McIntosh Integrated

keep the joule, and get an mc275mk 3 or 4.

Does the 2275 come with KT88 or 6550? Is their a preference for one tube over the other?

It comes with KT88's; I have 6550's I received from McIntosh, their KT88's are better. As for tube rolling, search the archives...it has been stated by others to change the (little) preamp tubes first.

I thought this might be helpful to others...I have a MA 6900 on home demo right now from my local dealer. I've always been curious about Mac & my dealer was kind enough to indulge me. Granted my speakers, Coincident Partial Eclipse 2's are ideal for tubes, I've also heard they are excellent w/SS. I could live without retubing, biasing, etc. The bottom line is....the Cary SLI-80 is head & shoulders better everywhere except bass which is more pronounced & defined on the Mac, which should be given, it's 200wpc. I was expecting & hoping for more, but the Mac just lacks the magic of the Cary. All IMO, of course, given my setup, room, etc.

I have owned 6450, 6500, and 6900. All are excellent. I now use the C220 preamp & MC275 IV. Even though there is less power, a tube warm up period, it has been my biggest improvement by far!

Sure, tubes rule!! I have had all manner of SS amps and none of them compare to my McIntosh MC240.

Arthur