McIntosh MC402

I didn’t care for the MC402 at all when I auditioned one 6 years ago. Speakers were B&W 802 and the pre was a MX120. The MC302 sounded more natural to me. I’ve since auditioned a MC452 with B&W 804 and a C52. I thought that combo fared better.

You’ll have to decide for yourself, but I strongly suggest you take the time to audition both in an environment similar to what you plan on using. Good luck and happy listening!

Thank you effischer

I owned the 402 several years ago. It's the only piece of McIntosh gear I ever owned. After owning some nice amps before the Mac, I felt the Mac was soft and bloated in the low end. It lacked punch and slam. I picked up a Pass X250.5 after that, and it was like night and day. The Pass kicked the Mac right out the door. I now use Class D amps, and don't miss the hot, heavy, power hungry beast amps at all.  

Ravi, Mac amps are built to last and have best in class customer service.  As far as what a 402 is worth that is for you to determine - what are willing to pay.

I have owned 501 mono's for close to 10 years, fortunately, my experience is nothing like spenceroo's.

I too, owned the Mac 402 for several years. It was a decent serviceable performer ( paired with a SS Mac pre) during that time. But quite by accident I was in need of smaller more compact amplification. I tried out a Rogue Pharaoh class D integrated hybrid in hope of it being comparable sonically to the Mac. What really floored me was the Rogue wasn't just a little better, but a whole LOT better. I never looked back and at one third the price of the Mac gear, it was a no-brainer to me. IMHO

Please see these 2 web sites for used Mcintosh pricing:

http://www.audioclassics.com/detail?detail=MC402&nav=cat

http://www.mcintoshaudio.com/

i owned the MA6900 Integrated amplifier
and did not like it.  For me, the music was dark, closed in not natural and I sold it. 

If possible, I suggest you audition both the MC402 and MC452 Amps before you buy.  

I also suggest you look st Ayre Acoustics power amplifiers (or integrated) before making your decision.  You might also review the Class D amplifier posts on Audiogon.