McIntosh MC1502 Tube Power Amp Revealed

Posted on 11th August, 2020

McIntosh MC1502 Tube Power Amp Revealed

McIntosh's new MC1502 valve power amp delivers 150 watts to virtually any loudspeakers.

The new McIntosh MC1502 valve amplifier replaces the MC2152 Limited Edition 70th Anniversary Vacuum Tube Amplifier and shares the out-going model's audio specifications albeit wrapped in non-anniversary livery. 

McIntosh MC1502 valve power amp uk hifi news

However, the MC1502 benefits from twice the power than its smaller sibling, although, arguably, a pair of MC275s could be run in mono to achieve the same 150-watt performance. That said, the MC1502 boasts an improved signal-to-noise ratio of 112dB compared to 105dB for the MC275 pairing and is one unit.

McIntosh MC1502 valve power amp uk hifi news

Powering the MC1502 are eight KT88 output valves, with four assigned to each stereo channel. Additionally, there are eight small-signal valves, comprising four 12AX7A and four 12AT7; two of each dedicated to their respective audio channels. The 12AX7As manage the input sections, while the 12AT7 tubes are deployed for the voltage and driver amp circuits; all are covered by a 12-gauge stainless steel wire cage with a black powder-coated finish.

McIntosh MC1502 valve power amp uk hifi news

The KT88 sockets include Air-Pipe cooling at their bases to help facilitate a long service life. The eight signal tube sockets have ceramic base construction with gold-plated contacts with all the valves sitting atop the mirror-finished stainless-steel chassis. Protecting everything is McIntosh's Sentry Monitor tech that monitors the output current and shuts the amplifier down if it exceeds safe limits.

McIntosh's patented Unity Coupled Circuit output transformer technology guarantees that the MC1502's full 150 watts can be delivered to almost any pair of speakers, regardless of whether they have 2-, 4- or 8-ohm impedance.

McIntosh MC1502 valve power amp uk hifi news

The MC1502 sports both balanced and unbalanced inputs, and McIntosh's patented Solid Cinch speaker binding posts. McIntosh's included Power Control technology allows other connected McIntosh components to automatically turn on and off.

The MC1502 will start shipping from September. Local pricing has not yet been confirmed.

For more information, head on over to McIntosh.

    Jay Garrett's avatar

    Jay Garrett

    StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.

    Posted in:StereoLUX! Hi-Fi
    Tags: mcintosh  synergy audio visual 



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