I have been on a long search for a solid state amp I could live with, and bought (used) ML 27.5, Ayre V5xe, Pass x-250, Nuforce, and other top contenders to replace my ARC VT-200 and VT 100 mk3 in the summer months. None of the solid state amps could compete, UNTIL I bought an MC402 Mac amp. It is definitely the finest amp I have heard, in musicality, detail, transparency, nuance, etc. I am using it with my Ref 3 into Quads, Thiels, or Magnepans. I had always considered McIntosh to be boutique gear for folks with money but no ears. But I had never really listened to it. I did try the Mc 275 tubed piece, and did not feel it was any better than my ARC amps, but the 402 is better in every way. It literally rocked my known audio world! I mean, transformer coupled transistors? You bet it works! Try a 402 at home and see what you think.
