McIntosh Guy Going Tubes? (Maybe?)

If I were going to go to tubes I would trade in my MC452 and get the MC275. I doubt I will any time soon, because I like my 452. I’ve had tubes before (ARC) and they are great, but solid state tends to be more reliable and I like that. If you can, borrow a 275 from a Mac dealer and try it. It will sound different, and only you can decide if it floats your boat. Generally speaking, the tube amp will probably have a smoother top end and warmer, more refined midrange. Probably not as much bass, and won’t play as loud. Kinda depends on your speakers, I’m not familiar with yours. I would rather have your 601s, but that’s just me.

tlong1958,
One of my audio buddies swapped out his MC452 for one MC275 and found (for him) it didn't have enough "horsepower".  He purchased a second MC275, running them each as a "monoblock" and that put a smile on his face.  Being retired and using his system several hours per day, he's now complaining about the cost of replacing tubes on the MC275s.  One thing to think about, when going to a tube power amp.

I had an MC275 VI with a C1100 and found the match really wonderful.  The C1100 is dead quiet and cast a wonderful soundstage.  If you have the budget, don't need the built-in DAC and have space for a two box setup, I highly recommend an audition. 

Not sure if the MC30s have enough horsepower , but obviously nobody posting here has heard them . I could be wrong, But anyone who has heard them should understand . They sound much better than any of the other candidates mentioned especially the MC275 Go check out he Steve Hoffman forums
http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/
or Jeff days forums at Jeff's Place 
http://jeffsplace.me/wordpress/

McIntosh SS gear sounds warm, you sure you want to go warmer? If you go to tube amps, you are giving up a lot now and in the future. The tube amps you are looking at are not as powerful as your current amps. The 275’s might be fine with your current speakers but what happens down the line you get a set of inefficient speakers, you will miss your powerful SS amps. Another plus for SS amps is that you get better bass, more solid tighter bass. A good idea could be to team up a tube preamp with your SS amp. Just IMO!