McIntosh MC152 - Black glass

Description

The Smallest McIntosh Solid-State Stereo Power Amplifier

The MC152 is the smallest solid-state stereo power amplifier in the current McIntosh catalog in terms of power output — the coherent pick when higher power output isn't needed, or to drive the surround channels of a home theater system. It keeps the standard McIntosh full-width footprint (44.45 cm / 17.5 in.) but with a height limited to 15.24 cm (6 in.) — roughly half the height of the larger models like the MC312 and MC462. That form factor lets it slip into a standard AV cabinet, a rack shelf, or any spot where a conventional McIntosh amplifier wouldn't fit. Build quality and acoustic signature stay squarely in McIntosh territory.

150 W Into 2, 4, or 8 Ohms Through Autoformer™

The MC152 solid-state output stage delivers 150 W per channel into 2, 4, or 8 ohms via McIntosh Autoformer™ output transformers — full rated power across all common speaker impedances with no compromise. This transformer-coupled design guarantees optimal coupling between the output stage and the speaker load regardless of how the impedance behaves in use. Push-Pull Complementary solid-state topology, fully discrete. Frequency response +0/-0.25 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+0/-3 dB from 10 Hz to 100 kHz), rated total harmonic distortion 0.005%, 2.0 dB dynamic headroom, damping factor greater than 40 across the audio band (Wideband).

Remarkable Signal-to-Noise: 118 dB Balanced

The MC152 posts a 118 dB signal-to-noise ratio below rated output on the balanced XLR input, and 115 dB on the unbalanced RCA input — a quiet noise floor that lets the finest recording details come through. The 3 dB gap between the two input types shows the value of using a balanced connection when the preamplifier supports it: the balanced link rejects cable-induced noise between the preamp and the power amp. The MC152 accepts both connection types and switches between them via a selector — for the best possible performance, use the balanced XLR link.

Power Guard® Against Clipping and Sentry Monitor™

The MC152 carries the two proprietary McIntosh protection circuits. Power Guard® monitors the input signal continuously and dynamically adjusts gain within microseconds to prevent hard clipping of the output stage — critical for tweeter protection and for preserving signal quality at high listening levels, with no audible artifact. Sentry Monitor™ is a fuse-less short-circuit protection circuit that disengages the output stage before current exceeds safe operating levels, then automatically resets once conditions return to normal. Both circuits are inherited from the higher-power McIntosh amplifiers and operate transparently to the listener.

Blue Watt Output Meters and Complete Connectivity

The MC152 black glass front panel carries the signature McIntosh blue Watt Output meters — two large fast-responding meters that display instantaneous power output for each channel in real time, with the recognizable McIntosh blue at first glance. A Meter Light Switch lets you dim or turn off the illumination to taste. Fiber-optic and LED backlighting. On the connectivity side: one stereo balanced XLR input, one stereo unbalanced RCA input, plus loop outputs for balanced and unbalanced signals for bi-amping or feeding a secondary amplifier or an active subwoofer. A 3.5 mm Remote Power Control port syncs the MC152 with connected McIntosh sources (preamplifier, SACD/CD player, streamer, tuner).

Enclosed Steel Chassis and Signature McIntosh Aesthetic

The MC152 chassis is enclosed steel — a design different from the polished mirror-finish stainless steel of the bigger amplifiers like the MC1.25KW, but well suited to the slim 6 in. (15.24 cm) profile. Black glass front panel with illuminated McIntosh logo, aluminum end caps, blue Watt meters backlit by LED via fiber optic. New Style McIntosh speaker binding posts with dedicated 2, 4, and 8 ohm outputs. Dimensions 17-1/2 × 6 × 21 in. (44.45 × 15.24 × 50.8 cm), net weight 75 lb (34 kg). Rated power band 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

Hand-Assembled in Binghamton and Award-Winning

Every MC152 is hand-assembled at the McIntosh factory in Binghamton, New York, in an unbroken tradition since 1949. The MC152 was named Best Amplifier 2015 by British magazine Hi-Fi World, awarded 5 out of 5 Globes by the same magazine with a warm review ("It was the combination of power, control and overall coherence that made the McIntosh work so well with seemingly all musical genres... Not just a cut-down version of McIntosh's bigger power amplifiers but a great performer in its own right"), and 5 stars from Norwegian magazine Lyd & Bilde. Backed by the McIntosh Laboratory 3-year limited warranty and long-term support through the authorized Fillion Électronique service network. An amplifier built to last decades.

Common Questions

Which speaker binding post tap should I use (2, 4, or 8 ohms)?

Connect the speakers to the binding post that matches the speaker's nominal impedance as rated by the manufacturer (2, 4, or 8 ohms). Thanks to the McIntosh Autoformer™ output transformers, the MC152 delivers its full 150 W on any of these three taps.

Can I use the MC152 with a non-McIntosh preamplifier?

Yes. The MC152 carries one standard balanced XLR input and one standard unbalanced RCA input, making it compatible with virtually any stereo preamplifier or home theater processor on the market. A front-panel input selector chooses the active source. For the best possible performance, prefer the balanced XLR connection (118 dB signal-to-noise vs 115 dB on RCA).

What's the difference between the MC152 and the MC312?

The MC152 delivers 150 W per channel in a compact 6 in. (15.24 cm) chassis, while the MC312 delivers 300 W per channel in a full-height chassis. Both share the same fundamental architecture: McIntosh Autoformer™ output transformers into 2, 4, or 8 ohms, Power Guard® and Sentry Monitor™ protection, and blue Watt Output meters. The MC312 adds Monogrammed Heatsinks™ and patented Solid Cinch™ binding posts that the MC152 doesn't have. The MC152 is the coherent pick for a modest system or the surround channels of a home theater; the MC312 targets more demanding speakers or larger listening rooms.

Which McIntosh preamplifiers are recommended with the MC152?

The official McIntosh product image for the MC152 pairs it with the C47 preamplifier (now replaced by the C49), the MCT450 SACD/CD transport (now replaced by the MCT500), and the McIntosh XR50 loudspeakers. The C55 solid-state preamplifier is also a natural current match. If you want to pair the MC152 with a tube preamplifier for a warmer signature, the C22 Mk V or the C2800 are both good candidates.

What's in the Box

McIntosh MC152 power amplifier

AC power cord

Owner's manual