It's Decision Time
 

Time to get off the fence. It's either the MC462 or MC1502. Whatever I decide the amp will be driving big full range Canton's. My present 300WPC integrated handles them quite nicely and I know the 462 will have no problems with them.

If there is a concern, it would be with the 150WPC tube amp. The Canton's are not unreasonably insensitive at 89.5 db. And of course I've heard sooo many times over that "tube watts" are more robust than solid state watts. Whether that's true I can't say. I know there are a couple of members here who've owned the 1502 and loved the amp.

So my question: Should I be concerned about the 1502's ability to drive the Canton's satisfactorily. I don't listen to loud music very much, but do from time to time. What I prefer is low to moderate levels of sound, and what I do want is an amp that can deliver reasonable dynamics within that listening range.

All this said, I've been sort of out of tubes for a while now and have an itch to get back to them again. This is the reason the sugar plum fairies have been dancing over my head at night.

So, I'm appealing to the AA brain trust here. What should I expect with the Canton/1502 pairing? The 1502 is a pricey piece of kit and I'm worried to shell out that kind of coin only to be disappointed.

Why not ask your dealer for a home demo?

The dealer is unfortunately Magnolia at BestBuy. Less than ideal and I highly doubt they have the amp in stock anyway.

I am heading over there today for a visit and recon.

(Part of the problem of living in this area. All the hi-end dealers vanished years ago)

Allow me to give you this tip. With your speakers the 1502 would have shortness of breath not only at high volumes but also at moderate volumes. Your speakers need a bigger motor to be driven well even at all listening volumes. In my opinion you should orient yourself on the 462 or, if they have to be valves, on the 2301. Nothing less.

What is your typical listening level? If you are not always listening flat out, I would think you would be fine. From what I have read, the 1502 is conservatively rated at 150W. I use a MC275 mkVI and it can easily do 90W.

What kind of music do you like to listen to and how loud, are going to have a powered sub. ?
I ask these questions because depending on if you like to listen to lower volume acoustic music or loud rock will make a difference. A powered sub with a crossover at say 75 hz would take some of the strain off the tube amp. As well. I agree to play it safe get the 462 and maybe a tube pre amp.

These days I mostly listen to jazz and classical music with some crooners mixed in. My days of head banging rock n roll are mostly behind me, but I still like Genesis, Yes, Pink Floyd, etc.

Generally I never crank the current integrated past 10 to 15 WPC. Most listening is at about 3 watts and below.

Hoping that some members with direct 1502 ownership experience can provide their opinion on the amp and its capabilities.

I'm heading over to Magnolia now just to scope them out.

I have the Canton Ref 3.2 with the Mcintosh mC352 and get a used MC501's, what a difference, don't matter low volume or all the way up, big improvement. Yours are bigger than mine. Monoblock?
I use Mcintosh C2200/MCD500, room size 16X13

Jon (JWJW) time to chime in for some real world feedback.

Hoping he finds this thread.