McIntosh MC 202 – High End Stereo Equipment We Buy

McIntosh is one of the most dependable brand names when it comes to high-end audio systems. For years the brand has been recognized by audiophiles throughout the world as equipment that delivers clear and consistent quality in music. McIntosh is probably best known for its amplifiers and preamps, but the company produces many other components and parts for stereo and home theatre.

What are the specs for the McIntosh MC 202?

Power output:
200 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo), 400 watts into 8Ω (mono)
Frequency response:
10Hz to 100kHz
Total harmonic distortion:
0.005%
Damping factor:
40
Input sensitivity:
1.7V
Signal to noise ratio:
110dB
Speaker load impedance:
2Ω to 8Ω
Dimensions:
17.5 x 5.4 x 18 inches
Weight:
65 lbs

What else to know about the McIntosh MC 202?

"Some people think that power output is directly proportional to power quality. This may often be true, but never with a McIntosh amplifier. The 200 watts per channel delivered by the MC202 is pure McIntosh power, and an ample amount for most listening rooms. With its modest price and bridged-mono capability, the MC202 also is well-suited for multichannel home theater systems. EXCLUSIVE MCINTOSH OUTPUT AUTOFORMERS. An impedance mismatch between an amplifier and loudspeaker can cause distortion and a reduction in power. The legendary McIntosh autoformer is a hand-crafted transformer with output connections for 2, 4, and 8 ohms (plus 4, 8, and 16 ohms for the MC202’s mono bridged mode), allowing an ideal impedance match. A McIntosh amplifier with an autoformer can also safely drive multiple speakers con- nected in parallel without shortening the life expectancy of the output stage. There is absolutely no performance penalty with an autoformer. In fact, its frequency response exceeds that of the output circuit itself, and extends well beyond the audible range. Distortion is so low it is virtually immeasurable. EXCLUSIVE MCINTOSH POWER ASSURANCE SYSTEM. Power Assurance is a collection of technologies that enhance performance and reliability and protect the amp and the loudspeakers. Power Guard® clipping protection. Power Guard ensures that the amplifier will always deliver full power without causing clipping distortion. If an amplifier channel is overdriven, Power Guard automatically reduces the input volume just enough to keep distortion below 2% and prevent any clipping distortion. Thanks to an optical resistor, Power Guard acts literally at the speed of light, producing absolutely no audible side effects. An amplifier with Power Guard will actually deliver clipping-free output well above its rated power. Sentry Monitor® current protection. Sentry Monitor continually senses the voltage and current of the output stage and confines it to a safe limit. Sentry Monitor does not limit power output. Thermal Cutout. If the cooling air is blocked and the power transistors become too hot, thermal cutouts protect against overheating until the amp cools. DC Failure protection. In the rare event of an output circuit failure, any DC current that appears in the output is shunted to ground by the autoformer, protecting the speakers from damage. Turn-On Delay. This circuit delays operation for about two seconds after turn-on in order to avoid any pops or thumps generated as other equipment turns on. Soft Start inrush protection. Thermistors in the power transformer act as a cushion against inrush current, eliminating component stress during turn-on. Soft Start is one of many design details that contribute to the remarkable longevity of McIntosh equipment." - McIntosh

Brief History of McIntosh

Long mapped-to Binghamton New York – the current headquarters and manufacturing center for McIntosh Labs – not many people know the brand was originally launched outside of the Nation’s Capital in Silver Spring Maryland, in 1949. In 1956, the brand built their original facility in New York, according to the official brand website.

Other McIntosh Products We Often Buy

Typically, StereoBuyers purchases mostly used amplifiers, especially the vintage amps and high-end McIntosh models such as the MC202 or MC252, and the C220 preamp, for example. We have also purchased many pre-owned tuners from McIntosh over the recent years, including the MR67 and MR78 models, for example.

StereoBuyers has purchased tens of thousands worth McIntosh brand equipment since 2014, with individual buys ranging from $100 to well over $50,000. If you are moving, ready to upgrade, or have McIntosh equipment you do not or will not be using, why not contact us today to find out if it is worth good money?

If you are interested in selling your used McIntosh equipment to us in the greater NYC area or Colorado, please click here to fill out a Free Quote Form and we will get back to you. If we agree on terms, we come to meet you where you want, and pay cash.

The following images show actual McIntosh equipment purchased by StereoBuyers.