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

MC275 a classic and great sounding can add an extra and run two mono blocks, best resale of most McIntosh gear

Is the McIntosh sound known for SS, tubes, or both?

Is the McIntosh sound known for preamp, amp, or both?

My audio purchase decisions are usually based the latest reviews and McIntosh hasn’t come to my attention as cutting edge or a sonic bargain.  However, I’m curious about the McIntosh’s company longevity with loyal fans.  

I recommend the Mc152 which I’ve owned for about 8 years. It definitely has the McIntosh house sound: smooth, good sound stage depth and width, nice imaging, a touch of warmth and always listenable even with a mediocre recording. It sounds very much like my mc402.

I personally have found that the Hegel preamps do better with these Mac power amps than the Mac C47.

I add that the newer quad balanced amps (from 2004 or so) in my view are superior to the 30+ old vintage  ones, which could sound a touch muddy. I owned a 2505. Obosolete.

I've had a dozen McIntosh amps.  I kept the MC152 and MC240.  Even the MC452 wasn't as good as the MC152 - the 152 is really special.  But, if you want the classic McIntosh sound, I don't recommend the ThermalTrak BJT output transistor amps, which includes everything available today going back to the MC402/MA6300 I believe.  The MC352 has the old transistor topology that has that warm creamy sound, but the MC202 sounds even better.  The ThermalTraks have much more of the modern hifi sound than the older amps.  Downside of the MC352/MC202 is that their front panel still uses troublesome bulbs instead of LEDs.

The newer macs do not have the old sound.  They still sound awesome but are more detailed and less bass warmth as witnessed by my MC312.  

The mc252 has the old sound, probably others but that one i can confirm.  

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