McIntosh MC275 Special "SS" Edition, Full Set Of McIntosh Tubes

Free Shipping on *ALL* Electronics (Excluding Speakers, Contiguous 48 US States Only)

Great sounding and collectible amplifier from McIntosh. Not old enough to be considered vintage, but new enough to have all the reliability benefits of the newer generation models. 

In absolutely gorgeous condition with a great metal shine, intact stencil-work (lettering), and near-perfect paintwork (if not perfect but we like to be careful with using that word).

Likely the best condition MC275 from this era to grace our shop.

This amplifier was also fitted with a full set of official McIntosh branded tubes. The original tube cover "cage" is also concluded, and in condition.

This unit appears to be an MC275 SS. Meaning it has all of the same features as the special Gordon Gow CE Commemorative Edition (Produced from 1993-1998), but featuring a Stainless Steel chassis without the Gordon Gow badging.

Regarding the special MC275 CE (aka MC275-II) Gordon Gow edition from our friends, historians, and experts over at Audio Classics:
"This Amplifier was produced by McIntosh from 1993 until 1996 to commemorate the late Gordon J. Gow, McIntosh President from 1977 until 1989 and Vice President since the inception of the company in 1949. Mr. Gow was the co-inventor of the original McIntosh Unity Coupled Amplifier circuit. He was also the person most responsible for the unparalleled success and reputation of McIntosh Laboratory as the manufacturer of the world's finest audio electronics."

Special internal features included:
• Hybrid PCB/Point-to-point wiring
• Chromed steel chassis.
• 450 V power supply

Special external "visible" features included:
• Side Gordon Gow Commemorative Edition badge
• Gain controls on front panel
• Unbalanced RCA-type inputs on right-hand side of front panel
• Power cord and fuses are both located on the front panel
• Spare/Convenience outlet located on front panel

This will ship in a McIntosh MC275 super high-quality foam-fitted heavy-duty cardboard carton to ensure safe travels to your home.

Click below to add our recommended matching cables from Kimber Kable, all brand new as SkyFi is an official Kimber dealer.

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects

Kimber Kable - XLR Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Speaker Cables

Kimber Kable - Bi-Wire Speaker Cables

The SkyFi Testing Process for Tube Amplifiers:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and tubes are inspected for signs of stress overheating or cracking.

We then power up the unit carefully and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise. Finally we run the amplifier to its full rated power into the appropriate resistive load provided by our Sencore amplifier tester. If there is an issue, it will usually be noticeable at this point. If it all looks clean we will often test for THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) measured by our Keithley distortion meter, and compare it against the original manufacturers specifications. The amplifier the remains powered on to "burn in" on our test bench for a few hours to make sure there are no heat related issues. If there are balanced inputs available they will also be tested.

We also test all tubes for output gain and leakage on our modern and professional calibrated tube tester against the original manufacturers specifications. If needed, the tubes will be replaced from our vast NOS (New Old Stock) vintage or modern inventory.

Final testing involves pushing actual music thorough the amplifier. We've learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage KEF speakers that we're very familiar with which quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some amplifiers will then move into our listening room where they are tested with our in-house reference speakers of choice.

Specifications:
CONTROLS and CONNECTORS:
• Speaker barrier strips for 4, 8 and 16 OHMS
• XLR BALANCED INPUTS (L+R)
• RCA UNBALANCED INPUTS (L+R)
• UNBALANCED GAIN controls: 2.5V to 1.0V
• MODE Switch: MONO or STEREO
• INPUT Switch: XLR Balanced or RCA Unbalanced

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Power Output:
75 Watts Per Channel (Stereo Mode)
150 Watts Total Bridged (Mono Mode)

Frequency Response:
20 - 20 kHz (+0 -0.2dB)

Distortion:
0.5%

Noise & Hum:
-100 dB (A weighted)

Output Impedance:
4, 8, 16 ohms in Stereo Mode
2, 4, and 8 ohms in Mono Mode
(25 V line)

Damping Factor:
Greater than 10

Input Impedance:
100 k Unbalanced
180 k Balanced

Input Sensitivity:
1.0 V Unbalanced
2.0 V Balanced
(Unity Coupled)

Power Requirements:
120V at 400 Watts

Tube Complement:
4 x KT88/6550 output
3 x 12AX7A
4 x 12AZ7
(Solid state rectifier Bridge)

Dimensions:
7-1/2" H
12" W
16" D

Unit Weight:
67 lbs.