McIntosh SS Amps - Old vs New - Sonics

I can't speak from experience of direct comparison. But if we eliminate the 252 from your list of the newer models. The 352 and 402 have a "double balanced push-pull" output on the 352 that Mcintosh renamed "quad differntial" of the 402. This is said to reduce the noise floor. I own both a 352 and 7205. There I have really noticed the difference between the autoformer output and the non-autoformer. And how much of the differnce is due the "double balanced push pull" circuit. I would speculate that the differences between the 2205/2200 and the current models would definite improvement due what ever technology McIntosh Labs have developed since those were new models. I am sure that I will be upgrading someday as well.

The 2200 and 2205 are at least 25 years old now. Their caps probably need to be replaced and device technology has moved forward since those days. Just due to these two points, the newer Mcs will sound better (i.e. more transparent). I used to have a 2125 and it didn't sound nearly as good as my 7200. I am not yet convinced that autoformers are the end all but the 402 sounds absolutely incredible.

Arthur

I recently heard the 402 and (being a tube guy myself) it sounded darn good and I can not believe the old stuff can touch it in any way - though I did not compare it to any of their old gear.