2. amps-preamps
  3. 170011-166123

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

Showing 2 responses by yakbob

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.

yakbob
487 posts
 
There's more than one path to sonic bliss, and it doesn't need to cost a fortune. Just going off of retail prices, the mc152 is $5,000. 

Granted, i don't know what all of your needs are in an amp, but you could roll that 5k into a pair of Heresy's at $3200 and a Bob Latino ST-70 tube amp with el34s or KT-66s for $1400. That pairing would likely outperform your Rotel amp even with lower wattage. The Tubes4Hifi amps don't have the overly warm and slow sound of the original Dynaco units. I've owned both and still have the Latino amp. Its a terrific value.

http://www.tubes4hifi.com/bob.htm#ST70


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