I've had a dozen McIntosh amps. I kept the MC152 and MC240. Even the MC452 wasn't as good as the MC152 - the 152 is really special. But, if you want the classic McIntosh sound, I don't recommend the ThermalTrak BJT output transistor amps, which includes everything available today going back to the MC402/MA6300 I believe. The MC352 has the old transistor topology that has that warm creamy sound, but the MC202 sounds even better. The ThermalTraks have much more of the modern hifi sound than the older amps. Downside of the MC352/MC202 is that their front panel still uses troublesome bulbs instead of LEDs.
Looking for a McIntosh amp that gives a great example of the “McIntosh Sound”
What is a good vintage or newer amp that has that “McIntosh sound” everyone loves. My budget is $3k and I want to stay solid state. I don’t want to debate McIntosh, I am looking specifically for McIntosh. The amp will be powering JM Lab Mini Utopias.