I've not had much exposure to McIntosh (or anything other than what I have/had)... But the remaining impression was a clean, powerful, yet relaxed, sound. I probably heard SS amps.
Tube: $4500 (2010)
http://www.stereophile.com/content/mcintosh-mc275-power-amplifier-measurements
SS Monoblock: $8200 (2004)
http://www.stereophile.com/content/mcintosh-mc501-monoblock-power-amplifier-measurements-0
It must be the imagined or real output transformer house sound that gets to you and you either want it or don't... along with the glow in the dark blueness.
Tube: $4500 (2010)
http://www.stereophile.com/content/mcintosh-mc275-power-amplifier-measurements
SS Monoblock: $8200 (2004)
http://www.stereophile.com/content/mcintosh-mc501-monoblock-power-amplifier-measurements-0
It must be the imagined or real output transformer house sound that gets to you and you either want it or don't... along with the glow in the dark blueness.