802d3 powered by McIntosh mc152?
 

Has anyone heard the 802d3 powered by the smaller McIntosh mc152 amp? Not the ideal configuration, but might be a temporary config for me. Would also allow me to take my time looking for a new amp.

Although I don't have either of those, just for comparison, I am running semi hard to drive, 4 ohm 86db speakers (Dynaudio Contour 20) off of an MA252. I would say if anything your amp is more capable than mine's power section and your speakers are easier to drive. Mine sounds great. I do sit very close and listen at relatively low volumes, but I've raised it extremely loud and it still sounds amazing. That amp is almost $5K. I don't think you are short changing them by any means. I run Focal Sopra 3's in my living room off a $3k NAD power amp and they sound amazing.

I think you could easily manage w this combination. The 802d3 are fairly efficient at 90dB. If you are not listening at really high levels or have a really large space, you should be all set. I have 86dB speakers and my 152 drives them fine but I have a small space and don’t listen to music really loud. Certainly bigger would be better. Maybe look used if you want to save some $ while you look. That way you don’t take a huge hit when you do upgrade.

You probably won't get solid and deep bass.

802d3 powered by McIntosh mc152?
 

Hey Rob,
The numbers say that combo would get you to over 105 dB in your room. That’s THX reference level for theaters, pretty loud. McIntish house sound, autoformers, but not quad balanced.

If you are looking for an interim piece and want all the McIntosh goodness, I’d buy used and smartly out of the last generation of McIntosh quad balanced amps: MC 352, MC 402, or the mighty MC 602 which runs class A for the first 30 watts or so.

You will be able to sell them for what you paid, making total cost of ownership $0.00, zero, nada, zilch.

Tom

Rob,

There is a super nice MA5200 that is listed for sale in the AA marketplace. I’ve heard it power even tougher to drive speakers with good results.

Don’t underestimate the mc152. I had it temporarily hooked up to my 802d3 to see how it performs and at normal listening levels it does a formidable job. If I didn’t sometimes want to crank the volume to concert levels, I would be content with this little brute of an amp to power my mains. It does output over 200w easy.

I agree, the mc152 is a little brute of an amp. I’ve been very impressed with it. I have it paired up with some fairly high end gear now (VAC & Wilson) for exceptional results.

Is the MC152 a fully balanced amp? I have some very efficient speakers and not sure I would benefit much from a higher powered amp.

When I first got the speaker, I used the 100w primare i30 to run it in and it sounded fine. Bass was still good and it didn't sound like it was struggling at all. Need more juice to bring out its best.