Looking for a McIntosh amp that gives a great example of the “McIntosh Sound”

@stereo5 Actually up here in Vermont there was only one shop that sold McIntosh (before they closed shop).  I was there speaker shopping and I went to listen to a pair of Dynaudios and they were being powered by a MC275 as I remember, and a pre I don't recall.

In my Boston life I visited Tweeter and Audio Lab and another shop in Cambridge but just don't recall hearing any Macs.  

Even though we have never met, I have read a thousand of your posts over the years, and am wishing you the best news later in the week, my friend.  

@jetter,

Thank you for the kind words.  I read all of your posts as well.  I am holding my breath waiting for the results, the wait is intolerable.

In addition to my McIntosh headphone amp, I have two McIntosh amps in my main system — an MC 8207 (solid state) and a MC 275 (tubes).  I”ll bet that any McIntosh amp you acquire, in good shape, will make you happy.  I would look for the best deal you can find within your budget and go for it, provided your speakers have efficiency that matches its output.  Just FYI, I have very efficient speakers, I listen to music at about 80 dB, and most everything draws less than 5 watts!  Enjoy!

As a retired Mac dealer, I had the priviege of having a pretty big "toy box" of Mac gear to play with.  My current set up consists of C47/MC152.  If you're able/willing to stretch the budget a tad for a good used piece, the MC352 will provide 3db more headroom which is quite audible during demanding passages.  I've heard these 2 amps (and, others) in the same room with the same system and the MC352 is very special.  But, don't feel like you're settling for 2nd best with the MC152.  You'll get the "Mac sound" you're looking for in a smaller, lower cost, and more physcally manageable package.

Good to see die hard mcintosh fans. I own a mcintosh mc402 solid state power amp and a c2600 tube preamp. Mcintosh equipment is built for life otherwise it will last a hell of a long time. Although I have other equipment that to my ears sound cleaner and more detailed. Example my parasound hca 3500 with a parasound p6 preamp. I also have a audio research sp-3 with a krell fbb-300 that destroyed ever piece of audio I have musical wise. Do I believe my other Audio equipment will outlast my mcintosh hell no!!!. Regardless what piece of audio equipment I own or will ever own in the future. It’s all about ( my ears ) . What sounds the best to my ears. Will I ever sell my mcintosh gear hell no. The build quality is second to none. I know I got my money worth with mcintosh gear