RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
A McIntosh piece with real headphone-amp chops is always interesting, and this one lands in sensible territory. At US$3,845, it sits just under the 25th percentile of the recent used set at US$3,871 and below the US$4,004 median, so this reads as a strong buy rather than a stretch.
The appeal is the all-in-one formula: serious headphone driving, a built-in DAC, balanced and single-ended inputs, plus enough speaker output to double as a compact system center. It’s a well-regarded model for owners of both easy and demanding headphones, and McIntosh build quality tends to age well. With condition marked unknown, the main thing to verify is clean operation of the digital inputs, volume control, and headphone outputs, but at this price the upside is clearly on the buyer’s side.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
McIntosh Laboratory, founded in 1949 in the United States by Frank H. McIntosh and Gordon Gow, embodies a storied heritage of American audio innovation. Originally based in Silver Spring, Maryland, before relocating to Binghamton, New York, where products are still handcrafted today, the brand emerged from a commitment to superior sound reproduction. From powering President Lyndon Johnson's inauguration to the Grateful Dead's Wall of Sound at Woodstock, McIntosh has shaped pivotal moments in music history and pop culture, earning its place as a cultural icon.
The company specializes in a comprehensive lineup of high-fidelity components, including renowned amplifiers—particularly its revered tube models for their warm, enveloping sound—along with solid-state power amps, stereo tuners, loudspeakers, turntables, music streamers, processors, and digital-to-analog converters. This breadth supports both two-channel stereo systems and multi-channel home theaters, delivering immersive experiences in music and film. Iconic blue watt meters on their gear have become globally recognized symbols of precision and power.
Positioned firmly in the high-end market, McIntosh commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its uncompromising quality, luxurious build, and timeless design. Far from mid-tier or niche boutique, it stands as a premium benchmark, favored by legendary musicians and producers across decades, blending vintage allure with modern performance for those who demand the ultimate in sonic fidelity.
See all McIntosh listings on RADAR.
