McIntosh MC275 vs MC1502


Auditioned the two in my home system, albeit not side by side. MC275 is a demo from a local dealer, and it sounded warmer than MC1502, with more prominent lower end middle. In some pieces, eg jazz, piano sounded velvety, even oily at times.

MC1502 sounded more like SS amp - very prominent top middle, a bit wider stage and separation, more power, but surprisingly no more bass than in MC275. This piece is used without any knowledge of its history. I heard a bit of tube noise from one of the channels immediately after I turned it on. 

Have anybody heard the same sound impressions, or there is an issue with the MC1502?

I connected both directly from Aurender A15, also paired MC275 with C49; driving Sonus Faber Sonettos VIII. 

evernv