I'm a Cary Audio guy, but if you are matching the amp with Klipsch, you should go with the Mac. I don't know what the technical reasons are, but there is a magical synergy between McIntosh amps and Klipsch speakers. Great Rock Music combo, my fav.
Mcintosh MC225 vs Cary / VTL / C .Johnson etc
If you had a blindfold test with a Mcintosh MC225 vs a newer tube amp ie. Cary Rocket 88, Six Packs, CAD 2a3, or VTL VT50, or Conrad Johnson MV60, or similiar newer amp bought used for the same price,does the 40 year old Mac measure up to the others in terms of soundstage, detail etc. Granted the Mac is built like a sherman tank, has the name and better resale, but if you had 2K to buy one against some of these others, which would come out better on the test ALL other factors ( which are important) excluded here? If you ask what the usage is,I personally would be using the amps with my VTL TL-5, Klipsch Cornwalls, and Cambridge 640 CD