The 162 is pretty old, I would say 20 years since it was made. It goes back to the days when Clarion owned McIntosh and they offered a number of products that were a step back from the front line. The one way that they kept 5he cost down was not using the autoformer output stage and not dual balanced circuitry. The 152 is a current product and does employ both dual balanced circuitry and autoformer output stage. I don’t recall the specs of the 162 but one tell tale spec is the weight. The new 152 weighs in at 75 pounds which is heavy for a small amp. This weight is attributed to the hundreds of feet of copper in the autoformers. The new 152 will sound much better than the 162 for a number of reasons, but the two listed are primary contributors.
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As a long-time owner of many McIntosh components, I concur with theo. What power amp can you get for $3,500? You could look for an older but in very good condition Mac amp with autoformers. I use a MC2205 in a Martin Logan system. I am using the C2300 preamp. I also have a MC2255. Don't be put off by their ages...if they have been upgraded, you won't be unhappy. |
vad58: I think Scorpio makes a good point. With Mc amps, used are usually in very good shape and can last for years. At your price point you might find a good used MC402, I have owned mine for years and it still sounds good. I know it may be more power than you need, but it has the quad balance and autoformers. There are some Mc amps that have autoformers but not the quad balanced e.g. MC252, you will want research that before you buy. Good luck. |
Take a look at Audio Classics inventory of preowned Mac gear. Terry DeWick, who is a Mac repair guru also has a website linked from his that sells used gear Terry has checked out. I bought an mc250 from an Ebay seller, had Terry review and upgrade it before shipping to me. Its been great for5 or 6 years. Probably will trade up next year. If you don't lime it you can usually sell it and recover most of your investment. |
Thanx joekapahulu, I know about Audio Classics. Several years ago I've bought from them Mac MC275 and it was in like new condition. I used it for quite some time but due to my listening habits came to conclusion that I prefer SS power amp. I made this switch and honestly speaking quite satisfied with results, but that ansatiable audio bug of ours force me to look for smth better, and Mac SS looks like a first natural choice. |
MC162 is an older amp, it does not have autformers, lightweight, at half the weight of MC152. MC152 is a current amp with autoformers, it is rated at 150W per channel but will deliver 200W. The new price is $4500, used ones, B rated, at Audio classics are listed at $3500 give and take. No contest between the two, the MC152 wins hands down. |
I have owned a 2125, 7100, 7200, 122, 202, 162, 452, and 152. The 152 is the best I’ve had by far, better than the 452 even. They really lucked out with its circuit. The 162 is good for the money but a bit grainy and with a constricted soundstage compared to the newer models. I suggest a 152 if you don’t need ridiculous amounts of power. |
I know that I am late to the party. This is my first McIntosh product. Driving it with a Schiit Freya+ w/NOS tubes. As this amp breaks in…it is blowing my mind. McIntosh is very conservative on the power output ratings. Reliable 3rd-party measurements put it at 238-258 wpc@8 ohms. Listening is becoming a joy again! 😀 |