I don't usually chime in I just read. I have owned the 252, 501's and recently owned the 452 and 302. If I had efficient speakers I would go with the 302. I liked the sound from it a little better than the 452. I ended up selling the 302 and keeping the 452 for the future. Those people that say all amps sound the same need to save their money and buy some commercial Amps. These are the Best Amps McIntosh has ever manufactured. I know I have owned a lot of MC equipment as well as others for over 30 years. They got the Bass and High's right on these two Amps and still maintained the Mid Range to Die for.These are the quickest response Amps MC ever built. If you or anybody were to purchase these Amps, there would be no need for a upgrade for years to come.
McIntosh :MC302 Upgrade from MC162 is it worth it?
I am in process of moving up to the MC302 from my 1999 vintage MC162. Currently have a C46 preamp along with MCd301 cd transport Speakers are Dali 300Mk2 : rated at 50 to 200w.. Amp is 300 per channel .. Thoughts feedback in any direction would be helpful