Unlike the larger MC901, the MC451 has a more conventional McIntosh form factor and size, allowing it to fit into home audio systems, racks, and furniture more easily. Adding a pair of MC451s to your stereo system will allow your prized speakers to perform like never before.

The MC451 is comprised of a 150 Watt vacuum tube amplifier and a 300 Watt solid state amplifier, which is more than enough power to drive virtually all speakers.

The vacuum tube section drives the speaker's midranges and tweeters, while the solid state section drives the woofers. The 150 Watt vacuum tube amplifier is powered by four KT88 output tubes which are located under a removable wire cage, plus two 12AT7 and one 12AX7A signal tubes; it uses McIntosh's patented Unity Coupled Circuit output transformer to deliver its full 150 Watts into almost any speaker regardless if it has 2, 4 or 8 Ohm impedance.

Similarly, the 300 Watt solid state amplifier delivers its full 300 Watts into a 2, 4 or 8 Ohm impedance speaker via McIntosh's Autoformer^™ technology.

The two amplifiers in the MC451 are designed to work together in a synergistic relationship and are specifically engineered to assure that each only amplifies its intended frequencies. The large but quiet toroidal transformer generates enough power so that neither amplifier robs power or performance from the other. All of this results in easy bi-amping with unparalleled performance and sound reproduction from your speakers.

In addition to everything already mentioned, the MC451 comes with a multitude of other McIntosh amplifier the technologies:

• Power Guard^® that monitors and adjusts the input signal in the 300 Watt solid state amplifier section in real time, then makes inconspicuous volume adjustments to prevent harsh sounding distortion and potential speaker damaging clipping.
• Power Guard Screen Grid Sensor^® (SGS). The 150 Watt vacuum tube amplifier section features McIntosh's Power Guard SGS^® technology. Power Guard SGS helps prevent premature vacuum tube failure by monitoring the screen grid current in the KT88 output vacuum tubes. If the current becomes too high, a circuit in Power Guard SGS is activated which then dynamically attenuates the input signal in real time to keep the vacuum tubes operating at safe levels.
• Sentry Monitor^™ observes the output current and shuts the amplifier off if it ever exceeds safe limits.
• Power Control that can send power on/off signals to other connected McIntosh components for easy system power up and shutdown.
• Patented, gold-plated Solid Cinch^™ speaker binding posts that easily and securely attach the speaker cables.
• A McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsink^™ that is connected to advanced high current output transistors to efficiently cool the solid state amplifier section.
• Power Management System that will turn the entire unit off after a set amount of time when no input signal has been detected.

The uncompromising fit and finish of the MC451 is highlighted by familiar McIntosh design cues. The front features a signature black glass faceplate with three clear windows that allow viewing of the vacuum tubes, the DualView meter, two rotary control knobs, an illuminated logo and lettering, and built-in aluminum handles. The top is highlighted by a series of block diagrams printed on glass inserts outlining the circuitry and specifications of the unit. All of this sits atop of stainless steel chassis that's been polished to a pristine mirror finish.

The MC451 amplifier can be combined with a variety of preamplifiers, turntables, CD players, media streamers, speakers, and other specialty products to form a complete home audio system designed for bi-amping loudspeakers.