I believe that some of the Magnolia stores inside Best Buy sell McIntosh, but just the less expensive ones. The regular Best Buy doesn't sell McIntosh to my knowledge.
Disappointing On Mcintosh......help
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?
Depending on preferences, room acoustics, cables and choice of speakers, McIntosh is well made and easy to like/listen too. Eventually you may hear the slightest of veils over the sound but it will not be offensive. If the overall mix of equipment is leaner, then it may go unnoticed. In total? Great stuff. I’ve owned many brands and technologies…for me, Class A Krell sounds best to me. Many wonderful choices are available today…listen and enjoy 😊 |
As people have mentioned a great sounding system relies on system synergy. I have heard Mac source and amplification sound uninspiring and even atrocious paired with GoldenEar and Sonus Faber speakers. I have also heard it sound about as good as sound can get with Magico speakers. Also really nice with B&W diamond series speakers. A to die for system with their recent cook top hybrid integrated amps and Klipsch heritage, especially the Fortes. Also their amplifiers can sound better when matched with non Mac preamps. Again, best of the best when matched up correctly- and they eliminate something that many reasonably priced solid state amplifiers struggle with- grain and sibilance. The Macs have zero of either. |
Mc (601s) with SF (Amati) is a brilliant combination—dynamic and smooth as hell. I have a separate system with an A21 and Tekton speakers that does not hold a candle to my Mc system. The A21 is dull in comparison with a flat sound stage. Wait, they are in different rooms. A +1 to the synergy comments—so much is in play. Before calling out a brand as good as bad, consider your room and all your components. Take it a step at a time and find what suits you. |
+1 @steve59 My 611s with my KEF R1 Metas are magical. The bass/mid-bass would have you believe I am running a sub. |
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. |