Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Considered one of the greatest tube amplifiers ever made and the greatest from McIntosh
- Signal-to-noise ratio has improved significantly over previous generations, taking the noise below audibility
- The unity-coupled circuit ensures full amplifier power, regardless of speaker impedance
- Gorgeous design that serves as a piece of artwork in any room
- Produces natural and realistic transients without exaggerated 'speed'
Product Considerations
- Parts availability and supply may cause a significant wait time after ordering
- Driving the KT88 tubes hard might shorten their life expectancy
- The screw tags for the speaker connections are not ideal
- Can sound fractionally undernourished on really big material
- Equipment matching is important
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs McIntosh MC240: The MC275 is more about a bit of everything else, while the MC240 is more about midrange
- Vs McIntosh MC275MK4: The MK6 mid is a bit rounder and polished
- Vs Pass Labs X150.8: Pass Labs was slightly better in impact, but the Mac was by no means left at the post
Takeaway: The MC275 is a legendary amplifier with a gorgeous design and improved technology. It produces beautiful music reproduction with a great soundstage and instrument separation, making it a very enjoyable listening experience.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
MC275
reviews
[{"title":"McIntosh MC275 VI Power Amplifier and C22 Preamplifier","link":"https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/mcintosh-mc275-vi-power-amplifier-and-c22-preamplifier","source":"The Absolute Sound","datePublished":"2016"},{"title":"McIntosh MC275 power amplifier","link":"https://www.stereophile.com/tubepoweramps/mcintosh_mc275_power_amplifier/index.html","source":"Stereophile","datePublished":"2010"},{"title":"McIntosh MC 275 Power Amp Reviewed","link":"https://hometheaterreview.com/mcintosh-mc-275-power-amp-reviewed","source":"Home Theater Review","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"McIntosh MC275 Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVxP1IAtbNw","source":"Xtend Technologies","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"What is the BIG deal with the Mcintosh MC275 tube amplifier MK6?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SoeVyh-MmM","source":"Thomas & Stereo","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"McIntosh MC275 Introduction Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-jtYzglsLk","source":"Clint the Audio Guy","datePublished":"2023"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- FTC Power Output Rating: 75 W
- Power Output per Channel: 75 W into 4, 8 or 16 ohms
- Number of Channels: 2
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.5% maximum harmonic distortion at any power level from 250 milliwatts to rated power, 20Hz to 20kHz
- S/N below rated output: 105dB
- Dynamic Headroom: 1.2dB
- Damping Factor: >22
- Rated Power Band: 20Hz to 20kHz
- Frequency Response: +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz; +0, -3.0dB from 10Hz to 100kHz
- Unit Dimensions (W x H x D): 16-1/2" (41.9cm) x 8-1/2" (21.6cm) x 12" (30.5cm)
- Unit Weight: 67 lbs (30.5 kg)
- Shipping Weight: 75 lbs (34.1 kg)
Description
Upon its initial release in 1961, the MC275 Vacuum Tube Amplifier became an instant favorite due to its ability to drive the power-hungry speakers of that time period with great power at low distortion levels. However, as transistors emerged and vacuum tubes became 'old technology,' the MC275 was discontinued in 1971.
The MC275 can be used in either stereo or mono mode. When used as a stereo amplifier, it will deliver 75 Watts per channel to 4, 8 or 16 Ohm speakers; in mono mode it will output 150 Watts to a single speaker with an impedance of 2, 4 or 8 Ohms. The MC275's full power can be delivered regardless of the speaker impedance thanks to our patented Unity Coupled Circuit output transformer technology – the same technology McIntosh was founded on in 1949.
The two Unity Coupled Circuit output transformers are located next to the power transformer. Four KT88 vacuum tubes power the output section while four 12AT7 and three 12AX7A smaller vacuum tubes are used for the Input, Voltage, and Driver amps.
The MC275 offers both balanced and unbalanced inputs to connect to your preamplifier and home audio system. It comes with our fuse-less Sentry Monitor™ short-circuit protection that disengages the output stage before current exceeds safe operating levels and then resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal. Our patented gold-plated Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts assure the best connection to all speaker cables.
The two Unity Coupled Circuit output transformers are located next to the power transformer. Four KT88 vacuum tubes power the output section while four 12AT7 and three 12AX7A smaller vacuum tubes are used for the Input, Voltage, and Driver amps.
The MC275 offers both balanced and unbalanced inputs to connect to your preamplifier and home audio system. It comes with our fuse-less Sentry Monitor™ short-circuit protection that disengages the output stage before current exceeds safe operating levels and then resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal. Our patented gold-plated Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts assure the best connection to all speaker cables.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- McIntosh products blend classic, retro aesthetics, reminiscent of their 1970s designs, with modern materials and cutting-edge internal components, offering a unique visual appeal.
- The brand's amplifiers are known for their substantial power output, often exceeding specifications, and their ability to drive a wide range of speakers across varying impedance levels due to their unique Autoformer technology.
- McIntosh offers a high degree of customization and control through features like multi-band equalizers, adjustable input sensitivity, and advanced settings accessible via dedicated apps or web interfaces.
- They distinguish themselves with a focus on long-term reliability and customer satisfaction, with products built to last for decades and supported by a dedicated dealer network.
Select products
Select product comparisons
MHT300
- Positioning: Positioned as a versatile home theater receiver in McIntosh's lineup, suitable for custom installations or standalone display.
- Description: Supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video, making it ideal for modern home theaters. Unlike other McIntosh products, it offers 7.2 channel audio with expandability to 7.2.4, providing flexibility for future upgrades. This makes it perfect for users looking to integrate advanced video capabilities and immersive audio in a custom home theater setup.
MHA200
- Positioning: A compact, high-quality headphone amplifier designed for personal audio enthusiasts.
- Description: Uses vacuum tube amplification, delivering a warm and detailed sound that is distinct from solid-state amplifiers like the MC462. Its compact size and multiple impedance settings make it versatile for various headphone types.
MC462
- Positioning: A powerful stereo amplifier, offering robust performance for high-end home audio systems.
- Description: Features a Quad Balanced design with McIntosh Autoformers, providing 450 Watts per channel with low distortion. Compared to the MC1502, it offers a solid-state solution with increased dynamic headroom.
MC1502
- Positioning: A high-power vacuum tube amplifier, ideal for audiophiles seeking classic tube sound.
- Description: Delivers 150 Watts per channel using vacuum tubes, offering a rich, warm sound that contrasts with the solid-state clarity of the MC462. Its Unity Coupled Circuit ensures consistent performance across various speaker impedances.
MC901
- Positioning: A unique dual mono amplifier, combining both vacuum tube and solid-state technologies.
- Description: Integrates a 300 Watt vacuum tube amplifier with a 600 Watt solid-state amplifier, providing the best of both worlds for bi-amping loudspeakers. This hybrid approach is unlike any other McIntosh product.
MC21KW
- Positioning: A flagship monoblock amplifier, representing the pinnacle of McIntosh's power amplification.
- Description: Delivers 2,000 Watts of power, making it suitable for the most demanding audio setups. Its tri-chassis design and advanced technologies like Autoformer and Power Guard set it apart from other amplifiers.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
543
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
2
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
77
Founding Year
1949
Our take on the brand
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
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Brand Page
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McIntosh
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What if you spend more?
Feliks Audio
ECHO 2
943
943
/
7
Reviews
Feliks Audio is a Polish brand that handcrafts tube amplifiers, including their flagship Envy model which features single-crystal copper wiring and 300B tubes known for their linearity and low distortion. Their amplifiers stand out for their ability to drive both high-impedance dynamic and planar magnetic headphones, which is uncommon among tube amplifiers, while maintaining a low noise floor and delivering natural, warm sound.
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Product Strengths
- Unique and engaging musical experience, even with some hard-to-drive headphones
- Natural, fluid, musical sound with a bit of warmth, superb soundstage, and resolution
- Exceptional detail for the price category and low distortion
- Great build quality and a pleasing aesthetic, being hand-built
- Also works as a preamplifier for stereo setups
Product Considerations
- Not designed for planar magnetic headphones or for low impedance headphones
- May sound brighter, with lower bass quantity and precision, with low impedance headphones
- Tubes are consumables and will burn out after a couple thousand hours of use
- The power switch is located on the back, which some may find inconvenient
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SPL Audio Phonitor 2 amp—Echo 2 provides a more refined experience
- Vs Hagerman Tuba—Echo 2 has better driving power and clarity for high impedance headphones
- Vs Audio-gd Master 19—Echo 2 has a more natural tonality and deeper soundstage for high impedance headphones
- Vs Violectric HPA V340—Echo 2 has a more magical musicality and a smoother presentation for high impedance headphones
- Vs Burson Soloist 3X Performance—Echo MKII leans towards a slightly more relaxed sound, while Soloist leans into a more forward aggressive one, and the Soloist has stronger treble extension
Takeaway: The Feliks Audio Echo 2/MKII is a great tube amplifier for those who appreciate engaging and emotionally rich listening sessions, especially with high-impedance dynamic headphones. This hand-built amplifier offers a unique musicality and adds warmth and depth to music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Feliks Audio is a Polish brand that handcrafts tube amplifiers, including their flagship Envy model which features single-crystal copper wiring and 300B tubes known for their linearity and low distortion. Their amplifiers stand out for their ability to drive both high-impedance dynamic and planar magnetic headphones, which is uncommon among tube amplifiers, while maintaining a low noise floor and delivering natural, warm sound.
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