McIntosh has revealed two hew hifi products: the MC1502 Vacuum Tube Amplifier and the C22 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier Mk V.
The MC1502 Vacuum Tube Amplifier is a stereo amplifier designed for home audio and home music systems that produces 150 Watts per channel. It is the direct replacement to McIntosh’s MC2152 Limited Edition 70th Anniversary Vacuum Tube Amplifier, which had a limited production run in celebration of the company’s 70th Anniversary in 2019. The MC1502 has identical audio specifications and sound reproduction performance of the MC2152, but in a more customary McIntosh design.
With twice the stereo power rating of the MC275 (150 Watts versus 75 Watts) and physically larger, the MC1502 boasts a signal-to-noise ratio of 112dB versus 105dB for a pair of MC275s.
The MC1502 is powered by eight KT88 output vacuum tubes, with four assigned to each stereo channel. It also has eight small signal tubes, consisting of four 12AX7A and four 12AT7 vacuum tubes; two of each of these vacuum tubes are dedicated to each audio channel. The 12AX7A vacuum tubes are for the Balanced and Input amps, while the 12AT7 tubes are for the Voltage and Driver amps. All the vacuum tubes are covered by a 12-gauge stainless steel wire cage with a black powder coated finish.
The KT88 vacuum tube sockets include Air-Pipe cooling at their bases to help facilitate long service life. The eight signal tube sockets have ceramic base construction with gold plated contacts, providing protection from atmospheric contamination. All the vacuum tubes sit atop the precision formed stainless steel chassis polished to a mirror finish. McIntosh’s Sentry Monitor technology monitors the output current and shuts the amplifier off if it ever exceeds safe limits; the signal tubes will flash red if Sentry Monitor is ever activated.
The MC1502’s full 150 Watts can be delivered to almost any pair of speakers regardless if they have 2, 4 or 8 Ohm impedance. This is thanks to McIntosh’s patented Unity Coupled Circuit output transformer technology – the same technology McIntosh was founded on in 1949. Two Unity Coupled Circuit output transformers flank the power transformer which is positioned between them. Each transformer is housed in a glass topped extruded enclosure that displays the wiring diagram for each transformer. Two fully spelled out vintage die cast aluminum name badges adorn two sides of the MC1502, while an abbreviated badge is centered between the Tube Lights and Power knobs.
Both balanced and unbalanced inputs are included to connect the MC1502 to your preamplifier and the rest of your home audio system. McIntosh’s patented Solid Cinch speaker binding posts will securely connect your speaker cables to your speakers. An input and output for McIntosh’s Power Control technology allows other connected McIntosh components, such as preamplifiers, CD players, turntables, or media steamers, to automatically turn on and off.
Orders for the MC1502 can now be placed with Authorized McIntosh dealers with shipping expected to begin in August 2020. MSRP is US$11,000.
Meanwhile, the newest version of the McIntosh C22 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier, the Mk V, is the direct replacement to the company’s C70 Limited Edition 70th Anniversary Vacuum Tube Preamplifier, which had a limited production run in 2019 as well. The new C22 Mk V is the latest McIntosh vacuum tube preamplifier to carry the C22 model number. It has all the performance of the C70 but with the hallowed C22 moniker and its signature glass and aluminum front panel design.
The C22 Mk V uses one 12AT7 and five 12AX7A vacuum tubes, which can be seen through a glass panel located on the top of the preamp. Knobs and rocker switches operate all control functions while modern LED lights indicate input selection and volume level. The C22 Mk V has two balanced inputs, three unbalanced inputs, one Moving Coil, and one Moving Magnet phono inputs, for a total of seven inputs. There are two pairs each of balanced and unbalanced output connections; the two outputs allow sending signals to two separate power amplifiers.
Bypassable bass and treble tone controls are located on the front panel and can be adjusted in 2dB increments via rotary knobs. Impedance and capacitance for the phono inputs can also be adjusted via separate rotary knobs. In addition to setting the listening level, the volume knob can also be used to adjust the relative volume balance between the left and right audio channels. The ¼” headphone jack is powered by McIntosh’s High Drive headphone amplifier and features their Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD) technology. HXD improves the sound localization for headphone listening by restoring the directionality component of the sound stage that’s normally only heard from loudspeakers.
McIntosh’s Power Control technology is included with four ports that can automatically turn other connected McIntosh components such as amplifiers, CD players or turntables, on and off. Data ports are also present and can control basic functions of connected McIntosh source components via the included remote control.
The C22 Mk V sits atop a polished stainless steel chassis and features the McIntosh illuminated logo, control knobs, and aluminum end caps. With its retro black glass and aluminum front panel design, it sells for an MSRP of US$6,000.