Conrad Johnson vs. McIntosh Tube Gear

It is true the McIntosh aren't exactly lush. They are too accurate for that. But on the other hand, they are never dry like CJ can be - and to me, that makes all the difference. I had an MV55 and PV10a and they didn't hold a candle to my MC240 and C42. The latter combo has no dryness whatsoever and all the sound is utterly beautiful. The CJs could sound grainy if the recording had the slightest inclination.

It will depend on what direction you are coming from. If you have inexpensive SS amps now, the 275+2200 may seem lush to you. If you are coming from SET amps, they may seem like pure hifi.

I have since heard the MV60SE and PV15. Better than what I had but still no cigar IMO. The soundstage just isn't all that developed and ambience isn't adequately reproduced. This is based on an audition so take this with a grain of salt but I could recognize that CJ dryness was still there, though less so.

I would get the McIntosh. I find them way prettier and based on your desires, I would say is the better choice hands down. The 2200 is a fantastic preamp and will have more lushness than the C200. No doubt about that. Besides, you can tailor the sound of these amps quite a bit with different tubes to match your tastes. Their accuracy will allow you to do that with great precision.

Arthur

I have a vintage (but rebuilt) MC240 with a C42. I have heard the MC275 with a C46. The C42 and C46 are basically the same. The speakers in both cases were B&W N804 but the rooms were different.

Comparing both, I think I can safely say the MC240 is warmer and lusher than the MC275. However, changing tubes can change that result. I have had tubes in my MC240 that made it sound very "hifi" - perhaps moreso than the 275 with stock tubes. But you can do that with the 275 as well.

I sounds to me like you really want to try a McIntosh amp. My suggestion would be for you to try a MC275 and then do some tube rolling to find the right combo. Those amps have such good output transformers that you will be able to make the amp sound just the way you want it with tube swaps. There are many vintage tubes that can make a 275 be warm and lush, no problem.

Arthur