Music Reference RM 200 vs. Mcintosh 275 amp

For what it's worth, I used to have an RM-9. I had a few problems with the biasing circuit components (esp. pots) and Roger assisted me in fixing them myself, talking me through the procedures, giving upgrade advice, and explaining everything (and I do mean everything!) to me in the friendliest manner. I know that, like all-too-many brilliant designers in this field, he can be eccentric, arrogant, and close-minded. But in my experience he was always polite and extremely helpful and forthcoming.
By the way, for me, at any rate, it was seldom a problem getting 'hold of him by phone. I do believe it helps if you appear to understand something about the subject and have a little experience.
Lastly, the sound of the RM-9 left little to complain about. The only reason I got rid of it was a need to use class A ss amps on my Shahinians.

Add me to the list of those owning and loving a couple of Music Reference amps and having nothing but the best experience dealing with Roger.

Wes,
Bbloom's post is 100% right on. The RM 200 is a good amp when working. But should something go wrong, Roger is very difficult to reach and even more difficult to deal with.

Wes,
Bbloom's post is 100% right on. They RM 200 is a good amp when working. But should something go wrong, Roger is very difficult to reach and even more difficult to deal with.

I have demo'd the McIntosh and thought it sounded very good. Very warm, great mid-range. Obviously, it is "colored", but in a way that is very enjoyable. It is an amp that will maintain some value (esp. if bought used), so there isn't much risk in trying one in your system. I would have bought one but don't have adequate space or ventilation.

I have never heard an RM-200, but was very interested in buying one and did a lot of research. It is relatively light, generates a fair amount of power, and supposedly does not get very hot. But in another thread in Audiogon, those who had heard it said the RM-200 sounds a bit more like a solid state amp than a tube amp, and recommended buying a used Moscode 401HR over the Music Reference. (Both are in fact hybrid amps, not pure tube amps.) A dealer who carries the Music Reference echoed the comment about the solid-state sound sig of the Music Reference.

As far as Roger Modjeski, he seems like a great designer and a nice guy. However, he seems to be a one-man show, so if he goes out of business you may have trouble getting the amp serviced and resale values will fall. Additionally, I found Roger to be difficult to reach by phone. It seems like 4 out of every 5 phone calls go straight to an answering machine. That ultimately discouraged me from buying his amp.

I have owned an RM10, RM9 and RM9 SE and I would say Roger consistently makes some of finest sounding and most reliable amplifiers on the market. He is a pleasure to deal with, but it is true that he is basically a one-man (or two) operation and does not have the support network of Mac. Frankly I think both amps should make you happy, the 275 sounds might fine.

I can't offer any opinion on the comparison as I've never heard the McIntosh but I am a very happy owner of both a Music Reference RM-200 and RM-10.

I found Blbloom's comment unusual in that my experience Roger has always been a pleasure to deal with, I do however agree with his assessment of the RM-200.

Wes

Two great sounding amps. Go with the Mcintosh. Great customer service and you will not have to deal with Roger Modjeski.