Mc 2152.
 

The recent thread about acquiring a pair of MC 2301s has much love for them as well as MC 275s.

Conspicuous by their absence from the discussion is the MC 2152.
I do realize these solely stereo amplifiers are different in this respect but they can be vertically biamped to provide mono amp imaging.

I am curious if anyone has any experience with these uniquely styled all tube bad boys?

Thanks.

Mike S.

I listened to one paired with Wilson Sabrina's at my local dealer. Sounded great but not quite the same great as 2301's. Kind of gimicky, but you can change the tube leds from green to blue, or turn them off completely.

The 2152 is HUGE so if you biamped you'd need a lot of space.

Not much discussion about the 2152 as it is new. The 2301s are 10yr+ old and the MC275 is 50yr+.

Compared to the 2301 battleships the 2152 is a PT boat.

True but 2152 has a huge footprint (depth), it looked enormous. Or maybe I'm just used to seeing the 2301's all the time.

2301 is something over 2" taller and 2152 is 5" deeper, both about the same width. But, you need a pair of the 2301s. To my eye, the 2152 does not seem as large as it is not all enclosed as is the 2301. The open space around the tubes helps the 2152 seem less bulky to the eye. However, one cannot deny the monumental size of either of them. The MC602 was another monster.

The “Real Monster” ;)

http://www.hifi-solution.com/2773-to...tosh-mc2kw.jpg

I’ve had my MC2152 for about 4 months now and absolutely love it. I considered the 2301s initially (and still would like to get a pair for my other setup...) but went with the 2152. This is by far the best McIntosh tube amp I have personally owned. The physical size is big... but not bigger really than the 2301s so if you have the room for those you’ll be fine with this. Btw I have my 2152 paired with a C2600 so can’t speak for how it sounds with anything else. Here are some pictures I posted back when I took delivery:

http://www.audioaficionado.org/showt...170#post951170

Good luck with your decision. You can’t go wrong with either.

Have you owned an MC275? If yes, please compare on sound. Thanks

Yes I’ve owned a 275 VI previously and also currently have an MA252. To my ears, the 2152 sounds ‘cleaner’ than the 275. Make no mistake....I also love the 275.... but you can’t own them all ( can you?!? Lol ) and I chose the 2152.

You should obviously listen to both before spending your money as I can’t say which will sound better to YOU... and how it sounds to you is all that matters. Enjoy !

Still digging your 2152?