McIntosh MC275 2-Channel Vacuum Tube Amplifier Mk VI- Trade-in - 9.5/10

Now in its sixth generation, the MC275 has many subtle enhancements from the previous releases that have greatly improved performance. Combined with the widest bandwidth McIntosh output transformer design, the MC275 features tauter bass control and thermally quiet circuit design. The result is pure music. This vacuum tube power amplifier has all the features to meet the needs of today’s music enthusiast, while preserving the qualities that have made the MC275 the most revered McIntosh vacuum tube amplifier.

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 seven small tubes are LED illuminated to indicate the amplifiers functional status: upon power up, they sequentially glow amber for a few seconds and then all turn green to signify system readiness. In the rare case of an output tube failure, the small tube(s) in front of it will turn red to notify you of the problem. An input and output for our Power Control technology allows other connected McIntosh components, such as preamplifiers, CD players, turntables, or media steamers, to automatically turn on and off. Contact your local dealer to learn more.