McIntosh MC152
McIntosh stereo power amplifier delivering 2x150 watts, with RCA and XLR inputs, intended for a separate preamplifier in a hi-fi or home cinema system.
Description
The MC152 is a stereo power amplifier from McIntosh, designed in a push-pull configuration and intended to be driven by an external preamplifier. It is the most compact format in the brand's amplifier range, with a chassis just 152 mm in height that allows it to fit into a cabinet or rack where larger models would not.
Its distinguishing feature lies in the in-house output transformers: the 150 watts per channel are delivered equally into 2, 4 or 8 ohms, freeing the choice of speakers from any consideration of nominal impedance. The Power Guard circuit monitors clipping and intervenes before the signal distorts, protecting the loudspeakers. The stated measurements place the unit at 0.005% total harmonic distortion, a 118 dB signal-to-noise ratio and a bandwidth of 10 Hz to 100 kHz, while a damping factor of over 40 across the full band reflects good control over woofer cones.
On the connection side, two unbalanced RCA inputs and two balanced XLR inputs coexist, with a type selector and an input mode selector, as well as a trigger input and output for automatic power-up within a chain of components. The gold-plated screw terminals accept heavy-gauge speaker cables.
- Power: 2x150 W into 2, 4 or 8 ohms
- Inputs: 2x RCA, 2x XLR
- Trigger: 1 input, 1 output
- Weight: 34 kg
This model suits stereo systems of a reasonable size, where excessive power would bring no benefit, and also works well as a supplementary amplifier in a multichannel home cinema setup with separate amplification. The glass front panel, aluminium side panels and pair of needle VU meters place it firmly within the brand's recognisable aesthetic.
Technical specifications
| Power | 2x150 W into 2, 4 or 8 ohms |
| THD | 0.005 % |
| Signal to noise ratio | 118 dB |
| Damping factor | > 40 full band |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz to 100 kHz |
| Connectivity | 2x RCA inputs, 2x XLR inputs, 1x trigger input, 1x trigger output, gold-plated screw terminals |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 444 x 152 x 508 mm |
| Weight | 34 kg |
What to check before buying used
Start by observing the two needle VU meters under signal: a sluggish or stuck needle, or one whose illumination has dimmed, is the most common fault on these units, and repair requires an authorised workshop. Then check that the type and input mode selectors switch cleanly, without crackling, and that both channels perform equally well via RCA and XLR. Run a finger over the gold-plated terminals and the screen printing on the glass front panel, which is prone to marking. Finally, the unit weighs 34 kg: poorly secured transport may have marked the aluminium side panels or cracked the front panel, so inspect these closely.
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