Building my first Mcintosh system

[doguniverse]

This is not an audio question, but who makes the bookshelves?

[45shooter]

I sure hope someone can answer my query because i can yet start my own threads😦

[damacman]

Originally Posted by 45shooter

I sure hope someone can answer my query because i can yet start my own threads😦

Personally, I can’t imagine an MC152 not being all you’d ever need.

[Stahle]

Originally Posted by 45shooter

I sure hope someone can answer my query because i can yet start my own threads[emoji46]

Those speakers are so efficient that you could easily get by with the lowest wattage power amp that McIntosh makes, and I think as damacman said, a 152 would be plenty of power. That being said, don’t be afraid of an MC275, you would be amazed as to what it can do.

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by 45shooter

Wanting to purchase my first MC rig (used is all I can afford).
I have Khorns which I really like both sonically and visually.
My question is this..... Would I be able to tell the difference between a MC 452 and a MC 152 using a C47 pre for either amp with the khorns?
And....if theres a difference how discernable would it be??????
Thanks gents

You would not be able to hear any difference with your Khorns and their 105dbd sensitivity. By the time the difference in power from those amps was noticeable you would be deaf.

That said, if were me, I would find a C22 (re-issue) and pair of MC75 (re-issue rather than original) pair to drive my Khorns. Having owned one, then two MC275MkIV(s) and then the MC75 pair, I found a single MC275 better than two and the MC75s better than either. Too bad we can't communicate as there is a pair of used MC75s available in north NJ at the moment.

[W9TR]

The new re-issue MC 75’s are truly special.

As for the solid state amps - it’s the first watt that really matters (thanks Nelson Pass) so don’t worry too much about the power ratings. The MC 452 and MC 462 are quad balanced - the latest McIntosh circuit topology. The MC 152 is not quad balanced so there may be a sonic difference. I’m not sure as I have not heard the MC 152. This is a high class problem to have and I’m very sure you will be happy with either.

[45shooter]

Wow guys thanks for stepping up so quickly

Yes, this is a first world problem to have haha

I'm not opposed to tubes but just more used to SS....Plus I share my listening space w/2 teenagers (2 of my 3 children) and their friends at times. I don't want this thing getting knocked around (like when I'm not there).

My concern about the tubes is if I in the future go to less efficient speakers Id rather not have to switch out the amps.....

And I'm guessing that two MC 75's and a pre will be more costly than the 152/c47 combo.....will it be that much better????

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by 45shooter

And I'm guessing that two MC 75's and a pre will be more costly than the 152/c47 combo.....will it be that much better????

Likely a bit more $$, but well worth the 10-20% (my guess) additional to drive your Khorns. Tubes in McIntosh gear are easy. They are designed to 'nice' to their tubes and probably as trouble-free as any tube gear made (even though I've moved back to SS in my dotage).

Also, if you "join up" here on AA, you'll not only be able to communicate directly with other members of the forum (always a good thing) you will be able to peruse the classifieds, where you may find just what you are looking for from another member (there was an MA252 recently - another great option for your Khorns and least expensive intro to both McIntosh and tubes). Plus, you will be able to post pic's of your new McIntosh based system. Well worth the moderate expense.

[45shooter]

Thnx YB.

I just sent Ivan an email to join up

[Mamrak1]

I had the MC152 for a period of time. It was a wonderfully sounding amp. I ended up traded it to purchase a more powerful amplifier.