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What's the Best Value McIntosh Stereo Amps?

Most of us here either already own a McIntosh amp or aspire to own one at one point. Yet the prices keep on rising so the dream seems less and less accessible. But there are so many amazing McIntosh amps that have launched in the past. Navigating the huge catalogue of MCs can be tough. Here is a selection to navigate this, highlighting some of the best value and hidden gems McIntosh stereo amps.

https://www.linephaze.com/selection/b67ab76f-c38a-44e6-a8f4-a988e51362cb

I agree with most of these. Only question mark is the MC275, of course an incredible amp, but is it that much of a great value? Not really hidden gem though.

Which ones would you add or remove from this list?

lionel_hersch
ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,434 posts
 

@laoman 

+1 Good one... American made, masculine, known for their high torque engines. although the Macs are not known to fall apart right off the showroom. Macs are well constructed and reliable... so that part doesn't work. 

carlso63
54 posts
 

On the vintage Mac side - I have a pair of restored 1975 MC2100 amps monoblocked and fed from a 1972 Dynaco PAS-3X tube pre into a pair of very rare 1970 Sansui SP-5500s...and while not quite the SQ level of most engaged audiophiles...  I must say that "the SQ and sonic profile is surprisingly nice and highly detailed"  (paraphrased commentary from a pair of actual audiophile friends of mine who have heard my system)...

hjdca's avatar
hjdca
247 posts
 

I am running a full McIntosh Tube Stereo system with Wilson W/P 8 speakers.  My amps are a pair of monoblocked MC275 V.  I think they are fantastic powerful tube amps with a sweet top end and lots of bass and dynamics.  To me, the MC275 really is a special amp.    Also, I had my first set of Gold Lion tubes in there for 13 years.  They did not go out, I just changed them recently out of caution. 

rivington66's avatar
rivington66
88 posts
 

Mx110z is quite the unsung preamp for vintage tube Macs. Great line stage and phono stage. More of the vintage magic. I pair mine with a Mc240 and love the way it sounds. 

mark200mph
843 posts
 

I do like blue meters. American made but just sold again.hope for the best.its all iconic mcintosh well built to pass down generations. It's hard not to like an amp with 2kw with transients into 8k hooked up to xrt 2k. 6 12 inch woofers several mids and several tweeters.that should get the party going..enjoy the music.

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