Mcintosh MC 252 vs. 402

thanks for the responses. is anyone out there currently using either of these amps with Spendor S8es?

Neither,

I should start by saying I’ve been a long time Mac fan, but...

I owned the MC352 and the MC402 at the same time and had the opportunity to A/B them side by side. Easily the 402 was the winner, with the 352 sounding very congested in comparison. In addition, while I really enjoyed the speed and accuracy of the 402, I sold it several months back due to the economy. (Needless to say I sold off the 352 first.)

I replaced my trusty MC402 with a tube amp from VTL. The ST150; an unused dealer demo that cost me half the price of what I sold the 402 for... go figure.

I can’t say enough good things about the VTL. It drives my Dynaudio Special 25’s just as well as the mac did and perhaps even better. Additionally the 6550 tubes opened up the midrange like never before, without sacrificing the low bass control.

You may want to consider other options as the MC402 is a bit pricey for what you get. That being said the 402 is a very respectable amp.

Good Luck.
Tony

I have owned two 402's, and had a 252 in my home for a few nights. The dual differential circuitry in the 402 does lift it quite a bit above the 252, IMO, even on and easy load like Spendors. I was using it on Spendor S-100's, and the 402 was easily better.