Conrad Johnson vs. McIntosh Tube Gear

It is true the McIntosh aren't exactly lush. They are too accurate for that. But on the other hand, they are never dry like CJ can be - and to me, that makes all the difference. I had an MV55 and PV10a and they didn't hold a candle to my MC240 and C42. The latter combo has no dryness whatsoever and all the sound is utterly beautiful. The CJs could sound grainy if the recording had the slightest inclination.

It will depend on what direction you are coming from. If you have inexpensive SS amps now, the 275+2200 may seem lush to you. If you are coming from SET amps, they may seem like pure hifi.

I have since heard the MV60SE and PV15. Better than what I had but still no cigar IMO. The soundstage just isn't all that developed and ambience isn't adequately reproduced. This is based on an audition so take this with a grain of salt but I could recognize that CJ dryness was still there, though less so.

I would get the McIntosh. I find them way prettier and based on your desires, I would say is the better choice hands down. The 2200 is a fantastic preamp and will have more lushness than the C200. No doubt about that. Besides, you can tailor the sound of these amps quite a bit with different tubes to match your tastes. Their accuracy will allow you to do that with great precision.

Arthur

I'd look at Cary, Manley or even ASL. You don't need tons of power, 7-40 watts is plenty with 96db.

Both Mac and CJ are too dry for my tastes.

I have had just the opposite experience as Arthur. All the CJ equipment I have heard has been very musical (cj's forte). While the Mac stuff has been rather ho-hum. I guess to each his own and everybody has different tastes in what they like. A dealer near me sells both so I have the oppurtunity to hear them side by side on several occasions.

Chuck

I bought a new MC275 to drive my Gallo Ref 3.1 (88dB efficiency). This is not at all a "lush" amp. It is quick and lively. It mates very well with the Gallos, so much so that I bought a companion C220 preamp based on the experience. This is my first McIntosh gear and I am very, very impressed with it.

I initiated this thread and sincerely appreciate the advice of my fellow enthusiasts. My current electronics are Quicksilver Triode monoblocks (6C33C version) controlled by the Quicksilver line stage preamp. I am very happy with the sound of this gear especially after replacing the factory tubes with vintage Telefunkens and Mullards but perhaps it is simply time for a change and I am looking for something less accurate and more romantic sounding. Is there other gear (Cary, VTL, Manley, etc) that is in the $6-9000 range more suited to my goal? If a good 300B based amp would drive my Ambience Reference 1600s I'd be so inclined but I frankly don't think they have enough power. Thanks again.