Bose buys McIntosh


End of an era?

telemarcer

Showing 2 responses by goodlistening64

There is little doubt that Bose will use their stellar product management team to find ways to reduce the prices of McIntosh gear. 

Bose currently uses China, Malaysia, and Mexico to manufacture parts and using parts made abroad to utilize in McIntosh products is a no-brainer. The previous investment firm owners squeezed all the money they could out of Binghamton, but did not have the want or the expertise to reduce the price by outsourcing. Bose does.

McIntosh has been lagging as a leader in high end gear for years. Storied? Yes. Superior name associated with a hi-end sound signature? Yes. Competitive? Not so much.

To give one a quick synopsis; McIntosh revenue was $42 million last year. Bose revenue was $3 billion. Yamaha audio was nearly a billion. Harmon $2.3 billion. Heck, even Klipsch bests McIntosh with reference to revenue. Market share for McIntosh products has significantly decreased, while they are being beaten handily by competitors who are far more globally savvy. 

To be blunt, there is a lot that a company like Bose can do to increase revenue for a brand name as recognizable as McIntosh. The name will be compromised- the products will suffer- but more people will purchase them.

Capitalism is what makes America great. While outsourcing has been controversial in nature, there is no doubt that manufacturing in America is over - and there is no going back. 

@bondmanp 

The best mfg car stereo I had was an Infinity labeled system in a Chrysler Sebring. I believe what made it sound so good was the room - er, interior. A soft top lowered the noise from bouncing around, and when the rag top was down, the sound was even better. When one states that 50% of sound is the room, I believe it. So if sound is to be bettered in a car, you would need the engineer to start with a clean slate of nothing and work up from there. 

I found the McIntosh in the Wagoneer to be a sellout of sorts; even the meters are merely screen shots. I do, however, believe that a far better McIntosh wireless bluetooth (or portable) system will be in the offing as Bose is really good with doing things "apple" like. 

@1971gto455ho 

I wish I was on the other side of the pond! But the mfg claim could be said for the UK as well as they have yet to find peace with what has already happened. 

I remind folks to give Leonard Cohen's edition of "The Future" (live version is the best) so that they can prepare to.."slide in all directions"..