McIntosh Labs
Product Description
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 our award winning MC2152 Limited Edition 70th Anniversary Vacuum Tube Amplifier, which was released in celebration of our 70th Anniversary that occurred in 2019. The new MC1502 has identical audio specifications and sound reproduction performance of the heralded MC2152 but in a more customary McIntosh design.
The MC1502 "combines brutal control and quantities of power, with openness and sophistication. The amplifier is potent enough to power most speakers, and will only sound better the more it has to work with." Highly recommended. – Lyd & Bilde
MC1502 (left) with MC275 (right).
The MC1502 shares the timeless styling of our classic MC275 Vacuum Tube Amplifier. As the MC1502 has twice the stereo power rating of the MC275 (150 Watts vs. 75 Watts) and is physically larger, in many ways it can be considered the MC275's big brother. And while a pair of MC275s can be run in mono to achieve the 150 Watts per channel output of the MC1502, the MC1502 boasts a better signal-to-noise ratio of 112dB vs. 105dB for the MC275 pairing – producing an even quieter performance than the already quiet MC275.
The MC1502 is "an unqualified hit." It has the "cleanliness, low noise, and bandwidth of the best sounding modern amp designs with just enough of the special sauce that I love about tubes and transformers. True high-end audiophile sound in all its refined glory, without any rare tube types, finicky setup, or usage idiosyncrasies. Plus, LOTS of power and some fun features all in a beautiful package built to last a lifetime and beyond. Highly recommended." – Part-Time Audiophile
The large KT88 output vacuum tubes are located behind the smaller 12AX7A and 12AT7 vacuum tubes; these eight smaller tubes glow green.
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 MC1502 Vacuum Tube Amplifier and C22 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier Mk V represents McIntosh’s traditional heritage sound and with the added modern McIntosh technology, another masterpiece is born. – HiFi & Home Theater Audio
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. Our 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 Vacuum Tube Amplifier and C22 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier Mk V is "outstanding equipment" and "is rich with an uncommon magic and will provide precious pleasure. Moreover it will fit most loudspeakers nicely, even the most demanding ones." - Haute Fidélité
The power transformer (center) is flanked by a Unity Coupled Circuit output transformer to the left and right.
Unlike many other amplifiers, 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 our 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.
"Extended listening reveals that this amplifier is just as good at low volumes as it is pushed to its limit... In addition to sounding great at high and low volumes, the MC1502 handles the most densely packed and technically challenging recordings with ease... this amplifier is quiet. There are plenty of solid-state amplifiers that aren’t this quiet... Tube amplifiers aren’t for everyone, but the McIntosh has gone above and beyond expectation to bring us an amplifier that produces plenty of power, sounds fantastic, and is well built... The highest compliment I can give the MC1502 is that I’m selling my beloved MC275 and buying a rack with a bigger lower shelf. It’s a keeper." - Tone Audio
Both balanced and unbalanced inputs are included to connect the MC1502 to your preamplifier and the rest of your home audio system. Our patented Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts will securely connect your speaker cables to your speakers. An input and output for our Power Control technology allows other connected McIntosh components, such as preamplifiers, CD players, turntables, or media steamers, to automatically turn on and off. Contact us at Liptons Audio Video to learn more.
Shipping
Processing/Shipping Time
All online orders are typically processed within 1-2 business days. Orders received after 1pm EST or on weekends will be processed on the next business day.
Our business hours are Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm EST.
Due to our inventory management practices, we do not maintain a large stock of products; instead, most items are sourced from our suppliers upon order. We do focus on having a broad selection of brands and models for in store demo purposes. This may impact shipping times, as items are procured and prepared for shipment as soon as possible. If your item is not in stock, we will send you an email to update you on the status of your order. We appreciate your understanding and patience.
- Standard Delivery for in stock items is between 2-3 business days within Ontario & Quebec, 3-5 business days for Eastern Canada and 4-7 business days for Western Canada. Northern or remote Canadian customers should contact us to confirm shipping availability and costs. During peak sales periods (for example Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Day/Week) up to an additional 5 (five) business days may be needed.
- Items not in stock will be shipped to our Newmarket store and then shipped to you. Turnaround time may depend on the manufacturer/distributor. If a manufacturer or distributor has stock of the item, then we can normally expect to receive the product within 10 business days at which point we will immediately ship it to you.
- If we become aware that delivery time to you will exceed 16 business days we will contact you to confirm the order or review options.
RETURNS, EXCHANGES & WARRANTY CLAIMS
If your product is damaged, defective, or dead on arrival you are eligible for a refund or exchange within 15 days of the product being delivered to you.
If you are not satisfied with your purchase and would like to request an exchange, please note the following:
- All returns and exchanges will only be accepted on products with no damage due to misuse and have all original packaging, accessories, manuals and the original sales receipt.
- Refunds paid by credit card/PayPal will be returned in the same method payment was received when possible. Wire Transfer payments will be refunded in the form of company check or E-Transfer. For exchanges with a difference in value, the balance will be charged or refunded in the same method as the original payment was received.
- Liptons Audio Video reserves the right to assess whether the product is defective or not. Products with physical damage will not be accepted for refund or exchange.
- Exchanges will be offered only on non-special order items with return shipping at the buyer's expense and must be shipped with insurance reflecting the transaction value and must ship via a trackable courier/delivery company. Exchanges will only apply to unopened products received in new condition
- Products with non matching serial numbers to either the packaging or the recorded Serial number associated with the transaction are not eligible for refunds or exchanges
- Products with modified or missing serial numbers/UPC codes or other identifying information are not eligible for refunds or exchanges
- Products that are not returned with all original packaging, equipment, accessories, manuals and software will not be refunded or will be charged a restocking fee at the discretion of Liptons Audio Video.
- Products must be new and show no signs of use. Any sign of use – Including installation, scratches or other signs of use such as physical marking, painted grills, screw holes, cut wires or similar would not be returnable
- Equipment sustaining damage from operation or misuse will be deferred to the manufacturer's warranty and replacement policies.
- Replaced items will be exchanged for the same model
- If a product you purchased from us proves to be defective within 15 days from purchase, we will replace it with an equivalent new unit at no charge. If the item is returned through shipping, the exchange will be processed once we receive the parcels & confirm that the product is not working. Exchange processing will take 10-20 business days from the day we receive the parcel.
Final Sale Items/Exclusions
- Special order items including cut to length cabling and custom furniture
- Headphones/earbuds/in-ear headphones for hygienic reasons
- Turntable cartridges/styli
- Projector lamps
- Installed in-ceiling, in-wall speakers or subwoofers
- No refunds or exchanges on products purchased for commercial use.
- Clearance, consignment items.
Online Order Returns/Exchanges Process
Please contact us to begin our online return process at info@liptons.ca. Once we have received the details about your order, we will generate a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number and send you the RMA form to be completed and sent back with the parcel.
Pack the item back in its original packaging with all parts, accessories and manuals. We recommend packing the item into an additional box meant for shipping. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer. Any damages that incur during return shipping will also be the responsibility of the customer.
In the event the item was offered free shipping, the original shipping charges and handling fees, for the returned item(s), will be deducted from the refund. If the item is refused and returned to Liptons Audio Video without record of cause and evidence of damage any return freight costs will also be deducted from the refund.
In Store Returns & Exchanges
Returns on damaged, defective and DOA products, as well as exchanges can be made in store. Please note our store hours https://liptons.ca/pages/contact and be sure to bring your receipt or online order confirmation.
Product Warranty
All new products carry full manufacturer warranty which varies for each product category and manufacturer. Refer to the manufacturer’s warranty information for exact details.
Demo products come with either the full manufacturer warranty or the balance of manufacturer warranty unless otherwise specified.
Open Box products come with either the full manufacturer warranty or the balance of manufacturer warranty unless otherwise specified.
Used and Consignment pieces will have individually specified warranty. If no warranty is listed, no warranty is available, but the unit has been tested in store and determined to be working properly unless otherwise specified.
Installation Warranty
All Liptons Audio Video installations come with a one-year warranty against workmanship performed by us. Defective equipment covered under manufacturer warranty is subject to a removal and reinstallation charge of one hour at our current installation rates. Installation warranty claims can be made within one year of installation date by phone at 905-898-7133 or email at info@liptons.ca
If you have any questions or concerns regarding product returns, exchanges and warranty claims, please call is at 905-898-7133 or email info@liptons.ca
