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Mc 452 or MC 302

 I have recently went to the local Best Buy and listened to the MC 452, through a pair of Martin Logan speakers, I believe they were Expressions. Although the sound was very clear, it just seemed loud and not Mcintosh like. 
 See, I am thinking of buying a Mcintosh amplifier. I currently have a pair of Martin Logan Theos. I have them connected to an MC 7205 that is part of a 7.1 system. Marantz AV8802a. But now I am getting into listening to more music and like to listen through 2 channel stereo. What happens is that sometimes I notice the clipping light come on, on the 7205 and it is really not that loud. Knowing the Theos can draw some power from the amp, I thought that perhaps a larger amp would help this. So I am hung up between the MC-452 and the MC-302.
 So, do you think maybe the MC-302 might be enough? I will never need 450 watts, after all the room is 15' wide 22' long and only a 7' ceiling, it is in the basement. Any thought's would be appreciated. There is also quite a bit of price difference between these 2 amps.

Thanks
 
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joeinid's avatar
joeinid
658 posts
 
I highly doubt that McIntosh will do anything to the MC452. It seems to be in the sweet spot of the line. There are several models that are way older than the MC452 destined, I am sure, to be updated/upgraded first.
effischer
553 posts
 
Remember, sound pressure level is not linear to power.  The extra 150 watts nominal only get you 1.5 decibels.  I happen to love my MC302; it works very well in my rig.  I very much did not care for the MC402 with a pair of B&W 802s when I was auditioning amps.  I have not heard the MC452, but many here have waxed poetic about it.  I do have to disagree with Matt on one point; my 302 is special to me.  That's all that's required for a superior ownership experience.

Since you mention them, you might want to seriously consider a pair of MC301s.  That gets you a balanced design with more than enough power (IMO, anyway) and essentially infinite channel separation.  That's something no single stereo amp can do.  And it's in a chassis you can actually lift!

Should I make a change in the not-too-distant future, that's where I'd probably go.  Good luck no matter what direction you choose and happy listening!
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
their best amp is the mc275
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,479 posts
 
Tz were not talking about tube amps...thanks tho. And Effischer any time you can own a McIntosh piece its special, your right. But I was referring to resale on the used market and "regard" for which its held within the MAC circles.

Matt M
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