McIntosh MC452 Quad Balanced Power Amplifier With 450W!

Free Shipping on *ALL* Electronics (Excluding Speakers, Contiguous 48 US States Only)

New amplifiers from McIntosh are virtually impossible to get these days so this "one generation back" amplifier might be your best bet.

This amplifier was carefully reviewed and tested here in our lab and listening room, and it is working as it should.

It presents like new with clear bright meters and clean paintwork, showing only the slightest signs of use.

And we have additional MC452's available as of this writing in case you'd like to bi-amp your speakers.

This MC452 ship in a factory fresh McIntosh double box which is the only way to ensure safe transport. Be wary of any seller that will ship in anything else.

Please note due to size and weight this item is not covered under our free shipping promos that we offer from time to time.

*This will ship for $450 flat rate freight anywhere within the lower 48 US States strapped to a pallet due to its weight and for safe travels. If you're on the East Coast contact us before your purchase to double-check this rate.

We strongly recommend 2-3 friends to help you unbox safely on arrival.

McIntosh MC452 Quad Balanced Power Amplifier - Owner's Manual

Performance Features Include:
• Power Output
The MC452 is a Power Amplifier with a capability
of 450 watts per channel into 2, 4 or 8 ohm speakers with less than 0.005% distortion. The Power Amplifier Circuitry uses Thermal Trak Output Transistors for lower distortion and cool operation.

• Quad Balanced Circuitry
The MC452 is fully balanced from inputs to outputs. It consists of two matched power amplifiers operating in push-pull with their outputs combined in a McIntosh Autoformer. The Quad Balanced configuration cancels virtually all distortion.

• Patented Autoformer
McIntosh designed and manufactured Output Auto- formers provide an ideal match between the amplifier output stages and speaker loads of 2, 4 and 8 ohms. The Autoformers also provide perfect DC protection for your valuable loudspeakers.

• Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs
Balanced connections guard against induced noise and allow long cable runs without compromising sound quality.

• Power Guard
The patented McIntosh Power Guard circuit prevents the amplifier from being over driven into clipping, with its harsh distorted sound that can also damage your valuable loudspeakers.

• Sentry Monitor and Thermal Protection
McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protection circuits ensure the MC452 will have a long and trouble free operating life. Built-in Thermal Protection Circuits guard against overheating.

• Special Power Supply
A very large Power Transformer and Large Capacitors ensure stable noise free operation even though the power line varies.

• McIntosh Custom Binding Posts
McIntosh patent pending gold plated output terminals deliver high current output. They accept large diameter wire and spade lugs. Banana plugs may also be used only in the United States and Canada.

Click below to add our recommended matching cables from Kimber Kable, all brand new as SkyFi is an official Kimber dealer.

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects

Kimber Kable - XLR Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Speaker Cables

Kimber Kable - Bi-Wire Speaker Cables

Kimber Kable - 14AWG (Gauge) Power Cords

Specifications
Power Output
Minimum sine wave continuous average power output per channel, with both channels operating is:
450 watts into 2 ohm load
450 watts into 4 ohm load
450 watts into 8 ohm load

Output Load Impedance
2, 4 or 8 ohms

Rated Power Band
20Hz to 20,000Hz

Total Harmonic Distortion
0.005% maximum harmonic distortion at any power level from 250 milliwatts to rated power, 20Hz to 20,000Hz

Dynamic Headroom
1.8dB

Frequency Response
+0, -0.25dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
+0, -3.0dB from 10Hz to 100,000Hz

Input Sensitivity (for rated output)
4.2 Volts Balanced
2.1 Volts Unbalanced

Signal To Noise Ratio (A-Weighted)
95dB Balanced (122dB below rated output)
93dB Unbalanced (120dB below rated output)

Intermodulation Distortion
0.005% maximum, if the instantaneous peak power output does not exceed twice the rated power output for any combination of frequencies from 20Hz to 20,000Hz.

Wide Band Damping Factor
Greater than 40

Input Impedance
22,000 ohms Balanced
22,000 ohms Unbalanced

Voltage Gain
29dB, 8 Ohms
26dB, 4 Ohms
23dB, 2 Ohms

Power Guard
Less than 2% Total Harmonic Distortion with up to a 14dB overdrive signal

Power Control Input
5-15VDC, less than 1mA

Power Control Output 1 and 2
12VDC, 50mA maximum total
Output is delayed 0.2 seconds from turn On

Power Requirements
Field AC Voltage conversion of the MC452 is not possible.
The MC452 is factory configured for the following AC Voltage:
120V ~ 50/60Hz at 10 Amps
Standby: less than 0.5 watt

Overall Dimensions
Width is 17-1/2 inches (44.45cm)
Height is 9-7/16 inches (23.97cm) including feet Depth is 22 inches (55.88cm) including the Front Panel, Handles, and Cables.

Weight
110 pounds (49.9 kg) net
143 pounds (64.9 kg) in shipping carton

Shipping Carton Dimensions
Width is 29-1/2 inches (74.93cm)
Depth is 29 inches (73.66cm)
Height is 17 inches (43.18cm)

The SkyFi Testing Process for Solid State Amplifiers:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and transistors are checked for signs of stress or damage.

We then power up the unit carefully and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise. Finally, we run the amplifier to its full rated power into the appropriate resistive load provided by our Sencore amplifier tester. If there is an issue, it will usually be noticeable at this point. If everything reads clean, we will often test for THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) measured by our Keithley distortion meter, and compare it against the original manufacturers specifications. The amplifier then remains powered on to "burn in" on our test bench for a few hours to make sure there are no heat related issues. If there are balanced inputs available they will be also be tested.

Final testing involves pushing actual music thorough the amplifier. We've learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage KEF speakers that we're very familiar with which quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some amplifiers will then move into our listening room where they are tested with our in-house reference speakers of choice.