McIntosh MC 275 Mark VI

Two more suggestions.  The 30 watt Atma-Spere M 30 should be considered.  While I personally find it a touch "lean" in overall balance, there is something utterly magical about the liveliness and vivid quality of output transformerless amps.  The larger M 60, perhaps used, might be in the running.  These share a similar sound to the Berning ZOTL amps, but, the Bernings I heard were quite pricey.  I have not heard the ZOTL amps that are being made by another company under license from Berrning.

Good point.  I have the McIntosh C2300 connected to a Macintosh MC-152 and they speakers are Harbeth SHL5.  While I enjoy the sound, very neutral, I never quiet get excited as much, and hence the thought of buying a MC 275. 

@drghosh Did you buy the MC275 ? I am thinking of the amp but I am confused between McIntosh Labs MC275 VI vs ZOTL 40 REFERENCE from Linear Tube Audio.  

hi mrdeclbel2, good comment!! you should write a book! LO!

@audiofile10, I never purchased the MC275, although I might at some point, need to demo it first.  I sold both the C2300 and MC-152, not a big fan of Mac preamps.  I have also owned the C220 before.  

I think the MC-152 is a good amplifier, maybe under-rated compared to its bigger bros.  

I have not heard the ZOTL 40, can't help you there, check your speakers sensitivity and look a bit in youtube and elsewhere if someone is using ZOTL40/and your speaker and what impressions they have.