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.

128x128justinrphillips

Showing 4 responses by rickysnit

Interested to see what folks have to say on this. I accomplished this the other way, McPreamp on other amps (Bryston). I have the house sound. More so when running a D100 with the preamp, but even now with a Moon DAC, I still have the house sound with the pre alone.

Wait a second, isn't there a newer ~100wpc model that comes in around 3k? the 152? I thought I saw one - typical physical size, two meters, two knobs, no nonsense. I think they also now have ClassD, I'd be inclined to check that, but maybe not yet percolated down into the used market.

Desirable piece at a good value price point. I want one...

Justin, maybe 2023 is the year we both end up with a 152.

302 is awesome. I'm very curious about the MI502.