The MC462 delivers a commanding yet refined sound signature. Its 450-watt output per channel provides effortless control over large or inefficient loudspeakers, maintaining composure and precision even at high volumes. The improved filter capacity results in a greater sense of openness and realism, with enhanced transient response and dynamic contrast.

Engineering & Construction

1. Autoformer™ Output Stage

At the heart of every McIntosh solid-state power amplifier lies the proprietary Autoformer™, a custom output transformer that ensures full rated power into any impedance (2, 4, or 8 ohms).
This is a rare approach in modern amplifier design — most brands rely on direct-coupled solid-state outputs, which may deliver less power or stability with difficult speakers.
The Autoformer guarantees that your speakers always receive the full 450 W, regardless of their impedance, ensuring consistent tonal balance and full control.

2. Quad Balanced Architecture

The amplifier uses a Quad Balanced circuit, meaning each channel is made up of two complete amplifier circuits operating in push-pull configuration. Any noise or distortion that appears in one half is canceled out by the other, resulting in an ultra-clean output with extremely low distortion (0.005% THD).
This design contributes to the MC462’s 122 dB signal-to-noise ratio, which translates into a jet-black background and effortless musical separation.

3. Power Supply and Energy Storage

The upgraded power supply provides faster transient response and a firmer grip on bass. The amplifier can deliver enormous instantaneous current, making it capable of controlling large driver arrays with precision.
This is critical for speakers with complex impedance curves (like electrostatics or large multi-driver towers) — the MC462 never loses composure, even at thunderous listening levels.

4. Thermal Stability and Heatsinks

The massive aluminum Monogrammed Heatsinks™ serve both functional and aesthetic roles. They keep the amplifier cool without the need for fans, ensuring silent operation and long-term reliability.

Key Features

• 450 Watts per Channel — Delivers 450 watts per channel into 2, 4, or 8-ohm loads, ensuring consistent power regardless of speaker impedance through McIntosh’s Autoformer™ technology.

• Autoformer™ Output Stage — Guarantees optimal power transfer and speaker protection while maintaining sonic integrity across different impedances.

• Quad Balanced Design — Employs a balanced signal path to minimize noise and distortion, resulting in a cleaner, more dynamic sound.

• Power Guard® and Sentry Monitor™ — Advanced protection systems prevent clipping and safeguard both the amplifier and speakers from electrical faults.

• Increased Filter Capacity — A redesigned power supply offers about 50% more filter capacity, improving dynamic headroom by roughly 66% to 3.0 dB for greater transient performance.

• High Current Delivery — Capable of delivering high peak current to handle difficult speaker loads with full authority.

• Solid Cinch™ Speaker Terminals — Heavy-duty, gold-plated connectors ensure secure and reliable speaker cable connections.

• Power Control Integration — Allows the amplifier to power on or off in synchronization with other McIntosh components.

• Refined Aesthetics — LED backlighting, blue output meters, and the signature glass front panel make the MC462 a statement piece in any system.

Technical Specifications

Power Output:

• 450 watts per channel into 2, 4, or 8 ohms (both channels driven)

Channels:

• 2 (stereo)

Circuit Configuration:

• Solid-state, Quad Balanced design

• Autoformer™ output stage

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD):

• 0.005% maximum from 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N):

• 122 dB below rated output

Dynamic Headroom:

• 3.0 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

Input Sensitivity and Impedance:

• Balanced: 4.2 V / 22 kΩ

• Unbalanced: 2.1 V / 22 kΩ

Inputs:

• 2 balanced (XLR)

• 2 unbalanced (RCA)

Outputs:

• 2 balanced and 2 unbalanced (for bi-amping or additional system feed)

Speaker Terminals:

• Gold-plated Solid Cinch™ binding posts

Dimensions (W × H × D):

• 17.5″ × 9.4″ × 22.5″ (44.5 cm × 24 cm × 57.2 cm)

Weight:

• 115 lbs (52.3 kg) net

• 148 lbs (67.3 kg) shipping