McIntosh MC1502 Tube 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:
• 150 Watts x 2 Channels
• Unity Coupled Circuit Output Transformers
• Featuring 8 x KT88, 4 x 12AX7A and 4 x 12AT7 vacuum tubes
General:
The MC1502 Vacuum Tube Amplifier is a stereo amplifier designed for home audio and home music systems that produces 150 Watts per channel. It is the direct replacement to our award winning MC2152 Limited Edition 70th Anniversary Vacuum Tube Amplifier, which was released in celebration of our 70th Anniversary that occurred in 2019. The new MC1502 has identical audio specifications and sound reproduction performance of the heralded MC2152 but in a more customary McIntosh design.
The MC1502 "combines brutal control and quantities of power, with openness and sophistication. The amplifier is potent enough to power most speakers, and will only sound better the more it has to work with." Highly recommended. – Lyd & Bilde
The MC1502 shares the timeless styling of our classic MC275 Vacuum Tube Amplifier. As the MC1502 has twice the stereo power rating of the MC275 (150 Watts vs. 75 Watts) and is physically larger, in many ways it can be considered the MC275's big brother. And while a pair of MC275s can be run in mono to achieve the 150 Watts per channel output of the MC1502, the MC1502 boasts a better signal-to-noise ratio of 112dB vs. 105dB for the MC275 pairing – producing an even quieter performance than the already quiet MC275.
The MC1502 is "an unqualified hit." It has the "cleanliness, low noise, and bandwidth of the best sounding modern amp designs with just enough of the special sauce that I love about tubes and transformers. True high-end audiophile sound in all its refined glory, without any rare tube types, finicky setup, or usage idiosyncrasies. Plus, LOTS of power and some fun features all in a beautiful package built to last a lifetime and beyond. Highly recommended." – Part-Time Audiophile
The MC1502 is powered by eight KT88 output vacuum tubes, with four assigned to each stereo channel. It also has eight small signal tubes, consisting of four 12AX7A and four 12AT7 vacuum tubes; two of each of these vacuum tubes are dedicated to each audio channel. The 12AX7A vacuum tubes are for the Balanced and Input amps, while the 12AT7 tubes are for the Voltage and Driver amps. All the vacuum tubes are covered by a 12-gauge stainless steel wire cage with a black powder coated finish.
The MC1502 Vacuum Tube Amplifier and C22 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier Mk V represents McIntosh’s traditional heritage sound and with the added modern McIntosh technology, another masterpiece is born. – HiFi & Home Theater Audio
The KT88 vacuum tube sockets include Air-Pipe cooling at their bases to help facilitate long service life. The eight signal tube sockets have ceramic base construction with gold plated contacts, providing protection from atmospheric contamination. All the vacuum tubes sit atop the precision formed stainless steel chassis polished to a mirror finish. Our Sentry Monitor™ technology monitors the output current and shuts the amplifier off if it ever exceeds safe limits; the signal tubes will flash red if Sentry Monitor is ever activated.
The MC1502 Vacuum Tube Amplifier and C22 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier Mk V is "outstanding equipment" and "is rich with an uncommon magic and will provide precious pleasure. Moreover it will fit most loudspeakers nicely, even the most demanding ones." - Haute Fidélité
Unlike many other amplifiers, the MC1502's full 150 Watts can be delivered to almost any pair of speakers regardless if they have 2, 4 or 8 Ohm impedance. This is thanks to our patented Unity Coupled Circuit output transformer technology – the same technology McIntosh was founded on in 1949. Two Unity Coupled Circuit output transformers flank the power transformer which is positioned between them. Each transformer is housed in a glass topped extruded enclosure that displays the wiring diagram for each transformer. Two fully spelled out vintage die cast aluminum name badges adorn two sides of the MC1502, while an abbreviated badge is centered between the Tube Lights and Power knobs.
"Extended listening reveals that this amplifier is just as good at low volumes as it is pushed to its limit... In addition to sounding great at high and low volumes, the MC1502 handles the most densely packed and technically challenging recordings with ease... this amplifier is quiet. There are plenty of solid-state amplifiers that aren’t this quiet... Tube amplifiers aren’t for everyone, but the McIntosh has gone above and beyond expectation to bring us an amplifier that produces plenty of power, sounds fantastic, and is well built... The highest compliment I can give the MC1502 is that I’m selling my beloved MC275 and buying a rack with a bigger lower shelf. It’s a keeper." - Tone Audio
Both balanced and unbalanced inputs are included to connect the MC1502 to your preamplifier and the rest of your home audio system. Our patented Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts will securely connect your speaker cables to your speakers.
An input and output for our Power Control technology allows other connected McIntosh components, such as preamplifiers, CD players, turntables, or media steamers, to automatically turn on and off.
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.
Connections:
Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, McIntosh Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts, McIntosh Power Control In/Out, IEC power input.
Included:
MC1502 Tube Amplifier, Tube Cover (Cage), Manual, Shipping Carton, Power Cord.
Packing:
Factory Sealed McIntosh Carton
Dimensions:
Width is 18 1/4 inches (46.4cm), Height is 10 1/4 inches (26cm), Depth is 21 inches (53.3cm) including connectors.
Weight:
118 pounds (53.5 kg)
Reviews:
Click Here
Link to Manual:
Click Here
Recommended Cables:
McIntosh Balanced Audio Cables (XLR)
Kimber Kable Power Cords - Better
Kimber Kable Power Cords - Best
Specs:
Power Output
Minimum sine wave continuous average power output per channel, both channels operating is:
150 watts into 2 ohm loads
150 watts into 4 ohm loads
150 watts into 8 ohm loads
Output Load Impedance
2, 4 or 8 ohms
Rated Power Band
20Hz to 20,000Hz
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.5% maximum harmonic distortion at any power level from 250 milliwatts to rated power, 20Hz to 20,000Hz
Dynamic Headroom
1.2dB
Frequency Response
+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
+0, -3.0dB from 10Hz to 70,000Hz
Input Sensitivity (for rated output)
1.7 Volts Unbalanced
3.4 Volts Balanced
Signal To Noise Ratio (A-Weighted)
112dB below rated output
Intermodulation Distortion
0.5% 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 18
Input Impedance
47,000 ohms Unbalanced
20,000 ohms Balanced
Power Control Input
5-15VDC, less than 1mA
Power Control Output
12VDC, 25mA
Output is 0.2 seconds from turn On.
Tube Complement
4 x 12AX7A Input and Phase Inverter
4 x 12AT7 Voltage Amplifier and Driver
8 x KT88 Power Output
Power Requirements
Field AC Voltage conversion of the MC1502 is not possible.
The MC1502 is factory configured for the following AC VoltageL
120V ~ 50/60Hz at 5.5 Amps
Standby: Less than 0.3 watts
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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