Looking for a McIntosh amp that gives a great example of the “McIntosh Sound”


What is a good vintage or newer amp that has that “McIntosh sound” everyone loves.  My budget is $3k and I want to stay solid state.  I don’t want to debate McIntosh, I am looking specifically for McIntosh.  The amp will be powering JM Lab Mini Utopias.

128x128justinrphillips

Probably a bit beyond your budget, but a MC452 is I think, the best SS bet from the last 10 years. Whether or not it represents the "McIntosh sound" you seek is a subject for debate.

I have a McIntosh integrated amplifier , but other than an early 1960s amp/preamp, I’m not sure of what sound is considered a McIntosh sound.

Wait a second, isn't there a newer ~100wpc model that comes in around 3k? the 152? I thought I saw one - typical physical size, two meters, two knobs, no nonsense. I think they also now have ClassD, I'd be inclined to check that, but maybe not yet percolated down into the used market.