The new Mcintosh MC 402

Do you need the power. I have a 352 as well and can't imagine needing more. I do have a question as a fellow 352 owner. Do both of your meters read equally? Mine is always a little stronger on the left side. McIntosh says have it re-calibrated by them, but I hate the thought of doing with out while I ship it.
One other question. Does the 402 have the new fiberoptics backlit meters?

Hi Theo, both of my meters read exactly the same most of the time. Sometimes depends on the recording, they can be way off. Mcintosh website also posted picture and specification for the new MC 402 (for those who interested).

The 402 has the new fiberoptics as does the new C46 preamp (not out yet). I've seen it live, but did not listen to it. The meters are a nice, rich blue. The meters on the MA6900 look anemic in comparison. I gather all new models will feature fiberoptics. I've asked and existing models can't be retrofitted.

BTW, I doubt there is much, if any, sonic improvement over the 402. But again, I have not compared them. If you are serious about upgrading, though, check with your dealer because some Mcintosh dealers allow full value when trading in. That's one benefit of having such high resale values. But this deal may only apply to the same component, ie. an amp for an amp.

Following are excerpts from the press release McIntosh announced the release of the MC402 with. The MC402 is replacing the MC352. As far as I know, all other power amps are going to be replaced with the same new design.

Binghamton, NY December 6, 2002-McIntosh Laboratory, a world leader in home entertainment systems for over 52 years, introduces the MC402 Power Amplifier, with a new 3D glass front panel design.

Producing a minimum 400 watts per channel in stereo, 800 watts in mono, the MC402 delivers power that is fully balanced from input to speaker output. The extraordinary quad-differential design of the MC402 actually consists of four complete amplifier circuits. Each channel contains two amplifier circuits, each the mirror image of the other, whose outputs are combined in the unique McIntosh
Output AutoformerR resulting in totally balanced operation from input to speaker output and the cancellation of virtually all noise and distortion.
...
The MC402 is shipping now at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $5,000.