I have a C40 preamp driving an MC150. The C40 has an onboard 20 watt monitor amplifier. For low level listening in the evening, I use the monitor amplifier; for performance listening, I use the MC150. Both of these amps are wired into an "A-B" amplifier switch box that can instantaneously switch between both amps. On occasion, I have switched between the two trying to hear any differences. They both sound identical to me.
I also have an MC754 driving some old JBL's for the TV. One of these days, I'll have to get of my lazy caboose and rewire to see if there's any difference between it and the MC150. I suspect there won't be much difference, if any, in the sound.
I've also demoed a pair of MC601's along side a new model MC275. Again, both amps sounded outstanding, but I heard no notable difference between the two. In that case, I'd go with the MC601's because they (a) have more power, (b) don't require tube maintenance and (c) have those lovely blue meters.
I personally prefer any McIntosh amp with an autoformer, but it's based purely on aesthetics and emotions -- not on what I can hear.
I also have an MC754 driving some old JBL's for the TV. One of these days, I'll have to get of my lazy caboose and rewire to see if there's any difference between it and the MC150. I suspect there won't be much difference, if any, in the sound.
I've also demoed a pair of MC601's along side a new model MC275. Again, both amps sounded outstanding, but I heard no notable difference between the two. In that case, I'd go with the MC601's because they (a) have more power, (b) don't require tube maintenance and (c) have those lovely blue meters.
I personally prefer any McIntosh amp with an autoformer, but it's based purely on aesthetics and emotions -- not on what I can hear.