New MC1502 2-Channel Vacuum Tube Amplifier

[Msegal]

I would like to see the option of bridging like the 275.
I know it would be the same power as the 2301 but it would be interesting to compare the all tube input stage unity coupled transformer 1502 vs the SS input stage quad balanced output stage of the 2301.

Mike S.

[PeterMusic]

Originally Posted by Vintage Pete

I like the amp too...a lot! However, like everyone else I hate the tube cage too. I would have thought they'd know by now that it didn't go over well. Maybe they really don't want the tubes to be covered at all, but needed to provide a cover for whatever reason. If that was the case, then it was a success.

From a "civilian" perspective, tubes on the 275 are too hot to be exposed. I tried, wife clearly uncomfortable. These will be much more heat than that

[W9TR]

The only McIntosh tube amp that looks better with the cages on than off is the MC 2301.

If no kids or cats then who cares how hot the tubes are?

[RaceCarDriver]

2301 is the king Mc tube amp IMO. I hope an update doesn’t make it terrible looking..

275 and 75 follow. Then 2152 and 1502 last. Can’t get over the proportions of that 1502.

[PeterMusic]

Originally Posted by RaceCarDriver

2301 is the king Mc tube amp IMO. I hope an update doesn’t make it terrible looking..

275 and 75 follow. Then 2152 and 1502 last. Can’t get over the proportions of that 1502.

Given your excellent avatar, I'm going to guess that you are not constrained by floorspace. But for those of us who are, the proportions of the 1502 are its strength relative to the others. The same 150 wpc at 7" less depth than the 2152, and an even bigger advantage than a pair of 275s.

[RaceCarDriver]

MC2152 knobs in front, cables in back.

17.5 wide X 10.5 tall x 28 deep

MC1502 knobs in front, cables in back.

18.25 wide x 10.25 tall x 21 deep

Like you said, 7” difference. But once you look at the cable arrangement of the 2 amps with the speaker cables recessed quite a bit on the 2152, along with other connections being on an angled/recessed portion of the amp that reduces total space needed bringing the overall footprint of the 2 amps closer.

Looking at power, input, and speaker connections on the 1502 being right on the flat edge, once you start making cable connections I’m willing to bet the space needed the 2 amps will be similar.


Trying not to be too negative, just not feeling the look/proportions of it. I get it though, there was a lot of dislike for the 2152 when I thought it was something very fresh for McIntosh with an improvement in overall presentation and construction quality.

Maybe it will grow on me, but I would like to see less bent polished chrome with gaps in the corners that is prevalent on all these chassis.

[Bob Bubeck]

Permit me to gently make a novel suggestion ... Folks might benefit by waiting to listen to and examine the MC1502 in person before casting judgement?

Respectfully,

Bob
_______
Sources: Clearaudio Jubilee MC/Clearaudio Innovation Wood TT w/Universal Arm 9”; MCT500 CD/SACD transport; OPPO 205; NAD C446 Internet Tuner; Nakamichi 670ZX cassette deck. Electronics: MacIntosh C2700 preamp w/DA2 and MC462 power amp. Speakers: Wilson Yvettes Headphones: MacIntosh MHP 1000 Interconnects: Transparent G5 balanced and speaker cables; MCT - MCT500 -> C2700.Power cords: Transparent (on preamp, power amp and transport). Surge protected. Record cleaner: Kirmuss KA-RC-1 ultrasonic. L’Art du Son CD treatment.

[RaceCarDriver]

It’s going to be exactly the same as the 2152

[John Jordan]

[QUOTE=Bob Bubeck;1011545]Permit me to gently make a novel suggestion ... Folks might benefit by waiting to listen to and examine the MC1502 in person before casting judgement?

Respectfully,

Bob

No Truer Words Were Ever Spoken!

As an aside, the 1502 must be a real bear to move around. Not because of its weight, but because of the balance. 275 and also to a slightly lesser extent 75 owners know what that is.

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by W9TR

The only McIntosh tube amp that looks better with the cages on than off is the MC 2301.

If no kids or cats then who cares how hot the tubes are?

Kids and cats will burn themselves only once. No different than a hot stove, hot oven or hot clothing iron.

The tube cage on this unit is pretty awful looking and ruins the whole aesthetic of the amp. A lot of tube amps don't even come with cages. The only time I ever lightly burned myself on a tube is when biasing the amp. Solution to that was a longer screw driver.