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I am offering here a legendary tube power amplifier—widely considered one of the finest ever built for the Hi-Fi segment—dating back to 1965. It is fitted with original vintage Sylvania 7591 power tubes and vintage, tested preamp tubes. The unit is in excellent condition. Four coupling capacitors have been replaced with "Orange Drop" capacitors, as have two electrolytic capacitors. All other component values remain excellent. The 7591 tubes deliver a sonic quality unmatched by any other tube type. Included with the amplifier is a period-correct step-down transformer, as well as the original owner's manual. The amplifier operates completely free of any background noise or interference and has been professionally inspected. The installed components—such as the CTS potentiometers—date from the 15th week of 1965. Inside the chassis, a stamp bearing the mark "65" is visible; furthermore, a serial number is stamped into the chassis itself. The overall condition can be rated as excellent. All original lettering—both on the side panels and on the tubes themselves—remains fully intact.
The McIntosh MC225 has real collector appeal, and at US$7,168 this asking price is ambitious versus your in-house used-market anchor: it sits well above the US$6,326 75th percentile and notably above the US$5,484 median. It’s not absurd for a desirable McIntosh piece, but it’s priced at the top end rather than as a value buy.
What makes it worth considering is the combination of classic McIntosh reputation, long-term desirability, and the fact that well-kept examples can hold value well if originality is intact. If the listing is clean, fully functional, and complete, the upside is in buying a respected, collectible amp that still has strong enthusiast demand; if anything is uncertain, I’d want to see proof of service history and originality before paying this kind of money.
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.
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