Are Mcintosh Tube Amps really all that?

MAC, Conrad Johnson, ARC. The big three of classic tube amps.
Then also Marantz and Dynaco
Now add in BAT and a bunch of other 'new' quality builders..

McIntosh has spanned the generations though. So I would allow it it the 'number one' in that it has been around, and successful, longer than any others still in production.

As Theo said, it depends on taste and what a listener wants. To some, they are "it." To others, there is better stuff. The build quality is excellent, as well. But this is true of a lot of high-end equipment. It has stood the test of time.

It's also worth noting that sometimes, things become desirable because they are desirable.

It's also worth noting that you are correct not to trust printed reviews. They are amalgamations of opinion from which someone doing research might glean bits of information that can be useful. But you shouldn't trust forums completely, either. They have the same purpose. In a world in which so many people with so many different rooms, likes and systems hold forth, again it's best to take what will help you gather the information with which to go out and make your own decisions.

I have used all the old classic McIntosh amplifiers in several systems and I consider them to be THE classic american sound. Look at Japan for example and you will see that many audiophiles there are real lovers of McIntosh....maybe we can say, that without these guys, we would not have any McIntosh amps (older tube and SS) around.....not mention old JBL speakers or and Ortofon(SPU) will be forgotten .....

Erfranke:
I used to have an all Mac system incl C1000 tube pre and Mc2102. I have listened at length to the Mc275 and 2301 monos. The sound on all Mac amps is rich and smooth and relatively neutral. The products are built to last a lifetime. Customer service is very strong. In my experience the Mac amps are not the very last word in transparency. Instead the slightest hint of dark traditional tube sound is there. Can be very alluring. The great rep is IMHO very well deserved.

I won't respect McIntosh until they move to China.