MCINTOSH MC275 VI

Pre owned. In excellent condition. Free from any noticeable signs of wear. Supplied with manual and original packaging.

The McIntosh MC275 VI represents the sixth evolution of one of the most iconic valve power amplifiers ever made, a historic model originally introduced in 1961 that quickly became a benchmark in the high-fidelity world for its ability to drive demanding loudspeakers with high power and low distortion.

Over the course of its history, after initial production ended in 1971 with the rise of transistor technology, the MC275 design was revived in 1993 as a special commemorative edition dedicated to Gordon Gow, historic co-founder of McIntosh, marking the beginning of a revival that brought it permanently back into the brand’s catalogue up to the current VI version.

The MC275 VI preserves the sonic character that made it legendary while introducing technical refinements that significantly improve overall performance, particularly in bass control and circuit noise reduction, also thanks to the McIntosh wide-band output transformer with Unity Coupled Circuit technology, a cornerstone of the brand’s design philosophy since 1949.

The amplifier operates in stereo configuration with a power output of 75 watts per channel into 4, 8, or 16 ohms, but it can also be configured in bridged mono mode, delivering 150 watts to a single loudspeaker with 2, 4, or 8-ohm impedance, always ensuring full power delivery regardless of speaker load.

The power supply and amplification stages use a carefully selected combination of vacuum tubes, with four KT88 valves dedicated to the output stage, supported by four 12AT7 and three 12AX7A tubes used in the input, voltage, and driver stages, a configuration that helps define the model’s signature warm, dynamic, and controlled sound.

Operational control is supported by advanced protection systems such as the Sentry Monitor, a fuse-less technology that automatically disconnects the output stage in case of overcurrent and restores operation once normal conditions return, enhancing overall amplifier reliability.

The interface provides both balanced and unbalanced inputs for maximum compatibility with preamplifiers and home audio systems, while the gold-plated Solid Cinch speaker terminals ensure a stable and secure connection with any type of speaker cable.

Another distinctive feature is the LED lighting system associated with the tubes, which indicates operating status through a color sequence: amber during warm-up, green during normal operation, and red in case of a fault in the output bank, offering immediate and intuitive system status monitoring.

The MC275 VI also integrates Power Control technology, enabling interconnection with other McIntosh components for automated power on/off management, helping to create a fully coordinated and integrated audio system.

Overall, the McIntosh MC275 VI preserves the prestige of the original design while evolving it with modern engineering solutions that enhance reliability and sonic performance, confirming its status as one of the most representative and sought-after valve amplifiers in the history of high-end hi-fi.

Technical specifications:

• Stereo valve power amplifier
• Output power: 75 W per channel; 150 W in bridged mono mode
• Tubes used: 4x KT88 output stage; 4x 12AT7 and 3x 12AX7A for input, voltage, and driver stages
• Inputs: balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA (L/R channels)
• Control and triggering: Power Control input and output for synchronization with other McIntosh components
• Chassis: chrome-plated structure
• Output terminals: McIntosh gold-plated binding posts
• Monitoring system: tricolor LED indicators on signal tubes; amber during warm-up; green during operation; red in case of output bank fault
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 419 x 216 x 305 mm
• Weight: 30.5 kg