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Bought a new McIntosh amp

Hello folks !
I just bought a new MC152 and now having doubts about my decision. I currently have Rotel RB-1552 mkII / RC1572 setup driving a pair of Paradigm 800f. I have not opened the sealed box yet because I’m thinking of returning the amp to be exchanged for new speakers (Klipsch) and an Rotel RB-1582 amp (more power 200w p/c).
While at Audio Advice store, I went in another demo room and listened to a Heresy IV driven by a different McIntosh setup ( MC462) and I was impressed but the mind was still on the path of getting the mc152 instead of replacing speakers.
Is it safe bet to just keep the mc152 and get a feel of speaker change later ?
I’d like to hear opinions good or bad about the MC152. Thanks !


switchman
yakbob
487 posts
 
My thoughts as a McIntosh owner and long time fan. Make one change at a time, and if you're considering Klipsch Heresy IVs, start there.

Try the Klipsch out with your current Rotel amp (that extra 50 watts is unlikely to matter with the efficiency of the Heresy) and your 150watt Rotel  is plenty of power for that speaker. Then, figure out what you want in a new amp once you really know the speakers (more thrust, higher damping factor, softer or brighter signature, tubes?)

I'd bring the MC152 back, and take some time to consider what I really want in my next amp. I'm sure the MC152 is worthy of owning, but you'll probably get more mileage from a speaker swap.

rsf507
2,380 posts
 
Bring the mac152 back NOW. Listen to other amps I think once you try others you will realize the Mac is just ok and others will be sonically better.
switchman OP
7 posts
 
avanti1960,, I had a short demo at Crutchfield but it was hooked up only to a B&W bookshelf, i think its the 706. It sounded nice, and that got my attention to the model that I can afford. 
 yakbob,,,, I just might keep it and use my Rotel pre-amp for now. going to look for a used Rogue pre or used my 40 year old HK as pre-amp.

needfreestuff's avatar
needfreestuff
572 posts
 
If in doubt of the amplifier you have I would return it. The best sounding amplifier that Macintosh has in my opinion is the 
MC 275. It is plenty of amplifier for the heresy speakers, I believe it has 75 watts a channel. MC 275 is considered a classic because it’s the only amplifier that I have heard from them that has MAGIC and that’s why it’s a classic. Best of luck


stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,515 posts
 
I owned the McIntosh MC152 and it is a very powerful amp.  The output transformers are inside the case to save a little money and to keep the form factor small by Mac standards.  I moved up to a MC302 and it is the same sound, only more wattage.  The Mac is better than your Rotel any day of the week.
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