McIntosh
McIntosh MC275 2-Channel Vacuum Tube Amplifier Mk VI
Best vacuum tube amplifier for audiophiles seeking iconic, high-fidelity sound.
Experience legendary audio with the McIntosh MC275 2-Channel Vacuum Tube Amplifier, now in its sixth generation. This iconic amplifier delivers a powerful 75 Watts per channel in stereo or 150 Watts in mono, ensuring exceptional sound quality and low distortion. It features four KT88 output tubes and advanced circuitry, including the patented Unity Coupled Circuit output transformer for consistent power delivery across all speaker impedances. With both balanced and unbalanced inputs, Sentry Monitor™ protection, and illuminated tubes indicating status, the MC275 offers both performance and reliability. It's a timeless masterpiece for audiophiles seeking unparalleled craftsmanship and sonic purity.
$7500.00
More MC275 Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
168
/ 1684
#168 in Power Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-9%
Below average
Power Output per Channel
754816
/ W @ , or Ohms
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking a rich, classic, and musical sonic experience
- Design enthusiasts valuing heirloom-quality aesthetics and durable construction
- Listeners needing flexible power for diverse, high-performance speaker setups
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for accessible high-end audio solutions
- Users preferring low-maintenance equipment without heat management requirements
- Purists demanding absolute sonic neutrality and clinical transparency
Performance breakdown
Sonic Fidelity
Delivers the warm, rich, and transparent sound signature audiophiles demand.
Build Craftsmanship
Iconic industrial design paired with heavy-duty, heirloom-quality construction.
Impedance Versatility
Unity Coupled Circuit ensures consistent power delivery across diverse speaker loads.
Operational Safety
Sentry Monitor technology provides essential protection for sensitive vacuum tube components.
Connectivity Options
Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs accommodate most high-end source components.
User Accessibility
Manual operation and lack of remote control prioritize purity over convenience.
Key Specs
Power Output per Channel
75W @ 4, 8 or 16 Ohms
Number of Channels
2
Total Harmonic Distortion
≤ 0.5% maximum harmonic distortion
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
105dB
Frequency Response
+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
Unit Dimensions
16-1/2" W x 8-1/2" H x 12" D
Unit Weight
67 lbs (30.5 kg)
Circuit Design
Vacuum Tube
Features
- Legendary 2-channel vacuum tube amplifier
- 75W per channel stereo output
- 150W mono output capability
- Patented Unity Coupled Circuit transformer
- Sentry Monitor™ protection system
- Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts
- Illuminated tubes for status indication
- Versatile stereo or mono operation
What customers say
The McIntosh MC275 Mk VI earns high praise for its signature sound: a rich, warm, and musical presentation offering exceptional detail and an expansive soundstage unmatched by many solid state units. Users consistently laud the amplifier's heirloom quality build, noting the robust construction and iconic design featuring glowing tubes add significant aesthetic value. While the price is substantial, owners view this amplifier as a worthwhile long term investment due to its reliability and enduring brand legacy. The overall consensus is that the MC275 Mk VI delivers a deeply engaging listening experience that serious audiophiles consider essential.
Know before you buy
Yes. The amplifier features dedicated output taps for 4, 8, and 16 Ohm speakers in stereo mode, and 2, 4, and 8 Ohm taps when bridged for mono operation, ensuring consistent power delivery regardless of your speaker's load.
This patented design allows the amplifier to deliver its full rated power into various speaker impedances while maintaining low distortion and a wide frequency response, which is a hallmark of the McIntosh sound.
Sentry Monitor is a fuse-less short-circuit protection circuit that disengages the amplifier's output stage before current exceeds safe operating levels. It automatically resets itself once the operating conditions return to normal.
Yes, the MC275 is bridgeable. When configured for mono operation, it doubles its power output to 150 Watts, providing more headroom for demanding speaker setups.
Yes, the tube illumination provides a visual status indication. The tubes glow amber during normal operation and will change color to signal if the Sentry Monitor protection system has been triggered.
The MC275 is versatile and includes both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) inputs. This allows you to connect it to a wide range of preamplifiers or source components with volume control.
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$7500