McIntosh has unveiled the MC451 Dual Mono Power amplifier, a compact mono amp that benefits from the New York manufacturer’s proprietary Hybrid Drive technology, where valve and solid state amplification is combined in one unit, “to deliver the best of both worlds”. This system drives a loudspeaker’s critical tweeter and midrange drivers with valves and provide bass drivers with the power, control and dynamics of solid-state.
A more compact design than its MC901 sibling, the new MC451 is much easier to integrate into existing audio systems. Built on one chassis, the MC451 offers 150 watts from its valve section, plus 300 watts from its solid-state output. It offers user-selectable solid state and valve output stages that can be selected using a ‘balance’ control knob. This enables users to match genres to preferred amp technology: for example, jazz using more valves, or rock using solid state. Users can adjust the internal crossover to determine where the bass, mid and high frequencies integrate between valve and solid-state power. In addition, separate inputs for the valve and solid-state sections are provided for use with external crossovers.
Shipping is expected to begin in January 2023 (United States and Canada), and the rest of the world, shortly thereafter, price is £16,495 each.