The McIntosh MC275 isn’t just an amplifier—it’s an institution. Born in 1961, this chrome-plated beast is what happens when McIntosh decides to flex on the hi-fi world. It's 75 watts per channel of pure tube-driven authority, wrapped in a design so timeless that modern amps still try (and fail) to match its swagger.
If you don’t own one yet—you’re already thinking about it.
The MC275 is instantly recognizable—stainless steel chassis, exposed KT88s glowing like little fire gods, and blocky transformers that could double as weights in your home gym.
First-time seeing one? You’ll probably drool a little.
First-time hearing one? You’ll immediately question why you wasted years listening to solid-state amps.
First-time owning one? Congrats, you’ve officially joined the cult.
The Unity Coupled Circuit design is classic McIntosh—maximizing efficiency while keeping distortion lower than your expectations of modern pop music.
This isn’t just a "warm and fuzzy" tube amp—it’s fast, detailed, and shockingly dynamic. It makes instruments sound alive, voices float in the air, and bass hit with real weight. Midrange? Creamy, holographic, and absurdly lifelike. Vocals sound so natural it’s spooky. Highs? Silky and extended, with none of that fake digital edge. Bass? Controlled, deep, and muscular. (Yes, tube amps CAN do bass, and this one does it right.)
- Production
- 1961-70
- Condition
- 9/10
- Serial No.
- 235E8
- Orig. MSRP
- $444
- Restoration
- Replaced all electrolytic capacitors
- Replaced thermistor
- Replaced power cord
- Replaced diodes
- Verified all tubes are strong
- Replaced RCA jacks
- Cleaned control contacts
- Verified unit meets mfg specs for power and distortion
- Specs: 75 watts RMS into 8 ohms @ 0.5% THD
- Factory Specs
75w/ch stereo, 150w mono
Response: 16Hz-40kHz (+0 -0.1dB)
Distortion: 0.5%. Noise & Hum: -90dB
Output Impedance: 4, 8, 16, 67 and 600 ohms. 600 ohm center tap internally grounded. (2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 ohms in mono)
Output voltages: 25V (isolated), 70.7V (one side grounded) and 230V (center tap grounded)
Internal Impedance: less than 10% of rated impedance
Input impedance: 250k
Input sensitivity: 0.5V (in mono or twin amp). 2.0V in stereo
Unity Coupled.
TUBES: 4-KT88/6550 output, 1-12AX7, 2-12AU7, 2-12AZ7, 2-12BH7
Solid state rectifier bridge.
Size: 8"H, 12-1/4"W and 17-1/4"D
Weight: 76 lb.
- The History of McIntosh
- Founded in 1949, McIntosh is known for offering distinguished home audio systems that deliver the ultimate experience in music and film. Offering products for two-channel stereo sound systems and multi-channel home theaters with surround sound, McIntosh continues to define the ultimate home audio entertainment...
[ Read More ]
- Liner Notes
-
- Packing
- Prepare to be impressed. We have arguably the best packing process around. We use our InstaPak machine and white open cell foam to build a custom enclosure for your piece that ensures that it's stable and secure. If it is particularly fragile or heavy, we typically opt for private courier delivery. Depending on where you are in the country, that may cost a bit extra. We also take great care to protect the tubes. When sensible, we will pack the tubes to prevent any movement. Other times, we'll individually wrap the tubes and mark their corresponding socket to preserve the bias. You can be confident that your piece will be snug as a bug in a rug.
- Shipping
- This piece ships to the contiguous United States for a flat rate of $200, which includes our packaging and our insurance. Of course, we'll ship anywhere in the world, just drop us a line and we'll give you an estimate – even if you're just curious.
- Stock No.
- 8928999538909
The McIntosh MC275 isn’t just an amplifier—it’s an institution. Born in 1961, this chrome-plated beast is what happens when McIntosh decides to flex on the hi-fi world. It's 75 watts per channel of pure tube-driven authority, wrapped in a design so timeless that modern amps still try (and fail) to match its swagger.
If you don’t own one yet—you’re already thinking about it.
The MC275 is instantly recognizable—stainless steel chassis, exposed KT88s glowing like little fire gods, and blocky transformers that could double as weights in your home gym.
First-time seeing one? You’ll probably drool a little.
First-time hearing one? You’ll immediately question why you wasted years listening to solid-state amps.
First-time owning one? Congrats, you’ve officially joined the cult.
The Unity Coupled Circuit design is classic McIntosh—maximizing efficiency while keeping distortion lower than your expectations of modern pop music.
This isn’t just a "warm and fuzzy" tube amp—it’s fast, detailed, and shockingly dynamic. It makes instruments sound alive, voices float in the air, and bass hit with real weight. Midrange? Creamy, holographic, and absurdly lifelike. Vocals sound so natural it’s spooky. Highs? Silky and extended, with none of that fake digital edge. Bass? Controlled, deep, and muscular. (Yes, tube amps CAN do bass, and this one does it right.)
Production
1961-70
Condition
9/10
Serial No.
235E8
Orig. MSRP
$444
Restoration
- Replaced all electrolytic capacitors
- Replaced thermistor
- Replaced power cord
- Replaced diodes
- Verified all tubes are strong
- Replaced RCA jacks
- Cleaned control contacts
- Verified unit meets mfg specs for power and distortion
- Specs: 75 watts RMS into 8 ohms @ 0.5% THD
Factory Specs
75w/ch stereo, 150w mono
Response: 16Hz-40kHz (+0 -0.1dB)
Distortion: 0.5%. Noise & Hum: -90dB
Output Impedance: 4, 8, 16, 67 and 600 ohms. 600 ohm center tap internally grounded. (2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 ohms in mono)
Output voltages: 25V (isolated), 70.7V (one side grounded) and 230V (center tap grounded)
Internal Impedance: less than 10% of rated impedance
Input impedance: 250k
Input sensitivity: 0.5V (in mono or twin amp). 2.0V in stereo
Unity Coupled.
TUBES: 4-KT88/6550 output, 1-12AX7, 2-12AU7, 2-12AZ7, 2-12BH7
Solid state rectifier bridge.
Size: 8"H, 12-1/4"W and 17-1/4"D
Weight: 76 lb.
The History of McIntosh
Founded in 1949, McIntosh is known for offering distinguished home audio systems that deliver the ultimate experience in music and film. Offering products for two-channel stereo sound systems and multi-channel home theaters with surround sound, McIntosh continues to define the ultimate home audio entertainment...
[ Read More ]
Liner Notes
Packing
Prepare to be impressed. We have arguably the best packing process around. We use our InstaPak machine and white open cell foam to build a custom enclosure for your piece that ensures that it's stable and secure. If it is particularly fragile or heavy, we typically opt for private courier delivery. Depending on where you are in the country, that may cost a bit extra. We also take great care to protect the tubes. When sensible, we will pack the tubes to prevent any movement. Other times, we'll individually wrap the tubes and mark their corresponding socket to preserve the bias. You can be confident that your piece will be snug as a bug in a rug.
Shipping
This piece ships to the contiguous United States for a flat rate of $200, which includes our packaging and our insurance. Of course, we'll ship anywhere in the world, just drop us a line and we'll give you an estimate – even if you're just curious.
Stock No.
8928999538909
