McIntosh MC275 Vacuum Tube Power Amplifier

The McIntosh MC275 Vacuum Tube Power Amplifier is one of the most iconic valve amplifiers in high-end audio. Delivering 75 watts per channel in stereo or 150 watts in mono, the MC275 combines classic McIntosh engineering with powerful KT88 vacuum tube amplification and the company's renowned Unity Coupled Circuit technology.

First introduced in 1961, the McIntosh MC275 quickly established a reputation for delivering high power with exceptionally low distortion. Although production originally ended in 1971 as solid-state amplification became more widespread, the MC275 returned in 1993 and has remained one of the most recognisable amplifiers in the McIntosh range.

McIntosh MC275 Performance

Now in its sixth generation, the MC275 has benefited from a series of refinements designed to improve performance while preserving the qualities that made the original amplifier so highly regarded.

Its wide-bandwidth McIntosh output transformers help deliver excellent control, powerful bass and a smooth, natural presentation. The result is an amplifier capable of combining the warmth and musicality associated with vacuum tube amplification with the authority required to drive a wide range of high-performance loudspeakers.

75 Watts Per Channel or 150 Watts Mono

The McIntosh MC275 can be operated in either stereo or mono configuration.

In stereo mode, it delivers 75 watts per channel into 4, 8 or 16 ohm loudspeakers. For systems requiring greater power, the MC275 can be configured for mono operation, producing 150 watts into 2, 4 or 8 ohms.

McIntosh's patented Unity Coupled Circuit output transformer technology enables the MC275 to deliver its full rated power across the supported speaker impedances, helping provide consistent performance with a wide variety of loudspeakers.

KT88 Vacuum Tube Amplification

The MC275 uses four KT88 vacuum tubes within its output stage, supported by four 12AT7 and three 12AX7A tubes for the input, voltage and driver stages.

This carefully engineered valve configuration is central to the amplifier's distinctive performance, combining refinement, scale and dynamic ability with the character for which McIntosh vacuum tube amplifiers are known.

Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs

Both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs are provided, allowing the McIntosh MC275 to be easily integrated with a wide range of preamplifiers and high-end audio systems.

Gold-plated McIntosh Solid Cinch speaker binding posts provide secure connections for speaker cables, while Power Control connections allow compatible McIntosh components to switch on and off together as part of a complete system.

Built-In Protection

McIntosh Sentry Monitor protection continuously monitors operating conditions and can disengage the output stage if current exceeds safe levels. Normal operation is automatically restored once conditions return to normal.

The smaller vacuum tubes are also LED illuminated to indicate operating status. During start-up they glow amber before changing to green when the amplifier is ready for use. If an output tube develops a fault, the corresponding indicator changes to red, making the affected tube easier to identify.

A McIntosh Classic

More than six decades after the original MC275 was introduced, its combination of distinctive styling, vacuum tube engineering and serious power continues to make it one of McIntosh's most celebrated amplifiers.

For listeners looking for a high-end vacuum tube power amplifier with unmistakable McIntosh heritage, the MC275 remains a compelling choice for both contemporary and traditional two-channel systems.