MC462?Or save some $ and go MC452?

[Muriel Heslop]

Greetings fellow enthusiasts!

I am new to the forum and fairly new to Mcintosh.Always admired their equipment and have been upgrading my system lately.Long overdue.

Given that I have spent a fair bit of cash lately,I am wondering about compromising on this amp but don't want too make any more choices I will regret(done my share of that!)

I am currently using an MC6600 integrated and while I enjoy the sound very much,it just isn't enough power to allow my Martin Logan Impressions to fill the listening space.My room is very big...too big,actually, and not super acoustically friendly so just doing the best I can with it.

I have recently picked up a C1100 pre-amp and a MP1100 phono pre-amp.

For those that are more familiar with the 462 and 452...is the increase in dynamic headroom worth the extra cost?

I look forward to hearing any and all feedback.

[Yamaki]

The MC452 is not a compromise in any way, shape or form. It is a solid, great performing, amplifier that punches well above its weight. The additional headroom would not be a significant factor for me if I were making the purchase decision.

Many MC452 owners wouldn't even consider selling theirs. I think you would be very happy with one.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Yamaki

The MC452 is not a compromise in any way, shape or form. It is a solid, great performing, amplifier that punches well above its weight. The additional headroom would not be a significant factor for me if I were making the purchase decision.

Many MC452 owners wouldn't even consider selling theirs. I think you would be very happy with one.

Michael.......I couldn't agree more. My McIntosh MC452 in the living room system isn't going anywhere. Love it.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Muriel Heslop

Greetings fellow enthusiasts!

Muriel Heslop.......Welcome to Audio Aficionado.

[xv21]

Originally Posted by Muriel Heslop

I am currently using an MC6600 integrated and while I enjoy the sound very much,it just isn't enough power to allow my Martin Logan Impressions to fill the listening space.My room is very big...too big,actually, and not super acoustically friendly so just doing the best I can with it.

I have recently picked up a C1100 pre-amp and a MP1100 phono pre-amp.

For those that are more familiar with the 462 and 452...is the increase in dynamic headroom worth the extra cost?

I would choose McIntosh MC611 mono power amplifiers instead of MC452 or MC462, if you have a big room. MC452 and MC462 are really great stereo power amplifiers. MC611 should work even better in a big room.

[Muriel Heslop]

Thanks for the welcome and for all your helpful replies!

Originally Posted by xv21

I would choose McIntosh MC611 mono power amplifiers instead of MC452 or MC462, if you have a big room. MC452 and MC462 are really great stereo power amplifiers. MC611 should work even better in a big room.

Interesting...I did consider going the mono block route but thought it might be a wee bit of overkill for my speakers?Perhaps I should reconsider.

Decisions,decisions!!

[gadawg]

Originally Posted by Muriel Heslop

Thanks for the welcome and for all your helpful replies!



Interesting...I did consider going the mono block route but thought it might be a wee bit of overkill for my speakers?Perhaps I should reconsider.

Decisions,decisions!!

I had 601's with a pair of the ML Ethos and worked wonderful together. If you consider going used ... a pair of 601's are pretty affordable right now and plus if you sell them later to go bigger or newer then you won't lose much.

George

[Vintage Pete]

I was reading the Stereophile review of the MC462 today. Not surprisingly, the amp got a stellar review. Looking at the pictures of it, the MC462 is one seriously beautiful amplifier.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/...ower-amplifier

[kamiraa]

Originally Posted by gadawg

I had 601's with a pair of the ML Ethos and worked wonderful together. If you consider going used ... a pair of 601's are pretty affordable right now and plus if you sell them later to go bigger or newer then you won't lose much.

George

Originally Posted by Muriel Heslop

Thanks for the welcome and for all your helpful replies!



Interesting...I did consider going the mono block route but thought it might be a wee bit of overkill for my speakers?Perhaps I should reconsider.

Decisions,decisions!!

Which speakers , how big is the room, where is your sitting location, how loud do you listen ?

We can calculate the power needed from that but the simple answer is go to mono locks and future proof it .

[djcxxx]

There’s a difference between changing out what you have for something new versus choosing between the new model and the previous as first purchase. It is a different cost versus benefit equation that rarely favors the upgrade until several years and iterations have come and gone. I found the difference in price between the 462 and close out (in the box new) 452 not sufficient to pass on the newest flavor.