McIntosh MC402

You would probably be happy with either.  I have enjoyed an MC452 for several years, originally pairing it with a C50 solid state pre-amp, changing that to a C2500 tube pre, enjoying the slight difference in "musicality" the tube pre offers.

My only opinion about going with a C402 is to consider that it's X number of years older and will likely need to have those parts that wear over time (like capacitors) replaced sooner.

The 402 has more of the McIntosh classic sound whereas the 452 is more neutral. I've owned both and in my system preferred the 452 with Sonus Faber Olympica 3s. 

I'm a 402 fan and long time owner. Always listenable, clear, and liquid. It has a decently low noise floor. To get the most dynamics and transparency you need to experiment with  preamps. I got very good results with the Hegel p20 and p30. The 452 is known as neutral where the 402 is slightly warm. As usual, the rest of your system is key for getting the most out of it.

Mcintosh is midfi and Pass is considered hifi? Funny I find the opposite.  Goes to show opinions differ.

I owned both...the mc402 for about a year i think and tried the 452 thinking it would be better...imo both amps sucked..slow flabby bottom end and lacking that sparkle on top..McIntosh is midfi and kiving off its name only....i moved on to a Pass 250.5 and found it superior in every way..speakers used were a variery..dynaudio C4..Raidho c3...Vivid

Excellent description phillyb.  

The MC 402 is just a classic amp, it sounds natural in a tube way, bass slam when it is on the recordings, great imaging, and placement. It threads the needle on solid-state and better tube amps. My speakers can go below 30Hz and the impact when on the recording can be felt. In the end, it is system matching and of course preamp matching. I used many preamps with my 402, from ARC reference, Luxman C-800F, and Mark Levinson 326S, McIntosh own C-200 and C2300 tube pre. But I can say using all the preamps, it has never ever sounded, slow, bloated, or bright. It is fact is perfectly in balance. It does not run hot, it is very reliable and worth every penny new or on the used market. It is one of the most musical amps I’ve owned, and they have been tube and solid-state, as a side, I never thought I own a McIntosh amp, so glad I heard one by luck and all my prejudice went wayside, this is not a doctor or lawyer type of amp, it just an excellent amp for the reproduction of what is feed to it that brings musical enjoyment. A McIntosh Classic and perhaps the last of that sonic signature. 

Please see these 2 web sites for used Mcintosh pricing:

http://www.audioclassics.com/detail?detail=MC402&nav=cat

http://www.mcintoshaudio.com/

i owned the MA6900 Integrated amplifier
and did not like it.  For me, the music was dark, closed in not natural and I sold it. 

If possible, I suggest you audition both the MC402 and MC452 Amps before you buy.  

I also suggest you look st Ayre Acoustics power amplifiers (or integrated) before making your decision.  You might also review the Class D amplifier posts on Audiogon. 

I too, owned the Mac 402 for several years. It was a decent serviceable performer ( paired with a SS Mac pre) during that time. But quite by accident I was in need of smaller more compact amplification. I tried out a Rogue Pharaoh class D integrated hybrid in hope of it being comparable sonically to the Mac. What really floored me was the Rogue wasn't just a little better, but a whole LOT better. I never looked back and at one third the price of the Mac gear, it was a no-brainer to me. IMHO

Ravi, Mac amps are built to last and have best in class customer service.  As far as what a 402 is worth that is for you to determine - what are willing to pay.

I have owned 501 mono's for close to 10 years, fortunately, my experience is nothing like spenceroo's.

I owned the 402 several years ago. It's the only piece of McIntosh gear I ever owned. After owning some nice amps before the Mac, I felt the Mac was soft and bloated in the low end. It lacked punch and slam. I picked up a Pass X250.5 after that, and it was like night and day. The Pass kicked the Mac right out the door. I now use Class D amps, and don't miss the hot, heavy, power hungry beast amps at all.  

Thank you effischer

I didn’t care for the MC402 at all when I auditioned one 6 years ago. Speakers were B&W 802 and the pre was a MX120. The MC302 sounded more natural to me. I’ve since auditioned a MC452 with B&W 804 and a C52. I thought that combo fared better.

You’ll have to decide for yourself, but I strongly suggest you take the time to audition both in an environment similar to what you plan on using. Good luck and happy listening!