The McIntosh MC275 has always held a distinguished place in audio history since its introduction in 1961. When it first came out, it (along with the Marantz Model 9) was widely hailed as the benchmark against which all other power amps (tube or solid-state) would be measured against in terms of sonics and long-term reliability. Amplifier clinics (which used to be hosted by McIntosh dealers) confirmed the company's claims that it was rare for any of these babies to fail to meet its rated specs or to break down. In addition to admiring audio mags and the legion of satisfied owners, Mac tube amps (the MC275 and other models) were also used by professionals in recording studio and film theater applications. In fact, NASA is known to have used an industrial version of the MC3000 (a 300 watt monoblock tube amp) during some of their space missions in the 1970s.

But time marches on. McIntosh got out of the tube amp business in the early 1970s and production of all their tube models (including the MC275) came to a halt. In the meantime, well-maintained Mac tube amps became highly-prized collectibles, especially among Asian audiophiles. When the demand for tube amps revived in the early 1990s, McIntosh decided to cash in by marketing a Commemorative Edition MC275. It is this amp that will the subject of review.

The reissue MC275 looks basically identical to its original counterpart as far as cosmetics, functions, and features are concerned. There's the thick, heavy base with the familiar "McIntosh" logo in old English style lettering. There are the 3 massive transformers in the back, fronted by the four 6550/KT-88 output tubes as well as the smaller input and driver tubes. Like the original, the reissue has no on/off switch. The amp powers on the moment you plug it in, an implication that the designers expected most users to plug it into a switched outlet. There are also the volume knobs for each of the two unbalanced (RCA) input plugs. (This feature might come in handy if you want to hook up a CD player directly into the MC275 and skip the preamplifier.) While the terminal strip allows for connecting to 4, 8, or 16 ohm loudspeakers, the individual connection screws are in such narrow spaces that you will find it very difficult (if not impossible) to use speaker cables with large spade lugs. Of course, the MC275 was originally designed back in the days when everyone used conventional lampcord as cables. Times have changed, of course, but McIntosh decided to retain this feature on the newer MC275s.

So what is different about the reissue? For starters, there is the commemorative name-plate next to the McIntosh logo, honoring Gordon J. Gow, the company's former president. The new amp also allows for balanced (XLR) input connection, although the volume level for those plugs are set, unlike the already mentioned RCA plugs.

The MC275 weights about 70 lbs. This isn't a whole lot in terms of sheer weight, but the absence of carrying handles and the fact that most of it's weight is concentrated on one side (where the transformers reside) makes it difficult for one person to haul it around.

Once you place the amp where you want it, set-up is a breeze. Each of the tube locations are clearly marked. The output tube biasing is automatically done, which means you don't need to have a screwdriver and voltmeter. Once you hook up your speakers to the ideal ohm setting, that's it. Listen and enjoy. When it comes to tube amps, it doesn't get any easier than this. (And believe me, I've wrestled with many other tube amps from the likes of Audio Research and Conrad-Johnson where an understanding of schematics is necessary to get the amp up-and-running.) Don't worry about defective output tubes damaging your amp. Over the 4 years I have had my MC275, there were two occasions where an output tube blew. In both cases, all I needed to replace was a fuse and the rest of the amp was protected. Wish I could say the same about an Audio Research amp I had, where a resistor got fried and a regulator had to be replaced when a tube blew.

What kind of sound do you get for the $4000 or so that a new-in-the-box MC275 reissue typically goes for? With a Rega Planet CD player, Audio Research SP-11 preamp, and Paradigm Reference Studio 100 speakers, the MC275 possesses a surprising amount of punch for what you might expect from a 75 wpc stereo tube amp. The amp never fails to deliver with the thunderous electric bass and the percussion slam that is recorded on Nirvana's "In Utero." At the same time, it is nimble and delicate enough to reveal the subtleties of a string bass in a jazz ensemble. Granted, the MC275 isn't the kind of amp that would be ideal for a frat party. But in terms of moderate volume levels, you can play your favorite Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath albums without any yearnings for a high-powered solid-state behemoth. At the same time, you will enjoy the traditional strengths of tube amps, such as the breathtaking rendering of string and woodwind instruments, as well as the feeling of soundstage depth.

The reissue MC275 does not present an overly dark and laid-back presentation like some tube components are prone to. When compared to a modern solid-state power amp like my NAD 218THX, it is slightly on the mellower side. But I must emphasize the term "slightly." While there may never be a system on this planet that is perfectly neutral and transparent, the key for me is that when it comes to the MC275, any thoughts or concerns I have about tonal neutrality goes out the window. I'm simply overwhelmed with how well the amp delivers on its strengths. I can't detect any sluggishness in the low frequencies. Sometimes, I can sense a slight (there's that word again) loss in top-end air and detail in the higher frequencies, but this only occurs in audiophile quality recordings which are of extraordinary quality. On many commercial recordings of lesser quality, there's nothing my SS NAD reveals that the Mac misses the boat on.

Is there anything not to like about the MC275? Well, besides the difficulty in handling this amp and the narrow terminal strip spacing I already talked about, the only other nit I have deals with the chrome face-plate upon which the tubes and transformers sit. While it is beautiful when you first look at it, it does need to be polished in order to maintain it's appearance. Also, if you live in an area with a lot of salt air or traffic dust, then the face-plate may be prone to light rust and corrosion. It's nothing that an occasional wiping of anti-oxidizing chrome polish won't take care of, though. Perhaps it's just as well. As beautiful as it sounds, it would really be a shame for an owner to let this amp become covered with dust and grime on a system rack. Like a 1960s Eldorado convertible, the McIntosh MC275 is a visual delight that deserves to be fussed over and showcased to admiring visitors.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 4000