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

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.  

i

Ma352 integrated 

For half the year I get by with a heavily modified 1961 M240… which i witnessed coming in the door circa 1965…

In solid state, i like the MC202… won’t require back surgery or a boy Friday to move…. get the rice grain to led upgrade and as others said… many but not all roads lead to Audio Classics…

@tomic601 

A big +1 for Audio Classics and a special shout out for Derek. :)