MC1502

The McIntosh MC1502 is a stereo vacuum tube amplifier for home audio and music systems, delivering 150 Watts per channel. It directly replaces the McIntosh MC2152 Limited Edition 70th Anniversary Vacuum Tube Amplifier, produced in a limited run to mark the company’s 70th Anniversary in 2019. The MC1502 has the same audio specifications and sound reproduction performance as the MC2152, presented in the established McIntosh design.

Its styling is shared with the McIntosh MC275 Vacuum Tube Amplifier, while the MC1502 provides twice the stereo power rating at 150 Watts per channel rather than 75 Watts. The larger amplifier can be regarded as the MC275’s bigger counterpart. Two MC275 amplifiers can be operated in mono to produce 150 Watts per channel, but their signal-to-noise ratio is 105dB, compared with 112dB for the MC1502.

Eight KT88 output vacuum tubes power the amplifier, with 4 assigned to each stereo channel. There are also 8 small signal tubes, comprising 4 12AX7A and 4 12AT7 vacuum tubes. Each audio channel uses 2 of each type. The 12AX7A tubes serve the Balanced and Input amplifiers, while the 12AT7 tubes are used for the Voltage and Driver amplifiers. A 12-gauge stainless steel wire cage with a black powder-coated finish covers all the tubes.

Air-Pipe cooling at the bases of the KT88 tube sockets helps support long service life. The 8 signal tube sockets use ceramic bases with gold-plated contacts to protect against atmospheric contamination. All the tubes are mounted on a precision-formed stainless steel chassis with a mirror finish. McIntosh Sentry Monitor technology monitors output current and switches the amplifier off if it exceeds safe limits. If Sentry Monitor is activated, the signal tubes flash red.

McIntosh’s patented Unity Coupled Circuit output transformer technology allows the MC1502 to deliver its full 150 Watts to almost any pair of speakers with 2, 4 or 8 Ohm impedance. This is the output transformer technology on which McIntosh was founded in 1949. The power transformer sits between 2 Unity Coupled Circuit output transformers, with each transformer enclosed in a glass-topped extruded housing that shows its wiring diagram.

Two fully spelled-out vintage die-cast aluminium name badges are fitted to the sides of the MC1502, with an abbreviated badge centred between the Tube Lights and Power knobs. Balanced and unbalanced inputs connect the amplifier to a preamplifier and the rest of a home audio system. McIntosh’s patented Solid Cinch speaker binding posts connect speaker cables securely to the speakers. An input and output for McIntosh Power Control technology allow connected McIntosh components, including preamplifiers, CD players, turntables and media streamers, to switch on and off automatically.