McIntosh MC452 Quad Balanced Power Amplifier With 450W - Last One Available

**Please click here to check out our newly launched SkyFi Audio website with additional items for sale** 

** Our Very Last MC452 Available **

New amplifiers from McIntosh are virtually impossible to get these days so this "one generation back" amplifier might be your best bet.



This amplifier was carefully reviewed and tested here in our lab and listening room, and it is working as it should. 



It presents like new with clear bright meters and clean paintwork, showing only the slightest signs of use. 



And we have additional MC452’s available as of this writing in case you’d like to bi-amp your speakers. 



This MC452 ship in a factory fresh McIntosh double box which is the only way to ensure safe transport. Be ware of any seller that will ship in anything else. 



It will also ship via freight anywhere within the lower 48 US States, strapped to a pallet due to its weight and for safe travels. Yes you’ll need 1-2 friends to help you unbox safely.

McIntosh MC452 Quad Balanced Power Amplifier - Owner’s Manual

Performance Features Include:

• Power Output

The MC452 is a Power Amplifier with a capability

of 450 watts per channel into 2, 4 or 8 ohm speakers with less than 0.005% distortion. The Power Amplifier Circuitry uses Thermal Trak Output Transistors for lower distortion and cool operation.



• Quad Balanced Circuitry

The MC452 is fully balanced from inputs to outputs. It consists of two matched power amplifiers operating in push-pull with their outputs combined in a McIntosh Autoformer. The Quad Balanced configuration cancels virtually all distortion.



• Patented Autoformer

McIntosh designed and manufactured Output Auto- formers provide an ideal match between the amplifier output stages and speaker loads of 2, 4 and 8 ohms. The Autoformers also provide perfect DC protection for your valuable loudspeakers.



• Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs

Balanced connections guard against induced noise and allow long cable runs without compromising sound quality.



• Power Guard

The patented McIntosh Power Guard circuit prevents the amplifier from being over driven into clipping, with its harsh distorted sound that can also damage your valuable loudspeakers.



• Sentry Monitor and Thermal Protection

McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protection circuits ensure the MC452 will have a long and trouble free operating life. Built-in Thermal Protection Circuits guard against overheating.



• Special Power Supply

A very large Power Transformer and Large Capacitors ensure stable noise free operation even though the power line varies.



• McIntosh Custom Binding Posts

McIntosh patent pending gold plated output terminals deliver high current output. They accept large diameter wire and spade lugs. Banana plugs may also be used only in the United States and Canada.

Click below to add our recommended matching cables from Kimber Kable, all brand new as SkyFi is an official Kimber dealer.

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects

Kimber Kable - XLR Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Speaker Cables

Kimber Kable - Bi-Wire Speaker Cables

Kimber Kable - 14AWG (Gauge) Power Cords

SkyFi Item	Included
NEW Official McIntosh Double Box	Yes
Manual	Online
Remote	Not Applicable
Cables	Yes - Power
Physical Condition	8
Working Condition	10

Specifications

Power Output

Minimum sine wave continuous average power output per channel, with both channels operating is:

450 watts into 2 ohm load

450 watts into 4 ohm load

450 watts into 8 ohm load



Output Load Impedance

2, 4 or 8 ohms



Rated Power Band

20Hz to 20,000Hz



Total Harmonic Distortion

0.005% maximum harmonic distortion at any power level from 250 milliwatts to rated power, 20Hz to 20,000Hz



Dynamic Headroom

1.8dB



Frequency Response

+0, -0.25dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz 

+0, -3.0dB from 10Hz to 100,000Hz



Input Sensitivity (for rated output)

4.2 Volts Balanced 

2.1 Volts Unbalanced



Signal To Noise Ratio (A-Weighted)

95dB Balanced (122dB below rated output) 

93dB Unbalanced (120dB below rated output)



Intermodulation Distortion

0.005% maximum, if the instantaneous peak power output does not exceed twice the rated power output for any combination of frequencies from 20Hz to 20,000Hz.



Wide Band Damping Factor

Greater than 40



Input Impedance

22,000 ohms Balanced 

22,000 ohms Unbalanced



Voltage Gain

29dB, 8 Ohms 

26dB, 4 Ohms 

23dB, 2 Ohms



Power Guard

Less than 2% Total Harmonic Distortion with up to a 14dB overdrive signal



Power Control Input

5-15VDC, less than 1mA



Power Control Output 1 and 2

12VDC, 50mA maximum total

Output is delayed 0.2 seconds from turn On



Power Requirements

Field AC Voltage conversion of the MC452 is not possible. 

The MC452 is factory configured for the following AC Voltage:

120V ~ 50/60Hz at 10 Amps

Standby: less than 0.5 watt



Overall Dimensions

Width is 17-1/2 inches (44.45cm)

Height is 9-7/16 inches (23.97cm) including feet Depth is 22 inches (55.88cm) including the Front Panel, Handles, and Cables.



Weight

110 pounds (49.9 kg) net

143 pounds (64.9 kg) in shipping carton



Shipping Carton Dimensions

Width is 29-1/2 inches (74.93cm) 

Depth is 29 inches (73.66cm) 

Height is 17 inches (43.18cm)

The SkyFi Testing Process for Solid State Amplifiers:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and transistors are checked for signs of stress or damage. 



We then power up the unit carefully and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise. Finally, we run the amplifier to its full rated power into the appropriate resistive load provided by our Sencore amplifier tester. If there is an issue, it will usually be noticeable at this point. If everything reads clean, we will often test for THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) measured by our Keithley distortion meter, and compare it against the original manufacturers specifications. The amplifier then remains powered on to "burn in" on our test bench for a few hours to make sure there are no heat related issues. If there are balanced inputs available they will be also be tested.



Final testing involves pushing actual music thorough the amplifier. We’ve learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage KEF speakers that we’re very familiar with which quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some amplifiers will then move into our listening room where they are tested with our in-house reference speakers of choice.

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Thanks for looking and please click here if you’d like to receive a list of new equipment we receive weekly. We promise not to bombard you with junk email.

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PURCHASING FROM SKYFI:

This item will be professionally packaged and insured for safe transit to your home unless you opt for local pickup from our shop. Please note that all local pickup items are only wrapped with industrial strength clear cling stretch wrap if the original manufacturer packaging is unavailable.

Local pickup is available in Glen Rock, NJ, just a half hour drive from Midtown Manhattan, with convenient parking near our building.

And if you’re looking to ship to Canada, simply follow this link to view and purchase this item. We ship to Canada via UPS Worldwide Expedited service and you’re responsible for any applicable import duties and taxes.

If we don’t have the original manufacture’s packaging, we use heavy duty double-ply corrugated boxes with custom made to your item Instapak expanding foam custom inserts. In many cases this has proven to be better than the original packaging! We also use high quality fiber reinforced tape to seal our packages. Lightweight items will be bubble wrapped and shipped in a high-quality box. 

Click here for specifics on our specialized packing process that separates us from the rest.

NJ Residents or anyone picking up without a resale certificate will need to pay NJ Sales Tax.

Thanks for looking and be sure to call us at 201-879-0000 with any questions. 

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WHO WE ARE:

SkyFi Audio is a small startup business specializing in the purchase, reconditioning, and reselling of select high-end audio equipment. We only buy equipment the we admire and are passionate about. No mid-fi, no gimmicks, no junk.

Each piece of equipment is cosmetically restored and fully tested in our well-equipped lab by an engineer with 30+ years of experience in the HiFi world. If it does not meet or exceed the original manufactures specifications, it will not be sold. We are very selective about the equipment we purchase, focusing on mostly analog, high-build quality, American, and European built units.

Through our sister company which is an authorized dealer for McIntosh, Audio Research, Sonus Faber, ClearAudio, Pro-Ject Audio Systems, and Sony ES, we have access to OEM parts, service, and support. If you’re local and looking for new equipment from the above-mentioned manufacturers, please drop us a line as we can arrange both sales and professional installation in the tri-state area.

PURCHASING GUIDELINES:

We do not accept or review any offers that do not go through the official Audiogon system. We have too many items for sale and it’s nearly impossible to keep track of offers outside of the official system. Please don’t message, email, or text any offers. 

PAYMENTS:

We prefer working through PayPal which allows you to use a credit card, bank transfer, and their special financing to spread out payments over six months. We do not charge extra for any PayPal fees if you purchase the item at the asking price. You can also send us a personal check (which will need to clear before shipping), certified check, money order, or bank wire transfer. International clients without access to PayPal should use a bank wire transfer. 

If you’re picking up an item, we do not accept PayPal. You must pay in person with a certified check, bank check, or wire transfer. If you make a PayPal payment and are picking up the item, your PayPal payment will be returned. 

TRADE IN POLICY:

We accept trade-ins of equal or lesser value under certain conditions. Simply click here to submit your gear for full consideration. We will only consider high-end equipment from mainstream manufacturers such as McIntosh, Mark Levinson, Audio Research, Krell, etc. and will typically pass on displays, projectors, receivers, dated surround processors, and mid-fi equipment of any type. We will offer a fair value for your equipment, but keep in mind we’re running a business and will need to be able to resell the equipment at a profit after investing a great deal of time and resources in testing, certifying, repairing, cleaning, and packaging the incoming equipment. If you’re looking for top dollar, we suggest selling direct on your own.

SELL US YOUR GEAR (Working or Broken):

We’ll also purchase your used or broken gear and arrange pickup if you’re in our local market. Simply click here to submit your gear for full consideration.

SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT:                                                                                

We are currently operating from our shop inside our dedicated building in Glen Rock, NJ. You’re welcome to make an appointment if there’s a piece of equipment you’d like to see in operation before or after purchase. We have several well-equipped and dedicated listening areas, plus a dedicated listening studio with tons of equipment of all makes and models. We’re not a store, so please don’t make an appointment if you’re just curious as to how a speaker or piece of equipment sounds. In essence - no tire kickers please.

You can call or text 201-879-0000 with any questions or to schedule an appointment. We can also arrange to install, calibrate, and tune your newly purchased gear in your listening room if you’re local to our area. This is super useful when purchasing large speakers or heavy amplifiers. It’s also great for ensuring your new turntable is setup correctly in its final resting place.

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