McIntosh MA2275 (2006–)
The MA2275 is a stereo integrated amplifier that McIntosh introduced in 2006, drawing its design theme from the heritage of the classic MC275. It is a fully modern design under that retro face — heavy-duty circuit boards throughout, logic-controlled relay source selection, and fully balanced differential amplifier circuits. The output stage uses four KT88 tubes, with a pair of 12AX7As in the high-level circuitry and another pair in the magnetic phono stage. It delivers 120 watts per channel into 4, 8, or 16 ohm loads through McIntosh's patented autoformers, with a damping factor of 20 and THD rated at 0.5%. An optional moving-coil phono stage is available, and the unit includes McIntosh's proprietary upsampling to 24-bit/96kHz. One characteristic touch: optical sensors illuminate the tube glow to enhance the ambiance of the exposed tubes.
The MA2275 is a substantial piece — 77 pounds, and at 10¼ inches high and 17¾ wide, it is too big for most equipment shelves. That's by design; the amp is meant to sit out in the open, and Audiophile (Volume 10, Issue IV) noted that having it visible might not be a bad thing at all. The same review was genuinely enthusiastic about the sound: the reviewer, using an Audio Research CD3 player into Quad speakers, described his immediate reaction as "astonishment," and found himself postponing planned A/B comparisons just to enjoy listening to CD after CD (Audiophile, Volume 10, Issue IV, p.37). He went further, claiming the MA2275 sounded better in every important parameter than his Audio Research LS25MKII and VT100MKIII separates — and called it a bargain by comparison (Audiophile, Volume 10, Issue IV, p.38). The review also noted that McIntosh's product manager, Ron Cornelius, was asked how the integrated unit might compare to separates, though the surviving text cuts off before his full answer.
The MA2275 has no digital inputs, which distinguishes it from many other integrated amplifiers of its era. One forum user reports using it as a preamp into a pair of Emerald Physics speakers, suggesting it works well in hybrid configurations. The rear panel includes Power Control ports for system integration.
Known specifications:
- Power output: 120W per channel
- Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz
- THD + noise: 0.5%
- Damping factor: 20
- Input impedance: 20k ohms
- Speaker impedance: 4, 8, or 16 ohms
- Tubes: four KT88 output; 12AX7A in high-level and phono stages
- Phono: MM standard, optional MC stage
- Weight: 77 lb
- Dimensions: 10¼" H × 17¾" W × 18¾" D
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