What were the best years for McIntosh power amps...

So what speakers do you have? Have you thought about the MC7200, which has twice the power of the 7100? This amp is also direct-coupled, so you don't have the autoformers to get in the way. The 7200 might be a bit hard to find, as most guys hang onto them. I've had mine since they originally came out, and would never consider getting rid of it. My speakers are old, ADS 1590/2's, and this amp handles then quite nicely. My ears start to bleed long before this amp runs out of steam!
As to your question, the answers will be subjective at best, along with the autoformer design. I understand the newer amps are quite good, but the prices are hideous to go along with it. 

I have the Aerial 10T’s so same family of speakers. I LOVE the 1590’s! I’ll look around for the amp. Thanks!

What were the best years for McIntosh power amps

The original 275 were their best years.
Then ss with output transformers??????????????????

Cheers George

Lots of McIntosh bashing here. I’ve had Pass labs, ARC, NAD, Counterpoint, Yamaha, Marantz, Pioneer, and others. Some of these were very good (Pass) and others not so good. ARC sounded good but was unreliable as hell. 
In terms of sound quality, reliability, and holding it’s value McIntosh bested them all. IMHO.

In terms of sound quality, reliability, and holding it’s value McIntosh bested them all.

Your opinion, to me the sound quality went south, when they introduced output transformers for ss amp, which as you say made them, "at least" bomb proof.

One of the best Mac's ever made.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/91/Mcintosh-MC275-glow.jpg

Cheers George

I agree with TLONG. You might check with Audio Classics, they do have the "narrow" version, which had a 16" wide face plate. The wider version, 17.5" is harder to find. I bought the narrow version and put the wider face on it. It's been a splendid amp for me. You also have nice speakers, and the 7200 will handle it with ease. Happy hunting!

I’ve got Aerial 7t’s with a new Mc 452 and it’s a great pairing. This idea that new Mac stuff is not good is bs!

I bet you could find a demo 452 as cheap as a 7200.

This audio stuff is all very subjective and system dependent.
Listen, and buy what you like would be my advice.

Wow... thanks for the Audio Classic’s advice. I didnt know about them. I dont have too much money to spend ... I am in the Parasound A21 budget at the moment but could wait and save for the 7200... The first good stereo I ever heard as a young teenager was at Andrews AFB and it was a Mac system. That system changed my life... I have the C-41 pre so maybe I should sell some more of my music gear and finish this... since Andrews I have always wanted a Mac system... my wife is handicapped so I cant work anymore so a bit of patience will pay off and I can click that off the bucket list.

Well.... I just bought a A21+.

so much for the bucket list. Lol

new... warranty... killer amp.