Bought a new McIntosh amp

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.

I do realized mc462 and mc152 are different, price is almost double with the 462. Budget is the limiting factor here.

stereo5
What speakers did you drive with the 152 ?

I'm just getting back to the hifi hobby and want to try out McIntosh again but affordability is the big hurdle with the "liked" models. I had a mc240 long time ago but my handmade Marshal amp built from scratch sounded better than the 240 driving Altec Lansing speakers.

I'm still feeling the itch to just try it out, worst that may happen if I don't like how it sounds is exchanged it for the Heresy speakers. Not sure if that's acceptable with the dealer. will find out later.

Well, i broke down and opened the sealed box and set up the mc152 driving Paradigm 800f. Not a wow event but there's noticeable midrange clarity, more so with acoustic guitar sounds. I like it.

Bass is ok, hope to hear more some more improvement after some burn in hours.

I'm keeping it and aim to get the Heresy speakers later on, but its going to be a toss up where to spend the coins then should a good used MC preamp be found. 

Thanks to all who responded.

Thanks for the offer, claudiowalker77.

I don't buy used power amp but will do on pre-amp. The heat gets on the electronics more whereas pre-amp stays cool with SS and even tube pre amp doesn't get hot but only warm.

Also, the tube amp that beat the 240 was equipped with Sansui output transformer and that what gave it the edge against the mc240. We were hand winding our transformer before we found the Sansui made transformers.
All had 6L6GC tubes including the mc240.

Folks,
Thank you all for taking the time to respond and giving points and ideas. I really do appreciate it and that’s a good reason forums like this exist and give us great information.
 Now I am very happy to say I’m hearing good vibrant music from the MC152.  Burn in time is only approximately 10 hours and there’s noticeable sonic change. Vocals are clearly more defined vs the Rotel. I say acoustic guitar sound is very lively and that’s driving the 800f via Rotel pre.
Clearly the 152 will be the foundation of my new hifi, keeping the Heresy on top of wish list as 2nd pair of speakers. That’s my plan as long as I have the part time job. I’m retired and at 71, I only want to fund my gear from that source and not touch retirement income. 
Anyway, I took amp and speakers downstairs to test them out, I’m sure soundstage will be amazing. I have a 40 yr old HK integrated driving a pair of budget Elac DBR2 sounds amazing in the living room where we have wood floor and not a lot of clutter. It’s going back up to my office/bedroom/music room after as promised to the wife. I know I need to do room treatment upstairs so it’s on the list of wants and wishes.
Many thanks again to everyone here, let’s all be happy and have musical enjoyment.