Guess I'll jump in a tad here. Long ago, in the time of tiny audio journals, Denon direct drive TT's, Sheffield Labs... I found a good, knowledgeable McIntosh dealer. My mistake was buying 70's solid state, tho a big sonic jump from the 110w/per Pioneer receiver. After a few years, it did sell wonderfully well. McIntosh flew under the radar until the 1990's when the journals began to review and like the newer solid state products. One must keep audio history in mind here. Matching up gear was in its infancy before the web illumined our hobby. For example, my big mid- 70's McIntosh MC2200 amp at 250W per was no match for large panel Acoustat 2 + 2's, nor big Maggies, Apogees, and other difficult, low impedance loads of the day. I strongly suspect this contributed greatly to McIntosh falling out of favor with the reviewers. My more recent experiences with McIntosh have been with the POST ANNIVERSARY MC275 tube amplifier. I've had occasion to hear this amp on Thiel 3.7's, a smaller 2 way Joseph floor-stander and some Magico S3's (the less dry newer design.)
One day, I can see myself fading into a musical sunset with an MC275...a pair of appropriate Harbeths...source be damned!! :)) More peace! Pinthrift
One day, I can see myself fading into a musical sunset with an MC275...a pair of appropriate Harbeths...source be damned!! :)) More peace! Pinthrift