McIntosh MC152 2-Channel Power Amplifier

The McIntosh MC152 2-Channel Power Amplifier brings classic McIntosh performance to a compact, solid-state stereo amplifier designed for high-quality 2-channel music systems and home theater surround-channel applications. Delivering 150 watts per channel into 2, 4, or 8 ohms, the MC152 uses McIntosh Autoformers™ to provide full rated power across a wide range of loudspeaker impedances. Its Power Guard® circuitry helps prevent clipping and speaker-damaging distortion, while Sentry Monitor™ protection supports long-term amplifier reliability. With balanced and unbalanced inputs, illuminated blue watt meters, a glass front panel, and a slim 6-inch-tall chassis, the MC152 offers premium McIntosh sound, protection, and visual appeal in a space-saving design.

What It's Good At:

• Delivering full 150-watt-per-channel stereo power into 2, 4, or 8 ohm speakers.
• Fitting premium McIntosh amplification into modest-sized stereo systems.
• Powering home theater surround channels with clean, controlled output.
• Protecting speakers from clipping with Power Guard® technology.
• Matching a wide range of loudspeakers with McIntosh Autoformer™ output design.
• Bringing iconic McIntosh styling with blue watt meters, glass front panel, and LED fiber optic illumination.

McIntosh MC152 2-Channel Power Amplifier Full Specifications:

• Product Name: McIntosh MC152 2-Channel Power Amplifier
• Product Type: 2-channel power amplifier
• Amplifier Type: Solid state
• Ideal Use: 2-channel audio systems and home theater systems
• FTC Power Output Rating: 150 W
• Power Output per Channel: 150 W into 2, 4, or 8 ohms
• Minimum Continuous Average Power Output: 150 watts per channel with both channels operating
• Output Load Impedance: 2, 4, or 8 ohms
• Number of Channels: 2
• Rated Power Band: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005%
• THD Detail: 0.005% maximum harmonic distortion at any power level from 250 milliwatts to rated power, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Dynamic Headroom: 2.0 dB
• Frequency Response: +0, -0.25 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz; +0, -3.0 dB from 10 Hz to 100 kHz
• Damping Factor: Greater than 40 wideband
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio Below Rated Output: 118 dB balanced; 115 dB unbalanced
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio A-Weighted: 95 dB balanced; 93 dB unbalanced
• Input Sensitivity for Rated Output: 2.4 V balanced; 1.2 V unbalanced
• Input Impedance: 22,000 ohms balanced; 22,000 ohms unbalanced
• Intermodulation Distortion: 0.005% maximum, provided instantaneous peak power output does not exceed twice rated power output for any combination of frequencies from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Voltage Gain: 23 dB at 2 ohms; 26 dB at 4 ohms; 29 dB at 8 ohms
• Peak Output Current: 40 amperes
• Circuit Configuration: Push-Pull Complementary
• Circuit Design: Solid state
• Output Type: Autoformer™
• Mono Bridge: No
• Mono Parallel: No
• Power Guard®: Less than 2% total harmonic distortion with up to a 14 dB overdrive signal
• Sentry Monitor™: Fuse-less short-circuit protection with automatic reset
• Thermal Protection: Built-in protection circuits guard against overheating
• Output Transistors: ThermalTrak™ output transistors
• Cooling: Convection cooling; no fans required
• Heat Sink Area: More than 800 square inches
• Power Supply: High-current, high-voltage power supply with large power transformer and large filter capacitors
• Power Transformer: Supplies over 6 amps of current and weighs 18 lbs
• Remote Power Control: Yes
• Power Control Input: 5-15 VDC, less than 1 mA
• Power Control Output: 12 VDC, 50 mA maximum
• Power Control Output Delay: 0.2 seconds from turn on
• Power Control Connector: 3.5 mm stereo mini phone plug
• Multi-Channel DB25 Cable: No
• Auto Off Power Save: Automatically switches power off after approximately 30 minutes without audio input signal
• Auto Off Switch: Rear-panel enable/disable switch
• Startup Mute: Speaker output mutes for approximately two seconds when first turned on
• Input Mode Switch: Selects balanced or unbalanced input
• Balanced Input: 1 stereo
• Unbalanced Inputs: Yes
• XLR Pin Configuration: Pin 1 shield/ground; Pin 2 positive input/output; Pin 3 negative input/output
• Speaker Binding Post Type: New Style McIntosh
• Speaker Output Connections: Right and left output connections for 2, 4, and 8 ohm loudspeakers
• Output Terminal Compatibility: Accepts large-diameter wire and spade lugs
• Spade Lug Opening Requirement: At least 3/10 inch / 7.6 mm
• Banana Plug Compatibility: Banana plugs may be used in the United States and Canada only
• Meters: Yes
• Meter Type: Illuminated power output watt meters
• Meter Response: Peak responding; indicates at least 95% power output accuracy with a single-cycle 2 kHz tone burst
• Meter Light Switch: Yes
• Front Panel: Glass
• Illumination: LED fiber optic
• Chassis Style: Enclosed steel
• Unit Dimensions: 17-1/2" W x 6" H x 21" D / 44.45 cm W x 15.24 cm H x 50.8 cm D, including feet, front panel, and cables
• Unit Weight: 75 lbs / 34 kg
• Shipping Weight: 85 lbs / 38.6 kg
• Shipping Carton Dimensions: 27" W x 12-1/2" H x 25" D / 68.6 cm W x 31.8 cm H x 63.5 cm D
• Power Requirements: Factory configured; field AC voltage conversion is not possible
• AC Voltage Options: 100 V ~ 50/60 Hz at 4.4 A; 110 V ~ 50/60 Hz at 3.7 A; 120 V ~ 50/60 Hz at 3.7 A; 220 V ~ 50/60 Hz at 2.0 A; 230 V ~ 50/60 Hz at 1.9 A; 240 V ~ 50/60 Hz at 1.9 A
• Standby Power Consumption: Less than 0.3 watt
• Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
• Award: “Best Amplifier” 2015, Hi-Fi World
• Speaker Cable Gauge Guide, 2 Ohms: 12 AWG up to 25 ft; 10 AWG up to 50 ft; 8 AWG up to 100 ft
• Speaker Cable Gauge Guide, 4 Ohms: 14 AWG up to 25 ft; 12 AWG up to 50 ft; 10 AWG up to 100 ft
• Speaker Cable Gauge Guide, 8 Ohms: 16 AWG up to 25 ft; 14 AWG up to 50 ft; 12 AWG up to 100 ft

McIntosh MC152 2-Channel Power Amplifier Q&A:

Is the McIntosh MC152 powerful enough for a stereo music system?

Yes. The MC152 delivers 150 watts per channel into 2, 4, or 8 ohm speakers, making it a strong choice for high-quality stereo listening systems.

Can the MC152 be used in a home theater setup?

Yes. It is well suited for home theater systems, especially for powering surround channels where clean, reliable McIntosh amplification is desired.

What makes the Autoformer™ output design useful?

McIntosh Autoformers help the amplifier deliver its full rated power into 2, 4, or 8 ohm loudspeakers, giving users more flexibility when matching speakers.

Does the MC152 include speaker protection?

Yes. Power Guard® helps prevent clipping, while Sentry Monitor™ and thermal protection help protect the amplifier and loudspeakers during demanding use.

Does the MC152 have balanced inputs?

Yes. The MC152 includes one stereo balanced input along with unbalanced inputs, and a rear-panel input mode switch selects between them.

How large is the MC152?

The amplifier measures 17-1/2 inches wide, 6 inches high, and 21 inches deep, including feet, front panel, and cables.

Does the MC152 have the classic McIntosh blue meters?

Yes. It includes illuminated blue power output watt meters, plus a meter light switch for turning illumination on or off.

Does the MC152 turn off automatically?

Yes. Its Auto Off power save feature can switch the amplifier off after approximately 30 minutes without an audio input signal, and the rear-panel switch allows the feature to be enabled or disabled.

McIntosh MC152 2-Channel Power Amplifier Downloads

McIntosh MC152 User Manual