Mcintosh, Leak or Radford valve amp?

[oktapod]

Assuming all in tip-top/refurb condition, how would something like the MC 275, Leak 20 or STA 15/25 sound when compared to one another? Is it all a case of 'different' rather than any one being 'better'? They all have great reviews and few detractors.

[Firebottle]

Radford is the better generally through good design and excellent output transformers, IMHO.

The Leak Stereo 20 is now becoming over priced I think.

[Barry]

I would be happy with all three, though the ony two I have experience of are the Leak Stereo 20 and a Radford STA15 Mk.III.

[spendorman]

Apart from my mono Williamson, the Radford STA25 III is probably the best amp that I have owned, still own it.

[topoxforddoc]

Definitely Radford - STA 15/III slightly sweeter than the STA25/III IMO

[spendorman]

Definitely Radford - STA 15/III slightly sweeter than the STA25/III IMO

That is often said, but I had the choice of either as both were on demonstration at the same time (and my ears were much younger then) and I went to the 25 and the extra power is useful with quite a few speakers.