The MC1502 tube amplifier is a stereo amplifier designed for home audio and home music systems, producing 150 watts per channel.

It is the direct replacement of the award-winning MC2152 Limited Edition 70th Anniversary tube amplifier, which was released to celebrate the 70th anniversary in 2019.

The new MC1502 has identical audio specifications and sound reproduction performance as the announced MC2152, but in a more conventional McIntosh design.

Timeless styling

The MC1502 shares the timeless styling of the classic MC275 tube amplifier. Since the MC1502 has twice the stereo power of the MC275 (150 watts vs. 75 watts) and is physically larger, it can be considered the big brother of the MC275 in many ways. And while a pair of MC275s can be used in mono to achieve the 150-watt per channel output of the MC1502, the MC1502 has a better signal-to-noise ratio of 112dB compared to 105dB for the MC275 pairing - resulting in an even quieter performance than the already quiet MC275.KT88, 12AX7A, and 12AT7 tubes

The MC1502 is powered by eight KT88 tubes; four assigned to each stereo channel. It also has eight small signal tubes, consisting of four 12AX7A and four 12AT7 vacuum tubes; two of each of these vacuum tubes are intended for each audio channel. The 12AX7A vacuum tubes are for the balanced and input amplifiers, while the 12AT7 tubes are for the voltage and driver amplifiers. All vacuum tubes are covered by a 12-gauge stainless steel wire cage with a black powder coating.

Air-Pipe cooling

The KT88 vacuum tube sockets feature Air-Pipe cooling at their base to increase longevity. The eight signal tube sockets have a ceramic base construction with gold-plated contacts, providing protection against atmospheric contamination. All vacuum tubes sit atop the precisely formed stainless steel chassis that is polished to a mirrored finish. Sentry Monitor™ technology monitors the output current and shuts down the amplifier if it ever exceeds safe limits; the signal tubes will flash red if Sentry Monitor is ever activated.

Unity Coupled Circuit output transformer technology

Unlike many other amplifiers, the full 150 watts of the MC1502 can be delivered to almost any pair of speakers, regardless of whether they have an impedance of 2, 4, or 8 ohms. This is thanks to our patented Unity Coupled Circuit output transformer technology - the same technology on which McIntosh was founded in 1949.

Two Unity Coupled Circuit output transformers flank the power transformer placed between them. Each transformer is housed in an extruded enclosure with a glass top that displays the wiring scheme for each transformer. Two fully spelled vintage cast aluminum name badges adorn two sides of the MC1502, while a shortened badge is centered between the Tube Lights and Power buttons.

Both balanced and unbalanced inputs are included to connect the MC1502 to a preamplifier and the rest of your home audio system. The patented Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts securely connect the speaker cables to the terminals. With a Power Control technology input and output, other connected McIntosh components such as preamplifiers, CD players, turntables, or media streamers can be automatically turned on and off.