Classic McIntosh tube amp or new other brand

IMHO there is probably good value to be had at almost any price point. When I started looking for an amp for my primary system, Luxman was one of my preferences; I really like their SS class A amps but they don't work budget-wise. So I listened to their relatively new MQ-88, a class A 40-watt stereo tube amp and that did it for me - completely. Beautiful amp, built like a tank, and a sonic marvel - everything I love in a tube amp, but it somehow also presents the best attributes of a high end SS amp. The only thing I auditioned and liked a little more were some great Shindo monoblocks, but they were quite costly and I felt that the real sonic value was to be had with the MQ-88. It continues to astound me!

Try a Cary pre with cary. I use the cheapest one ever a AE-3 originaly $550 but $300 used> Ae is a sub brand made by Cary that they DC'ed due to canabalizing the parent brand I suspect. It uses only two tubes there are a few around still. The remote and the upgrade will cost a lot more but under $1K loaded new (Upscale had some). Ckeck out Audio advisor demos . That can drive it an 88 .
The Quicksilvers are remarkable bargains I can't argue with that So if you like em.
BTW The Cary of choice is the big V12 with either 100 per side AB or 50 triode user selects.

McIntosh and Luxman are the way to go. Often compared to Leica cameras and vintage cars. I like the 275; my father had one for three decades. Probably the last amp you will need.

why not get a modern McIntosh tube amp? The MC275 is an excellent tube amp and can often be found here on the 'gon used all day long. I have one I purchased from audio classics and cant be any happier. You get the mac tube sound coupled with modern internal components, high quality RCA's or balanced connectors, and modern speaker binding posts (on the MKV version). Vintage MCtube amps come with their set of issues, so unless you want to invest a lot of money to bring it up to spec and possibly retube the thing, you may want to look for something newer.

Here is your chance to snag the Luxman MQ-88 that I previously suggested, and at a bargain price!

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1257869963&/Luxman-MQ88-demo-with-warranty