Curious about the latest McIntosh MC75 tube power amplifier

[j3brow]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Terry.......Thanks for sharing your experience with your MC75 amplifiers. It serves as confirmation of what I have read from owners comments and reviews. Production ceased on the MC75 Mk II amps (stainless chassis) two years ago. Finding a brand new pair of MC75's may prove difficult.

Well that’s disappointing to hear. I did not know McIntosh is no longer making MC75 Mk II amps but then again with their performance so darn close to 2301’s at a fraction of the cost, space, and heat production I can see how they could have cut into sales of 2301’s. Too bad. Good luck on finding a pair if you so choose to hunt. I too have thought about adding either a pair of MC75 or 2301 as a change of pace to my MC601s, the very same pair of 601s that once graced your living room, wonderful amps.

[damacman]

McIntosh still shows them on the web site as a current product: https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/amplifiers/MC75

I love the looks as well. I couldn't imagine giving up an MC452 for a pair though . . .

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by j3brow

Well that’s disappointing to hear. I did not know McIntosh is no longer making MC75 Mk II amps but then again with their performance so darn close to 2301’s at a fraction of the cost, space, and heat production I can see how they could have cut into sales of 2301’s. Too bad. Good luck on finding a pair if you so choose to hunt. I too have thought about adding either a pair of MC75 or 2301 as a change of pace to my MC601s, the very same pair of 601s that once graced your living room, wonderful amps.

Jason.......The MC601's are fantastic amplifiers. At one point I owned four of them, two in the living room system and two in the studio system. The pair in the studio were replaced with MC2301's. Absolutely no regrets.

Should a pair of MC75's end up replacing the current MC452 in the living room system, I have no doubt I will be pleased.

[MisterBritt]

I went back and reviewed that thread (link provided in this thread by W9TR) and my opinion has not changed. I replaced the MC2301s with the MC75s and actually prefer the smaller amps. My Tannoy Canterbury SEs are 96 db efficient so I never needed the extra power of the MC2301s. As far as sound quality, build quality, ease of use, pride of ownership, maintenance (i.e. two (2) KT88s rather than eight (8)), etc., I give the MC75s a big thumbs up.

Here's that link again to the discussion between the MC2301s and the MC75s:

https://www.audioaficionado.org/showthread.php?t=22121

[dcanlas]

Originally Posted by Vintage Pete

dcanlas....I've always lusted for a pair of those MC75 Anniversary editions ever since they were rolled out. I have no clue where I would use them though....

They look even sweeter on those very cool bases you have them on!

Pete, this was my second set. I regrettably let the first set go and couple years after, I was able to find a NOS set from Audio Classics. It is truly a keeper...

[dcanlas]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Dario.......Gorgeous.

Dan, Audio Classics is showing a used pair of MC75 60th edition without the C22 Preamp.

[Charles]

I'd go with a new one from Mac but that's just me.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Charles

I'd go with a new one from Mac but that's just me.

Charles.......Production ceased a couple years ago on the McIntosh MC75. If there are any new pairs left they will be in some dealer's stock. These amplifiers became legendary very quick and were snapped up just a quick.

I have been in contact with Audio Classics. Despite their website showing the MC75 60th Anniversary amps, they do not have any available. It would be a streak of pure luck to locate a brand new pair of MC75's, either the 60th Anniversary model or the later MC75 MkII with the stainless chassis. I am not that hot on the gold chassis version.

[JBT]

The MC75 still shows up on Mcintosh website.

[John Jordan]

Hi Dan-

Perhaps something in my journey to the MC 75's might be of help to you.

When I looked in to replacing my MC 352, we spent approx 4 hours listening at Audio Classics 352 to 452 to 275 back and forth. The final choice was the 275 with the possibility of purchasing a second in the future and/or changing my speakers.

At the time I had Mc LS 360 speakers with an efficiency rating of 88 db. While the 275 drove them quite well, there was some confusion at higher volumes. Getting the upgrade bug, replaced them Legacy Focus SE's. Certainly preferred the sound and an efficiency of 95.4 db received the "confusion."

A year later and seriously considering a second 275 finally gave the MC 75's a listen. I can really say there was a night and day difference between the 75's and the 275! Considered trading the 275 for a pair of 75's but kept the 275 for the lows and 75's for the mid/highs. They pair together well for a bi-amp set up. I have tried switching the 75's and 275 around. The bass did get a bit more defined but the mid's and uppers got lost. Considered another pair to replace the 275 but did a pre-amp upgrade instead.

As a side note, the 75's seem to put out less heat than the 275 and it is true they have the same transformer as the 275. They fit quite well where my 352 once sat so they should fit quit well where your 452 now resides. Lastly, it is my understanding that McIntosh ceased production quite abruptly on the 75's and dealers did not have an opportunity to do a "stock-up" if desired.