I own the MC-300 and would take it over some of the reviewer's hype ss amps. I did prefer it to the Bel Canto Evo (sotr of on the cool side of neutral, weak bass) and CJ MF-2500 (simlar to the Mac in the midrange and treble but with less kick on the bottom and much smaller soundstage). All the newer ss Macs sound very smooth with nice, tube-like midrange and powerful bass.
Is McIntosh still a good choice?
When I was a teenager I was really into stereo equipment. I eventually bought a complete system and thus moved on to other interests in life. At the time McIntosh was highly respected. My grandfather owned several McIntosh pieces and I revered them with their blue glow. Now it's time for me to become an audiophile again and I'm upgrading my system. I still have reverence for Mac equipment and love it's industrial design. Is McIntosh still highly respected, or have they become passe? Should I still consider a Mac integrated amp? I'm also exploring an Arcam A85 integrated. I'll be driving a pair of Paradigm Studio/20s. Thanks!