McIntosh MC462 Quad Balanced Solid State Amplifier - NEW
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Please note this item must be purchased in store and we will not ship under any circumstances. Click here for more information about this policy.
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Standout Features:
• 450 Watts x 2 Channels
• 66% increase in Dynamic Headroom compared to previous model
• Quad Balanced Design with McIntosh Autoformers™
General:
Experience stereo bliss with the MC462 Amplifier. The MC462 replaces the highly regarded MC452 as our most powerful stereo amplifier. Like the MC452, it features a robust output of 450 Watts per channel. With a dedicated McIntosh Autoformer™ connected to each audio channel, the full 450 Watts is available to any speaker regardless if it has 2, 4 or 8 Ohm impedance. Just one MC462 Amplifier can single-handedly power a world class home audio stereo system.
"An extraordinarily well-engineered, exceptionally powerful amplifier... Highly recommended – insisted on, even." - Stereophile
The C53/MC462 combo sounded "super-smooth and superbly balanced at all times, whilst never letting the smoothness of their delivery interfere with their ability to resolve a level of detail, [which] means you will hear nuances you just will not hear with lesser amplifiers." - Audio Esoterica
The new generation MC462 stereo amplifier has received numerous updates compared to the previous model. The most prominent is that filter capacity has been increased by nearly 50%, which has resulted in a remarkable 66% increase in dynamic headroom from 1.8dB to 3.0dB. This allows the MC462 to easily handle drastic swings in dynamics and effortlessly reproduce your favorite music with virtually no distortion. Bass performance is also improved as a result of the filter capacity increase. Our eco-friendly power management system, which will turn the amplifier off after a set amount of time when no input signal has been detected, has been added. Internal wiring and select circuit components have also been upgraded.
"A great amplifier not only in size but also in performance, capable of a refinement unthinkable for a beast of over 115 lbs (50 kg)." - Fedelta del Suono
Aesthetically, the MC462 retains all the hallmarks of a McIntosh amplifier with a few key modern enhancements. The front panel now utilizes direct LED backlighting that improves appearance and color accuracy. The two audio Autoformers and single power transformer are housed in new enclosures topped by a single machined cover with glass inserts. The back half of the amplifier is home to four of our Monogrammed Heatsinks™ which connect to advanced high current output transistors that help eliminate thermal equilibrium lag time.
The MC462 Amplifier and C53 Preamplifier named 2021 "Stereo Pre-Power Amplifiers of the Year Over AU$20,000." - Sound+Image
Besides these updates, the MC462 is packed full of other exclusive McIntosh technologies to bring your music to life:
• Power Guard® that monitors and adjusts the input signal at the speed of light and makes real time adjustments to prevent harsh sounding and potentially speaker damaging clipping
• Sentry Monitor™ - our fuse-less short-circuit protection circuit that disengages the output stage before current exceeds safe operating levels and then resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal
• Quad Balanced design that cancels virtually all noise and distortion that may have crept into the audio signal
• Power Control to send power on/off signals to other connected McIntosh components (such as CD Players, turntables, tuners and media streamers) for easy system power up and shutdown
• Our patented Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts that easily but securely attach the speaker cables to prevent them from coming loose and possibly causing a short; the binding posts are also gold-plated to prevent corrosion and ensure a quality signal is sent over your speaker cables
"It does everything right and nothing wrong, is built to last for generations, and sounds amazing no matter what speakers you connect to it." - Lyd & Bilde
The balanced and unbalanced outputs make bi-amping or tri-amping your speakers easier; they can also be used to send the audio signal to a secondary system if your preamplifier does not have enough outputs, or to connect a powered subwoofer. The MC462 sits on a beautiful polished stainless steel chassis and features the timeless McIntosh black glass front panel, illuminated logo, control knobs, aluminum handles and a pair of fast responding blue Watt meters.
Brand Background:
Founded in 1949, McIntosh is known for offering distinguished home audio systems that deliver the ultimate experience in music and film. Offering products for two-channel stereo sound systems and multi-channel home theaters with surround sound, McIntosh continues to define the ultimate home audio entertainment experience for discriminating listeners around the world. Our iconic blue Watt output meter is globally recognized as a symbol of quality home audio. With a McIntosh home stereo system or home theater, listeners have the ability to create their own luxury audio experience – and truly live their music.
McIntosh products are designed and handcrafted at our Binghamton, NY factory by our dedicated employees who share a passion for music and the McIntosh heritage. Since our inception, McIntosh has been powering some of the most important moments in music history and pop culture. From President Lyndon Johnson’s inauguration speech to Woodstock to the famous Grateful Dead “Wall of Sound,” McIntosh has not only witnessed history, we have shaped it.
Included:
MC462, Owner's Manual, Power Cord
Packing:
Factory Sealed McIntosh Carton
Dimensions:
17-1/2" (44.45cm) x 9-7/16" (23.97cm) (including feet) x 22-1/2" (57.2cm) (including front panel, handles and cables)
Weight:
115 lbs (52.3 kg)
Reviews:
MC462 Review Fedelta del Suono (Italy) October 2020 No 296
MC462 Review Lyd and Bilde January 2019
MC462 Review Stereophile May 2019
MC462 and C53 Review Audio Esoterica (Australia) Issue #1-2020
Link to Manual:
Click Here
Recommended Cables:
McIntosh Balanced Audio Cables (XLR)
Kimber Kable - Ascent 10 Gauge Power Cord - Better
Kimber Kable - Palladian 10 Gauge Power Cord - Best
Specs:
ELECTRONIC SPECIFICATIONS
Power Output per Channel
450 Watts @ 2, 4 or 8 Ohms
Number of Channels
2
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.005%
S/N below rated output
122dB
Dynamic Headroom
3.0dB
Damping Factor
>40 Wideband
Rated Power Band
20Hz to 20kHz
Frequency Response
+0, -0.25dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
+0, -3.0dB from 10Hz to 100,000Hz
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Circuit Configuration
Quad Balanced
Circuit Design
Solid State
Mono Bridge
No
Mono Parallel
No
Output Type
Autoformer™
Meters
Yes
Meter Light Switch
Yes
Balanced Input
2
Front Panel
Glass with handles
Illumination
Direct LED
Chassis Style
Polished stainless steel & black painted steel
Click here to schedule an appointment to visit our store.
Please note this item must be purchased in store and we will not ship under any circumstances. Click here for more information about this policy.
Please support your local McIntosh Dealer.
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