It’s trying look like the old school 275 type of Macintosh amps which I really like look wise. The green tubes is something they have been do a lot lately but I like the blue atmosphere of their other gear a lot more. Personally I’m an Audio Research fan and value their amps over Macintosh when I’ve compared in the past. I own the Ref75 and used to have a ref150 both being stellar amps and would love to see them use it to influence a ref5 (lol 5 watt kt120/150 headphone amp built with similar circuitry and Sonics using OT’s with 300 hm taps). I think audio research does tube sound majestically however untubey they are in reality. Best middle ground of solid state and tubes for both schools of thought to like. But when it comes to looks for me Macintosh wins tenfold.
Maybe you would disagree as I thought you didn’t care for chassis showing transformers on top, correct? Maybe you would favor the more conservative look of the ref150 although switching it into a headphone amp wouldn’t be anything that stands out being very creative vs how cool the above Macintosh headphone amp looks.
If people wanna buy the MHA200 let me know. I have a dealer right near me that I went to hear the MHA200 from, and they have them for sale. I think they got some still.
I wrote a review of it on SBAF, but its not very positive.
McIntosh isn’t allowing any online sales. I had one reserved at Gramophone in MD - it came in on 6/22 but I had just left for vacation.
If you have a local dealer, they’re going to be your best bet. There are still waiting lists and limited production. First run was only 40 units (second was 80 I believe).
Fair, but tbh for $2.5k, I think there are many other tube amps that are worth over it. I wouldn’t buy it at $2.5k. But if someone else likes it more power to them. Just my opinion
Here’s my recent Elac impulse purchase, as installed in a tough location. Instead of speaker stands I put them on top of furniture. This put them too high, and they also resonated to match the furniture.
Solution: studio monitor foam isolation pads that allow a -10 degree to +10 degree tilt. This one currently aims down 10 degrees. It looks like it’s going to tip, but creates a great sweet spot and is very stable.