McIntosh MC2155
Best vintage power amplifier for audiophiles seeking restored, high-performance sound.
Experience timeless audio with the McIntosh MC2155 power amplifier, a classic from 1981-1987. This amplifier delivers a robust 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms, effortlessly powering demanding speakers. It features the iconic McIntosh blue VU meters and classic styling. Recently restored, it boasts replaced capacitors, LED lighting, and calibrated meters, with verified output power exceeding original specifications. Enjoy exceptional clarity and enduring performance that defines the ultimate home audio experience.
$2999.00
More MC Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
421
/ 1684
#421 in Power Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-64%
Below average
Power Output
1508
/ watts per channel into Ω (stereo)
Who it's for
- Listeners wanting to protect expensive speakers from accidental clipping damage
- Audiophiles pairing the amp with diverse or difficult speaker loads
- Collectors seeking a timeless aesthetic centerpiece for their home audio
Who should skip it
- Modernists requiring balanced inputs and automated system integration
- Buyers preferring plug-and-play reliability over vintage restoration projects
- Users with limited rack space or poor ventilation setups
Performance breakdown
Power Delivery
Effortlessly drives demanding speakers with robust, clean headroom.
Sonic Clarity
Delivers a transparent, low-distortion sound profile for critical listening.
Build Integrity
Heavy-duty construction ensures lasting durability and reliable performance.
Aesthetic Appeal
Iconic blue meters provide a timeless, high-end visual centerpiece.
Restoration Quality
Modern component upgrades ensure peak operation for decades to come.
Load Versatility
Handles a wide range of speaker impedances with impressive stability.
Key Specs
Power Output
150 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency Response
20Hz to 20kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.02%
Damping Factor
30
Signal to Noise Ratio
95dB
Speaker Load Impedance
1Ω to 8Ω
Dimensions
5.43 x 16 x 14.49 inches
Weight
65 lbs
Features
- Iconic McIntosh blue VU meters
- Classic vintage design and build
- Recently restored for peak performance
- Verified output power above 150 WPC
- Drives demanding speaker loads
- Professionally calibrated meters
- Robust build quality
What customers say
Owners overwhelmingly cherish the vintage McIntosh MC2155 for its iconic design and enduring sound quality. The amplifier delivers a powerful yet smooth and warm presentation highly valued across all music genres. Its classic aesthetic, featuring blue meters and a chrome chassis, makes it a true centerpiece. Build quality is exceptional; these decades old units remain robust, ensuring high reliability after necessary servicing. Many consider the MC2155 a worthwhile investment due to its strong resale value and collectible status. The consensus is clear: this amplifier provides an authoritative, rich sound that modern equipment often fails to match, cementing its place as a highly respected piece of audio history.
Know before you buy
This unit has been professionally restored, which includes the replacement of aging capacitors, the installation of modern LED lighting, and a full calibration of the VU meters to ensure they operate within factory specifications.
Yes, the MC2155 is designed to handle demanding loads and is rated to support speaker impedances ranging from 1 ohm to 8 ohms, making it highly versatile for various high-end speaker setups.
Yes, the MC2155 is bridgeable. This allows you to combine the two channels into a single, more powerful mono output if your system requirements demand higher wattage.
Following the restoration and calibration process, this unit has been verified to produce output power that actually exceeds the original factory rating of 150 watts per channel.
The MC2155 is a substantial piece of equipment weighing 65 pounds and measuring approximately 5.43 by 16 by 14.49 inches. Ensure your audio rack or shelf is sturdy enough to support its weight and provides adequate ventilation for the Class AB circuitry.
This amplifier utilizes standard RCA connectors for inputs, making it compatible with most preamplifiers and modern audio sources. For speaker connections, it features robust binding posts to ensure a secure and reliable signal path.
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$2999