Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: McIntosh MC 275 Amplifier (Tube) by Michaelangello

Model:	MC 275
Category:	Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$3900
Description:	Tube amp rated 75 watts, but newer versions go up to 90 watts. Several versions of this amp dated from 60s to today.
Manufacturer URL:	McIntosh

Review by Michaelangello on February 14, 2009 at 08:10:23
IP Address: 68.204.64.177 Add Your Review
for the MC 275

Vintage MC275 Re-vamp
Although not a seasoned reviewer,Ive had the pleasure to listen to many local audio groups systems throug the years.This review is based upon the comparison's of many incedible sounding amplifiers and of coarse taken into consideration,the diferences from system set-up and room sizes. Originally this amp was sold to me from the gentlemen who engineered the landing legs of the Apollo Lem Module. Thirty eight years later,and a few conversations with Mike Samra,it was time for a parts upgrade. Mike Samra runs his own blend of PIO's, resistors, and updraded power supply parts. His selection of parts comes from many years of evaluation,not only on his own personal McIntosh equipment,but also for the piece's he has done for others. The amp in it's originall state was a great sounding piece. After the upgrade's,and burn-in period, well, quite an amazing feate of audio prowess. Simply stated,"Stunning", from top to bottom.Tubed with Vintage Blackplate 6550's,RCA and Telefunken's, this amp will take on any piece of music and imortalize it. Life in the music has some fresh blood pumping like a newborn baby. Midrange magic in every aspect.
Great vibrancy ,shadings, tones and texture's in spades. Very cool,very exciting to listen too indeed. On ethier side of each note,I can hear the breath of the instrument,very natural and true to life. Wow,Ok. Now it's time to run the bass through it's paces. Some jazz, some eletronic rock, and Kitaro. Flanked like a Marine Corp regiment; Precise and focused, period. Deep and resounding, nothing like that old girl I knew. A solid foundation wich supports the music, not beat's it to death. And finally the high's. Yes, once again(take a deep breath), fully extended and open with allot more air and detail. Although in the past, my take on top end extension was oriented towards cymball's, bells ringing ect.What I have come to understand,is that good clean extension is throughout the entire bandwidth. Truly a well balanced amp that simply honors the music presented before it.
Thank You Cory, for developing this beautifull amp, and Thank You Mr.Samra for exploiting the hidden treasure's from within. A real glowing gem, if you can find one.

Product Weakness:	Entire system has to be built around this amp,I mean everthing.
Product Strengths:	No fatigue whatsoever.Full bandwith acuracy and depth.Impact and recovery is outsanding.Cymballs take on a real image. Bass is rich and taught.Even flow of mid warmth and transparency

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: McIntosh 275
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Alan Braun Custom Mu 6900
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Modded Luxman, Rega 250 Mod,Monarchy Dac,Marantz Transport
Speakers: DIY Wave Guide Design
Cables/Interconnects: DIY
Music Used (Genre/Selections): All
Room Comments/Treatments: DIY
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): None
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	McIntosh 275
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Alan Braun Custom Mu 6900
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Modded Luxman, Rega 250 Mod,Monarchy Dac,Marantz Transport
Speakers:	DIY Wave Guide Design
Cables/Interconnects:	DIY
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	All
Room Comments/Treatments:	DIY
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	None
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner