Mcintosh C2500 can be had used or NOS
Mcintosh C2600 new
I recently purchased the C2500 NOS and love it. Before deciding, I researched VTL, CJ and AR, new and used. I’ve had it for three weeks now and it responds well to tube rolling and has an internal DAC, which I don’t use or need, plus two nice phono sections, MM and MC. In my system it has a smooth upper end and very good bass. It came with 6 12AX7’s that are ok. I put in two new Gold Lion in the main slots and and Mullards in the MC area, all were reissues.
Good luck
Mcintosh C2600 new
I recently purchased the C2500 NOS and love it. Before deciding, I researched VTL, CJ and AR, new and used. I’ve had it for three weeks now and it responds well to tube rolling and has an internal DAC, which I don’t use or need, plus two nice phono sections, MM and MC. In my system it has a smooth upper end and very good bass. It came with 6 12AX7’s that are ok. I put in two new Gold Lion in the main slots and and Mullards in the MC area, all were reissues.
Good luck