Disappointing On Mcintosh......help

So appropriate to me this thread.  6 months ago my Classe SSP-800 failed for the third time.  Decided NOT to waste any more money on old DAC and multi channel extras.  So I set off to find a new DAC and Pre amp, and love warm smooth sounding music WITH great resolution and clarity.  I know.  Like many I was drawn to McIntosh and stopped by Binghamton NY to audition the new pre amps.  So many terms here strike a chord with me, especially the blanket analogy!  Veiled, dull etc also.  And to be fair the SF speakers are that way to me as well, and I have auditioned them with nice electronics.  So then, as I was still looking, I had the opportunity to bring a C2700 tube preamp home for trial.  Same thing.  Veiled, warm, dull.  I bought an Auralic Vega G2 DAC and an AudioNet Preamp.  Amazing.  So resolving, but non fatiguing.  Doesn't put me to sleep because it is interesting.  With my Classe CA2300 amp they bring my Revel Ultima 2 Salon 2's to life.  I did want to like the Mcintosh though.... and those Sonus Faber's are so pretty...  :) Ken

Well if this discussion shows anything, it is that people like different sounding systems!  But it is quite interesting how McIntosh discussions evoke such passion and opinion.  I can think of no other brand which causes such divisiveness.  Or brand loyalty...which of course does maintain resale value.  For these and many reasons people (my self included)  'want' to like McIntosh. (and yes the tube stuff is quite different from the SS stuff).  For me, I chose to go in another direction, and feel my  equipment (AudioNet, Auralic  and PS Audio) is more resolving and interesting.  But I have fought and controlled any 'shrill' or excessive brightness.  My Revel speakers are on the smoother side (but much more revealing than the Sonus Faber I have heard).  My interconnects are Audience AU24 SX, which are amazing, copper, smooth and revealing.  My Classe amp is smooth. PS Audio, is described as 'more analog sounding' by many.  But we do appreciate McIntosh; they are a US icon.  In an age of buyouts and confusion, they lend stability to our hifi world.  Peace!  Ken

For me at least it is not about being a Mc hater.  When I got reinvigorated in chasing great sound, I went through lots of equipment.  PS Audio, Stellar, sent it back for BHK, sold it.  Tried Audionet Preamp and loved it.  Tried Parasound JC1+'s, but fell in love with Audionet MAX amps.  Got a nice Tube Mc preamp (new) in for home demo.  I wanted to LOVE it!  I did!  It was dull and flat sounding compared to Audionet.  Not over etched or harsh.  Just great resolution and more life in the music.  Now I have top of the line Audionet amps and preamp and oh my so good.  Not about hating, about choosing.  Resolving SS gear needs to be special to not be fatiguing.