McIntosh MC 275 Mk IV or V with Harbeth M-40.1?


I've had my Plinius SA-102 for longer than any previous amp (almost 3 years) and have been very satisfied with it's reliability, musicality and build quality, but I'm very intrigued with finally trying a classic tube amp.

I listen to classical, jazz, vocals & acoustic rock at moderate volume levels, so I'm thinking the 75 WPC of the McIntosh MC 275 (mk IV or V) would work fine in my 15' x 21' x 7' basement set up. The Harbeth M-40.1's sensitivity is 85dB/W/m, 6 ohm nominal. Suggested amplification: >50W (Stereophile's review of the M-40.1's noted excellent success when driven by a 35wpc Shindo push-pull amp)

I've researched other tube amps from Rogue (M120's & 150's), VTL (ST-150), Manley (Snappers), Cary (120S), Audio Research (VT-100 MK III) and Quicksilver (V-4's). Ultimately I'm leaning heavily towards the Mac MC 275 (Mk IV or V) due to its not being a monoblock, it's a classic unit with excellent build quality and good resale value, and it's known to be reliable and is easy to bias.

Preamp is an Aesthetix Calypso with NOS tubes and my sources are digital and FM.

Comments from those experienced with later model McIntosh MC 275 and/or Harbeth M-40.1's would be appreciated.

Thanks - Paul

128x128pdreher
I have a (2) MkV (Mac 275) along with the Aesthetix Calypso. The combination of both is quite good. I have two Mac 275's and they are used in mono. However, I had also used one on my system with very good results.
The Mac is a bit dryer then the Aesthetix and therefore they complement each other. My 2 cents!

Rick
(RWD)
Rick - are you using stock tubes in the Mac 275... and if not, which ones are the most critical to replace as far as sound quality goes? I use select NOS tubes in my Calypso and the difference is night & day.