McIntosh MC462 2-Channel Solid State Amplifier
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McIntosh MC462 2-Channel Solid State Amplifier
- 450 Watts x 2 Channels
- 66% increase in Dynamic Headroom compared to previous model
- Quad Balanced Design with McIntosh Autoformers™

Experience stereo bliss with the MC462 Amplifier. The MC462 replaces the highly regarded MC452 as our most powerful stereo amplifier. Like the MC452, it features a robust output of 450 Watts per channel. With a dedicated McIntosh Autoformer™ connected to each audio channel, the full 450 Watts is available to any speaker regardless if it has 2, 4 or 8 Ohm impedance. Just one MC462 Amplifier can single-handedly power a world class home audio stereo system.
"An extraordinarily well-engineered, exceptionally powerful amplifier... Highly recommended – insisted on, even." - Stereophile
The C53/MC462 combo sounded "super-smooth and superbly balanced at all times, whilst never letting the smoothness of their delivery interfere with their ability to resolve a level of detail, [which] means you will hear nuances you just will not hear with lesser amplifiers." - Audio Esoterica
The new generation MC462 stereo amplifier has received numerous updates compared to the previous model. The most prominent is that filter capacity has been increased by nearly 50%, which has resulted in a remarkable 66% increase in dynamic headroom from 1.8dB to 3.0dB. This allows the MC462 to easily handle drastic swings in dynamics and effortlessly reproduce your favorite music with virtually no distortion. Bass performance is also improved as a result of the filter capacity increase. Our eco-friendly power management system, which will turn the amplifier off after a set amount of time when no input signal has been detected, has been added. Internal wiring and select circuit components have also been upgraded.
Aesthetically, the MC462 retains all the hallmarks of a McIntosh amplifier with a few key modern enhancements. The front panel now utilizes direct LED backlighting that improves appearance and color accuracy. The two audio Autoformers and single power transformer are housed in new enclosures topped by a single machined cover with glass inserts. The back half of the amplifier is home to four of our Monogrammed Heatsinks™ which connect to advanced high current output transistors that help eliminate thermal equilibrium lag time.
Besides these updates, the MC462 is packed full of other exclusive McIntosh technologies to bring your music to life:
- Power Guard® that monitors and adjusts the input signal at the speed of light and makes real time adjustments to prevent harsh sounding and potentially speaker damaging clipping
- Sentry Monitor™ - our fuse-less short-circuit protection circuit that disengages the output stage before current exceeds safe operating levels and then resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal
- Quad Balanced design that cancels virtually all noise and distortion that may have crept into the audio signal
- Power Control to send power on/off signals to other connected McIntosh components (such as CD Players, turntables, tuners and media streamers) for easy system power up and shutdown
- Our patented Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts that easily but securely attach the speaker cables to prevent them from coming loose and possibly causing a short; the binding posts are also gold-plated to prevent corrosion and ensure a quality signal is sent over your speaker cables
Specifications
| Electronic Specifications | |
| FTC Power Output Rating | 450 W |
| Power Output per Channel | 450 W into 2, 4 or 8 ohms |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.005% |
| S/N below rated output | 122dB |
| Dynamic Headroom | 3.0dB |
| Damping Factor | >40 Wideband |
| Rated Power Band | 20Hz to 20kHz |
| Frequency Response | +0, -0.25dB from 20Hz to 20kHz +0, -3.0dB from 10Hz to 100kHz |
| Control | |
| Remote Power Control | Yes |
| Multi-Channel DB25 Cable | N/A |
| General Specifications | |
| Circuit Configuration | Quad Balanced |
| Circuit Design | Solid State |
| Mono Bridge | No |
| Mono Parallel | No |
| Output Type | Autoformer™ |
| Meters | Yes |
| Meter Light Switch | Yes |
| Balanced Input | 2 |
| Front Panel | Glass with handles |
| Illumination | Direct LED |
| Chassis Style | Polished stainless steel & black painted steel |
| Connectivity | |
| Speaker Binding Post Type | Patented Solid Cinch™ Speaker Binding Posts |
| Weights & Dimensions | |
| Unit Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/2" (44.45cm) x 9-7/16" (23.97cm) (including feet) x 22-1/2" (57.2cm) (including front panel, handles and cables) |
| Unit Weight | 115 lbs (52.3 kg) |
| Shipping Weight | 148 lbs (67.3 kg) |
Caring for your Speakers and Amplifiers
To Keep your equipment safe these are some best practices to note. Please be advised that this is only to reduce the risk of misuse and is not an exhaustive list.
Speakers
- Speaker terminals are marked red and black, ensure your amplifier to the speakers are wired on the same colours
- Ensure no loose speaker wire from the red touches a loose wire from the black as this will lead to a short circuit and damage either the speaker, the amplifier or both.
- Not all speakers are designed to play at max volume, kindly consider the pairing of your amplifier and speakers
- Speaker cabinets cannot be replaced please handle with care.
AV & Stereo Amplifiers
- If your amplifier has HDMI ports, ensure all devices are off before plugging in the HDMI cable
- Turn off the amplifier before swoping out or adding speaker cable
- Amplifiers generate heat, place them in a well ventilated space. if possible avoid having anything on top of the unit.
- adding a surge protector can assist with power dips which are likely to damage your devices. Isotek and Furman are industry standard.
- Dusty environments can sometimes lead to accumulation of dust in the electronic components that might affect heat regulation
Shipping & Returns
- Free shipping on orders over R500 within the country.
- Standard delivery within 2–5 business days. Delays will be communicated. This might vary slightly depending on your location.
- Return items in original condition for a full refund. (unopened state)
- Returns that are open/unboxed will be subject to a handling fee. Refunds will only be processed after testing the unit.
