Tempted to buy a Macintosh

Mac made their rep with their tube gear. The Mac C22 preamp is terrific. The Mac 275 amp was the Gold Standard. *Was* is the operative watch word. It’s still a great amp. There are those who see the VTA ST-120 as a Mac 275 killer.

https://www.audioasylum.com/messages/amp/193985/review-vta-m-125-amp-kit-amplifier-tube

There are two ways to look at Mac tube gear. It’s very good, but overpriced for the sound you get from it. That being said, properly cared for, it will never lose value, but will in fact appreciate over time.

VTA tube gear is MUCH less costly and in the views of many, BETTER sounding. But it very rarely comes up for sale used, so you have to buy it new - either in kit form or preassembled and tested. So anything VTA piece you get will have a lower resale value.

A Mac 275 will run you about $5000 or so. That’s also about the going price for a C22 preamp. But the top-line VTA phono preamp, line stage preamp and 60 wpc ST-120 power amp, preassembled and tested, altogether price out at about $4200. You can save about $1000 off that price if you build the kit versions.

http://tubes4hifi.com

You use SET amps now, with max power of 18wpc.   How much power do you want from an upgrade ?    You have a Triode TRV 2a3 amp.  Have you considered moving up in the Triode line ?   Triode TRV-845SE is an 845 integrated that can deliver about 25wpc.  The offer a new parallel 300b amp that is rated for 22wpc.  The also a few amps using EL34 and KT88 tubes, for more power.

Given your tastes and setup, I would recommend vintage MAC equipment.  With $3000 you should be able to find a pr of Mc30 monoblocks, MC225 or MC240 stereo amps; all having been serviced.

All have level controls so you can connect a source component directly to the amp (or through a passive preamp).

I have experience with many MAC tube amps (currently use restored MC225 and MC240), and SS amps (6100 / 6200 / 2100 / 2105 / 250 / 2505). Many extol the virtues of the MC275.  It is a good amp, but the lower powered Mac amps sound better.   

A sideways recommendation would be a restored Eico HF81.  This is a 6bq5 based integrated amplifier.  It will deliver about 15 wpc.  I have a restored unit (ALL new caps, resistors, wiring etc).  It sounds sublime within its limits.   You may also investigate restored vintage Fisher, Scott, Sherwood integrated amplifiers.  Key is to be sure any unit has been carefully restored by a competent tech with a good reputation.

Vintage MAC holds value, as do the other vintage units I mentioned.   All will probably continue to appreciate in value over time.   Benefit here is if you don't like what you hear, you can resell for what you paid or even a little more.  Your only cost is time !    How rare is that in this hobby ?

I have the Almarro 318b and several other including Shindo, Trafomatic, etc.
If your speakers are high efficiency and staying, I would look into McIntosh MC30 or 40 or the 225 stern amp fully restored.
I also own the 225 and the MC 30 and happy with them. 

I can speak from personal experience about the MA252; I bought mine about a year and a half ago. I'm using it with a PS Audio DirectStream DAC, Roon Nucleus and Harbeth C7ES3 speakers. It sounds wonderful and I can't see myself ever parting with it. Totally recommended!

You should demo the MC-152. Has all the newer Mc features. Easily obtains the stated 150 wpc and has great headroom. One of the most “musical” sounding of all Mc amps. I paired with a C47 pre in my office rig. Great combo.