Disappointing On Mcintosh......help


 3 Months ago  I went to NYC and stopped by the WOM  and auditioned several MCintosh gear...........and left a bit disappointed or not impressed...then I told myself   " lets give a second shot"  and went today to a  HIFI store and again Good room accoustics10K speakers , MC Preamp , MC Amplifier........ and again  the same disappointment I felt 3 month earlier.

Is that the "warm" sound people reffer to about Mcintosh?  
The sound is ample, base is powerfull  but the the sound is simply  not to clear, the hights are not too "crisp"  It sounds like the treble is set at 3 and needs to be adjusted at 9 or 10.
It seems like  the sound is  coming through a thin layer of paper ...that is the way I describe that sound.  

Then 20 minutes later I auditioned a Parasound A21+ and a JC5 and the sound was more clear and the highs were crispier

Whats your take on my experience?  or That is the MC "warm sound? 
128x128cydrone

Showing 1 response by yakbob

You demoed systems and they weren't to your liking, so you tried other system demos that did appeal to your ears. This is exactly the process. No need to question why since you as the buyer get to make the final vote with your hard earned dollars. Be glad you live in a city where multiple demos can be had within walking distance.

McIntosh is the favorite whipping boy here on audiogon. I get it, they're Harley Davidson but without the reliability issues. While costly, they're establishment and not esoteric enough for those willing to spend that kind of money. 

It sounds like your're heading in the right direction for your preferred sound. I would chalk up the WOM experience to system synergy. While they're in the same organization,  I wouldn't pair Mc gear with Sonus Faber.