereo amplifiers (100 watts mono.) The MC-2300 was succeeded by the even more powerful MC-2500 (500 WPC stereo/1000 watts mono), sold from 1980-1990; and then the MC-2600 (600 WPC stereo/1200 watts mono), which was available between the years 1990-1995. Several specially-modified versions of the MC-2300 were produced by McIntosh for the United States Navy (with 6, 25, 30, 64, 120, 182, and 256 ohm outputs), for defense contractor Sanders Associates, and for acoustical consulting company Bolt, Beranek and Newman (the MC-2300E, with 50, 100, 200, and 400 ohm outputs).