MCINTOSH MC1502

2-Channel Vacuum Tube Amplifier

The MC1502 is a stereo amplifier designed for home audio and music systems, delivering 150 watts per channel. It is the direct replacement for the award-winning MC2152 Limited Edition 70th Anniversary Vacuum Tube Amplifier, released in celebration of the 70th Anniversary in 2019. The new MC1502 has the same audio specifications and sound reproduction performance as the renowned MC2152, but in a more traditional McIntosh design.

The MC1502 is powered by eight KT88 output vacuum tubes, with four assigned to each stereo channel. It also features eight small signal tubes, consisting of four 12AX7A and four 12AT7 vacuum tubes; two of each are dedicated to each audio channel. The 12AX7A tubes are for the Balanced and Input amps, while the 12AT7 tubes are for the Voltage and Driver amps. All the vacuum tubes are enclosed in a 12-gauge stainless steel wire cage with a black powder-coated finish.

The KT88 vacuum tube sockets include an Air-Pipe cooling system at their bases to facilitate long service life. The eight signal tube sockets are built with ceramic bases and gold-plated contacts, offering protection from atmospheric contamination. All the tubes sit atop the precision-formed stainless steel chassis, polished to a mirror finish. Our Sentry Monitor™ technology monitors the output current and shuts the amplifier off if it exceeds safe limits; the signal tubes will glow red if the Sentry Monitor system is activated.

Unlike many other amplifiers, the full 150 watts of the MC1502 can be delivered to almost any pair of speakers, regardless of whether they have 2, 4, or 8-ohm impedance. This is possible thanks to our patented Unity Coupled Circuit output transformer technology, the same technology McIntosh was founded on in 1949. Two Unity Coupled Circuit output transformers flank the power transformer, which is positioned between them. Each transformer is housed in an extruded enclosure with a glass top, displaying the wiring diagram for each transformer. Two vintage die-cast aluminum nameplates decorate the sides of the MC1502, while an abbreviated nameplate is centered between the Tube Lights and Power knobs.

Both balanced and unbalanced inputs are included to connect the MC1502 to your preamplifier and the rest of your home audio system. Our patented Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts ensure a secure connection of your speaker cables to your speakers. An input and output for our Power Control technology allows other connected McIntosh components, such as preamplifiers, CD players, turntables, or media streamers, to automatically turn on and off.

Technical Specifications:

• FTC Power Output: 150 W
• Power per Channel: 150 W into 2, 4, or 8 ohms
• Number of Channels: 2
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.5% maximum harmonic distortion at any power level from 250 milliwatts to rated power, 20Hz to 20kHz
  <0.20% at 1W, 20Hz to 20kHz
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (below rated output): 112dB
• Dynamic Headroom: 1.2dB
• Damping Factor: >18
• Rated Power Band: 20Hz to 20kHz
• Frequency Response: +0, -0.25 dB from 20Hz to 20kHz +0, -3dB from 10Hz to 70kHz
• Unit Dimensions (W x H x D): 18-1/4" (46.4 cm) x 10-1/4" (26 cm) (including feet) x 21" (53.3 cm)
• Unit Weight: 118 lbs (53.5 kg)