McIntosh MC602 Versus MC452

[Harry McCurdy]

I am about to purchase a Mcintosh Amplifier but am torn between the MC602 and the MC452. Both have received rave reviews but wondering if it is wise to purchase an item such as the 602 which was manufactured in 2001 or go with the 452 which would be new out of the box. Not sure if age has an impact on the 602 in a negative way or if repairs are easy to come by if this is needed. Also, wondering if upgraded technology has the 452 sounding better than old technology found in the 602. Amp's put out with the 602 is 600 per channel versus 450 watts per channel on the 452. Speakers I have report handling up to 575 Watts per channel but not sure I will stay with these but instead go with 600 watt per channel speakers. Thanks.

 

[Seth=L]

Chances are that either would provide more than enough power, those are far from novice amplifiers.

I assume the price is similar so based on that I would probably select the new amplifier as it would have a warranty direct from McIntosh.

 

[PENG]

Agree with Seth's logic, that 150W extra is not enough to go used for such an almost potentially collectable item unless your future speakers really need 600WPC "continuously" but what kind of speakers would that be?

 

[Seth=L]

If the MC452 is big enough for these mammoth speakers, it's probably good enough for yours.

 

[fmw]

Harry, you won't come anywhere near using the full power of either amp. That means the difference is just overhead and not actually used. I recommend the new one for the same reason Seth pointed out.

 

[Adam]

I think both are gorgeous, but do you like the looks of one versus the other? As for power, I agree with the others that you likely would never tell a difference between 450 and 600 Watts. If the price were similar, I'd personally go with the newer amp.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would go with the brand new MC452.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

 

[Seth=L]

Seems unanimous.