Upgrade to McIntosh

I have always liked McIntosh and have had McIntosh solid state Integrated amps. I have never been a tube guy. Not necessarily because I thought solid state was better but I didn’t have the opportunity to demo separate tube preamp and amp nor the funds or space, and was concerned about the power output of tube amps.  I recently traded in my older MA 6900 for the MA352.  I was thinking that a tube preamp section was better than a ss one and then the ss power section would give me plenty of power. Plus, I have always liked the equalization knobs on McIntosh equipment.  I have been happy with it but never demoed the tube setup.  I don’t know if my aging ears could discern enough improved SQ to make the extra expense. I checked out the 225 and the C8 online. The 225 is highly favored and C8 seems to have plenty of power.  So the combo looks pretty good and I would go with the recommendations of the other commentators here with experience with tubes.

I moved from a McIntosh solid state multi-channel amp to a 275 for the front L and R speakers (Klipsch La Scala's).  The bass was MUCH better, in every way, with the 275.  I was quite pleasantly surprised!

I don’t think you can go wrong.

1. Room size - take into consideration. Could the C8 + MC275 maybe be more than you need?

2. I have not heard your Sonus bookshelf speakers but do they need that much (C8 + MC275) to drive them?

3. I have the McIntosh MA352 (driving Revel F328Be speakers) and have never been happier. While I might change other components, the MA352 & Revels are the last amp / speaker setup.

Good luck!

Not really an apples to apples comparison. The MA352 is a hybrid integrated. Tube preamp, solid-state power amp. The MC275 is a true tube amp and probably more closer to the McIntosh sound than the MA352. I owned an MA352 for a while. Wasn’t crazy about it. Found it a bit harsh in the midrange and lacking top end detail. I ended up replacing it with McIntosh separates. If you demoed the MC275 and fell in love with it, you will not likely be satisfied with the MA352.

There are many better quality products then McIntosh.

I used to sell them before they sold out to a Asian company 

and some of their products now made in China which is sad .

nice looking meters though . It’s whst inside for parts quality that count most .

for a tube amp Ayon is much better in every respect ,the transformers and chokes 

are the heart of any good tube setup Ayonuse world class Lundahl 

McIntosh nothing special . And inside Ayon uses Mundorf ,Mc maybe wima still.

Ayon machined cases , this is one very good example  sadly McIntosh  is way overpriced for what they provide do your homework. The mc275 is very respectable 

but there are much better out there I just mentioned a few items .