The McIntosh MC257 is equipped with an innovative TripleView™ power meter that provides real-time power readings for each of the amplifier’s three front channels, including the front and center channel pair. This 15-inch (38 cm) wide meter offers a streamlined alternative to the three individual meters used in the previous generation of 7-channel amplifiers. Additionally, the distinctive blue backlight of the meter can be disabled to minimize distractions from the television or movie screen.
The MC257 not only introduces the innovative TripleView meter but also boasts several significant enhancements. When operating with three channels—front left, center, and right—the power output has been elevated by 25%, increasing from 200 watts per channel to 250 watts per channel. In configurations utilizing all seven channels, each channel will still receive a robust 200 watts. The power output remains consistent, delivering full power to both 4 and 8 ohm speakers, thanks to McIntosh’s exclusive Dynamic Power Manager® (DPM) technology.
Additionally, the filter capacity has been augmented by 20%, leading to an impressive 94% increase in dynamic headroom, rising from 1.7 dB to 3.3 dB, along with enhanced low-frequency performance. These features are essential for a home theater amplifier, particularly when engaging with high-energy soundtracks.
The McIntosh MC257 is equipped with five McIntosh Monogrammed™ heat sinks, which play a crucial role in ensuring that the upgraded high-power output transistors operate efficiently and quietly. Additionally, a custom-wound toroidal isolation power transformer minimizes noise levels. The speaker terminals have been enhanced with standard McIntosh gold-plated binding posts. Furthermore, McIntosh Power Management has been integrated, allowing the amplifier to automatically power down after a predetermined period of inactivity without an input signal. Lastly, the front panel features direct LED backlighting, enhancing both color accuracy and durability.
The McIntosh MC257 not only features the previously mentioned enhancements but also incorporates many of the brand’s hallmark technologies. Among these is Power Guard®, designed to safeguard speakers from potential damage due to amplifier clipping and overload. Additionally, the Sentry Monitor™ technology is included, which protects against short circuits by automatically shutting down the output stage if the current exceeds safe levels, resetting itself once conditions normalize. The MC257 offers both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs for seamless connection to a home theater processor.
This versatile amplifier can serve multiple purposes: it can independently drive a 7-channel home theater system, be combined with McIntosh’s 8-channel MI128 digital amplifier or 4-channel MI254 digital amplifier for setups exceeding 7 channels, or function in a 5-channel home theater configuration, where two channels can be utilized to support a secondary audio zone.
McIntosh MC257 Specifications
- Output power 250 watts per channel (4/8 ohms)
- Frequency range 10 Hz – 100 kHz (-3 dB)
- Total harmonic distortion 0.005%
- Signal-to-noise ratio (curve A) 89 dB
- Damping factor greater than 140 at 8 ohms
- Input impedance 20 kOhm on XLR
- Power consumption 1400 watts
- Dimensions 445x240x480 mm
- Weight 37.6 kg
