Mcintosh MAC7200 or Hegel H390 for a new pair of Kef R7 META

As a Hegel H390 owner driving some Vandersteen Treo CTs, I can only say the sound is much more neutral than any Mcintosh I've heard (which IMO usually much warmer). The Hegel h390 is 250 wpc and also has a damping factor of 4,000 (that's not a misprint) vs. the McIntosh damping factor of "greater than 40." If you have a chance to do an A/B comparison at some place, I'd certainly do it. While I agree McIntosh may hold it's resale value more today, the Hegel hasn't had that many years to establish it's reputation in the USA. Bottom line, though, is whatever sounds the best to you.

@aphilc I've heard the H390 and it sounds great, but the Mcintosh has a signature sound thats hard to beat. 

They are both overkill for any of the R series speakers! I have an H390 and it sounds great on my KEF Reference 5’s, The Hegel is $6k and the Mac is $8k.  Why did you pick these to power $2.5k speakers? 
The “rule of thumb” that I grew up with is the speakers should cost twice what your amp does. Obviously, nothing is cut in stone, but.

Oh and if you like the Hegel sound, you can get a used H190 for about $3k.

 let us all know whatever you decide.
 

I totally disagree with McIntosh option unless you are so used to McIntosh sound. Hegel 360 is one of the best amp for the price. Absolutely fantastic, neutral, coherent, does not color, excellent separation, and immense base control. McIntosh can’t give you any of these. It will give you a nicer retro look and two blue meters. As an H590 owner. I strongly recommend Hegel.

@mrbanker32   Comparing McIntosh to Hegel is an insult to the legacy of McIntosh. Buy the best MAC amp for your KEF R7 Meta even if it means waiting/saving in the short term, you will be rewarded. The MA 12000 Integrated is the sweet spot of all McIntosh amplifiers. Don’t let the outdated notion of over spending on electronics for speakers curtail you. Remember watts are cheap quality is not!