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McIntosh MC402

Hi,
    The dealer I go to mentioned that lot of people love the McIntosh MC 402 over 452. I found a McIntosh MC402 which is 10 years old and it is very good condition. I liked the sound. I did not audition 452 yet.  The question is, Is McIntosh MC402 is really better than MC452 and what is the best price I can pay for a 10 year old AMP? Please advice. 

Ravi
karurravi
missioncoonery
1,206 posts
 
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
Ag insider logo xs@2x
samzx12
1,218 posts
 
Mcintosh is midfi and Pass is considered hifi? Funny I find the opposite.  Goes to show opinions differ.
dbb
157 posts
 

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.

Ag insider logo xs@2x
samzx12
1,218 posts
 

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. 

ejr1953
900 posts
 

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.

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