In real-world use, the MC152 presents a clean, controlled sound with McIntosh’s characteristic smoothness and build quality. Its 150 W per channel is more than sufficient for many high-fidelity listening rooms, especially with efficient speakers or modest sized rooms. Because of its Autoformer design, the amplifier remains stable and consistent across speaker impedances, giving you flexibility in matching with a wide range of loudspeakers.

Engineering Heritage

Despite its smaller stature, the MC152 features McIntosh’s full complement of proprietary technologies:

• Autoformer™ Output Transformers — Unique to McIntosh, these transformers ensure that the amplifier delivers its full rated power into any speaker impedance (2, 4, or 8 ohms). Many amplifiers lose output as impedance changes, but the MC152 stays constant — this consistency preserves tonal balance and control across a wide range of speakers.

• Power Guard® — This protection circuit continuously monitors the amplifier’s output, dynamically adjusting to prevent clipping before it can damage speakers.

• Sentry Monitor™ — Protects the amplifier from short circuits or overloads, shutting down momentarily when unsafe conditions are detected and automatically resetting once normal operation resumes.

• Thermal Stability & Heat Dissipation — Large aluminum heatsinks keep the amplifier cool, ensuring stable performance under continuous operation.

   

  Key Features

• 150 Watts per Channel into 2, 4 or 8 Ohms: The MC152 uses McIntosh’s Autoformer™ output stage to deliver full rated power regardless of speaker impedance (2, 4, or 8 Ω).

• Autoformer™ Technology: Ensures optimal impedance matching and consistent power delivery to speakers across impedance variations. 

• Power Guard® and Sentry Monitor™ Protection: McIntosh’s protection systems guard against clipping (which can damage speakers) and provide short‐circuit/overload protection. 

• Compact Height Design: With a chassis height of only about 6″ (15 cm), it fits into tighter equipment racks more easily than larger power amplifiers. 

• Classic McIntosh Aesthetics: Black glass front panel, polished side caps, illuminated blue meters, robust build quality—bringing both performance and presence. 

• Flexible Connectivity & High Grade Components: Balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) inputs, gold-plated binding posts for speaker output, robust power supply, and designed for long‐term reliability. 

Technical Specifications

Power Output (per channel):

• 150 W into 2 ohms, 4 ohms, or 8 ohms.

Number of Channels:

• 2 (stereo) 

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD):

• 0.005% (20 Hz–20 kHz) maximum. 

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N) below rated output:

• 118 dB (balanced)

• 115 dB (unbalanced) 

Dynamic Headroom:

• 2.0 dB 

Damping Factor:

• Greater than 40 (wideband) 

Frequency Response:

• +0 / -0.25 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz

• +0 / -3.0 dB from 10 Hz to 100 kHz 

Circuit Configuration & Design:

• Push-pull complementary solid-state design; output type: Autoformer™ 

• Input impedance: 22,000 ohms (balanced and unbalanced)

• Input sensitivity: 2.4 V (balanced) / 1.2 V (unbalanced) for rated output. 

Dimensions (W × H × D):

• 17-½″ (44.45 cm) width

• 6″ (15.24 cm) height (including feet)

• 21″ (50.8 cm) depth (including front panel and cables) 

Weight:

• 75 lbs (34 kg) net. Shipping ~85 lbs (38.6 kg) in carton. 

Power Requirements:

• Factory configured for certain mains voltages (100-120V or 220-240V). Standby power less than 0.3W.