Doozy of an amp question

Not a MAC fan and heard the Sim 761 the baby brother of the 861. I loved the 761 and found it similar sonically to the Benchmark AHB2 but not as sterile. I love the AHB2 but the 761 was definitely a better version of the AHB2. The 761 is very detailed just like the AHB2. 

If you want that detail, then the 861 would be the way to go. If you want Class A warmth or tube sound you are not getting it with the Sim. I have a CODA #16 which is a Class A amp. I would not mind having the 761 or 861 for my office system so I could flip back and forth with my Livingroom CODA #16.

I moved from PassLabs to Esoteric to a used ARC LS10 / D240 MkII and haven’t found a need to change until the LS10 was damaged in transit and I let it go. I’ve retained the D240 because it’s fully balanced differential design. 120W pc of musical SS clarity and musicality. They make a higher power D400 set that could even better suit your speakers. I’m not pushing this specific amp series but showing how the used ARC options can work really well when paired well preamp to amp and amp to speakers.

I use an upgraded AV preamp now to feed the ARC. Ppl won’t believe how good it sounds. At USD$12-1800 it’s an easy entry test for you to try with your preamp.

I've worked on a couple of stereo tube amps, one was a Mac. Never again as was pointed out, the weight is killer.

If you wish to re-tube the Mac, that's 8 power tubes. There's an old adage. SS amps will require x times the cost of a tube amp for similar tone. Dunno if this still exists tho.

Mac has been bought and sold:

https://www.strata-gee.com/mcintosh-group-acquired-by-bose-does-this-deal-make-any-sense/

As for making a decision, if possible, work with a local high end audio shop and take them home and try various amps in your price range. Take note: you can't put a review up to your ear and listen to it. As mentioned, there's a synergy that occurs with your equipment and with your room.

I know you are looking for SS benefits in amplification but there is something to be said for the combination or your preamp with the ARC Ref 160. To my ears magic in musicality.  I do not like the Mac 1502.  To me, recessed mids.  I have not heard the SIM 861 but have read and heard good things about it.  Also consider auditioning a Burmester 218 or 909.  Tube like qualities of liquidity, staging and imaging with solid state control, speed and dynamics.  Also, accurate timbre.