McIntosh MC452 Quad Balanced Solid State Amplifier with 450W x 2!

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

General:
The current version of this amp, the MC462, will set you back a cool $10k, so this "one generation back" amplifier might be your best bet.

We also rarely have any MC452's for sale as most owners are in no rush to sell them. 

This single owner 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 on the top cover.

This MC452 will ship freight 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 anthing else or UPS.

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 MC452 will ship for $400 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. Local pickup also welcome, and if you're outside of this area note we can ship worldwide.

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

McIntosh 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 Canad

Brand Background:
McIntosh Laboratory is an American manufacturer of handcrafted high-end audio equipment based in Binghamton, New York. The company was founded in 1949 by Frank McIntosh. The company designs and produces audio amplifiers, stereo tuners and other consumer electronics products.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
XLR and RCA inputs and outputs, 2, 4 and 8 ohm speaker post accepting banana, spades and bare wire, removable power cord, 12V trigger inputs and outputs

General Sound:
Big beautiful musical sound with little fatigue.

Cosmetic Condition:
7/10 = Good. One or two minor scratches. Well Maintained.. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.

Included:
Unit, manual, and power cord.

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Specs:
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

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 lbs.

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Better

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Best

Kimber Kable - Speaker Cables - Better

Kimber Summit Series Monocle XL Speaker Cables (PAIR) - Best

Kimber Summit Series BiFocal XL Bi-Wire Speaker Cables (PAIR) - Best If Applicable 

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Best

The SkyFi Testing Process for Solid State Amplifiers:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

If the amplifier passes visual inspection, we move on to a controlled power on sequence using a Sencore safety analyzer to monitor current draw in real time. Once the amplifier is determined to be safe to operate, we connect it to full AC mains for function and power testing. We connect the speaker outputs of the amplifier to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which acts as a dummy load, DC offset monitor, and oscilloscope interface. We start with a low level 1KHz test signal at the amplifier’s input and slowly increase its amplitude while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of noise, clipping, distortion, or improper channel balance. We continue increasing the signal level until the amplifier reaches clipping. At this point we take an output power measurement and compare it to the spec sheet of the amplifier to verify proper performance. If the device under test has both balanced and single ended inputs they are both tested at this time. We finish off the bench evaluation with a 1KHz square wave check and a 20Hz to 20KHz sine sweep to assess the amplifier’s frequency response characteristics. This battery of tests will usually reveal if the amplifier has any issues that need further attention.

Before the device leaves the bench, we perform a listening test with actual music using a variety of preferred test tracks. Our benches are outfitted with familiar monitor speakers which help us identify inconsistencies that will not always show up on our test gear. The main things that we are listening for are hum or noise with no signal present, proper center image, clicks, pops, or any other obvious undesirable audio characteristics.

If the unit passes all of these tests it is moved to our long term testing rig where we simulate real word operating conditions for 6-8 hours. This allows us to monitor the unit for signs of thermal runaway or intermittent issues that only crop up when the unit has fully come up to temperature.