McIntosh MC1502
McIntosh MC1502 stereo valve amplifier, 150 watts per channel, powered by eight KT88 output tubes.
Description
The MC1502 is a stereo valve amplifier designed for high-fidelity audio systems. It delivers 150 watts per channel and shares the technical architecture of the McIntosh MC2152 valve amplifier, a limited edition produced for the brand's 70th anniversary, housed in a more conventional McIntosh design.
In terms of aesthetics, the MC1502 takes up the timeless style of the McIntosh MC275 valve amplifier. It is, in a sense, its bigger brother: its rated stereo power is twice as high (150 watts versus 75 watts) and its physical footprint is larger. Whereas two MC275s would need to be paired in mono to reach 150 watts per channel, the MC1502 does better on its own, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 112 dB versus 105 dB for that pairing of two MC275s, meaning a quieter noise floor.
The power stage relies on eight KT88 output tubes, four per stereo channel. The signal stage comprises eight small tubes: four 12AX7A assigned to the balanced input amplifiers and four 12AT7 dedicated to the output amplifiers, with two of each type per channel. Sentry Monitor technology continuously monitors output current and shuts down the amplifier if safety limits are exceeded, indicated by the signal tubes flashing red. Another distinctive feature: the MC1502's 150 watts can be delivered to speakers with an impedance of 2, 4 or 8 ohms, with no load-related limitation. The unit has balanced and unbalanced inputs for connection to a preamplifier and the rest of a home audio system.
This type of amplifier is aimed at high-fidelity enthusiasts seeking the sonic texture characteristic of valve stages, combined with sufficient power to drive demanding or low-sensitivity speakers. Its impedance versatility makes it a suitable choice for a variety of speaker configurations, without any particular pairing constraint.
Technical specifications
| Power | 150 W per channel |
| Signal to noise ratio | 112 dB |
| Output tubes | 8 x KT88 |
| Signal tubes | 4 x 12AX7A, 4 x 12AT7 |
| Compatible impedance | 2, 4 or 8 ohms |
| Connections | Balanced and unbalanced inputs |
What to check before buying used
Check the condition of the eight KT88 tubes as well as the 12AX7A and 12AT7 tubes: these are consumables whose wear affects the sound and which will eventually need replacing as matched sets. Listen to each channel separately to detect hum or a microphonic tube, and check that the impedance selector (2, 4 or 8 ohms) works correctly on both channels. A check of the bias and of the Sentry Monitor alignment by a technician is recommended after several years of use.
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