Best McIntosh demo I’ve heard is at Noho Sound with their multi piece preamp, mono blocks, TAD DAC and large TAD speakers. Consider checking them out the next time you are in NYC. The WOM house looks gorgeous design wise. I haven’t been but would like to check it out sometime. |
I have MC152, and I also had Benchmark AHB2 and Hegel H20 before. Overall MC152 is better than both in my system. AHB2 is accurate but lacks emotion and soundstage. H20 has stronger bass but not clean as the MC152. My speaker is KEF R7. |
I only have a C2500 pre-amp. It's sounded slightly muddy with stock McIntosh branded JJ tubes when I fired it up for the first time. I put in Gold Lion 12AX7's solved my issues.
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Some say the Paradigm Persona speaker is bright and hard to listen to, I heard the 3F paired with a McIntosh and it sounded anything but bright very detailed smooth sound I loved it but I am sure others would hate it that's what makes the audio world go round so buy what you like. |
McIntosh is geared to the warmer side. When matching darker speakers ( Sonus Faber) with McIntosh, you need to use the tone control. I have Dynaudio Special 40 and a C47 preamplifier. I have the treble ajusted to +8 db on most of my music to get the level of highs I like.
With brighter speakers, let’s say like Focals, I would not need to. Maybe +4 db on treble would be enough.
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I had the same experience years ago. I walked into a McIntosh dealer and listened to a system that included McIntosh separates - can't recall which ones. I was surprised that I just wasn't impressed after all the years of hearing about the vaunted McIntosh amplifier. Even my guitar hero Jerry Garcia used them. Unfortunately. that system didn't appeal to me. My son is at school in Binghamton NY and I have wanted to visit the McIntosh factory and try a listen session again. |
Personally I've never been impressed with mac gear you either love it or hate it. Friends own the 452 amp and it has never impressed YMMV
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@cydrone Why do you think you're "supposed" to like McIntosh? There are so many alternatives out there...go find something appealing to you instead. |
“I wouldn’t pair Mc gear with Sonus Faber“.
Or ARC gear with Sonos Faber. Every demo I’ve heard with SF speakers, I came away unimpressed. The sound was flat and lacked any emotions...so I wouldn’t call MC as a warm sounding gear, actually quite the opposite. |
The only Mc electronics I heard for any length of time was with Triangle speakers, and the combination was a vicious ear drill to my ears.
I recently heard the smaller Mc monitors and they were literally a joke. They had a buzz resonance that was apparent in even their larger speakers.
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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.
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Your mind thinks one thing, yet your ears tell you otherwise. Move on. |
It was McIntosh Mc152 and MC312 with Sonus Faber Olympic and Adia. But I heard later a Parasound A21+ and Sonus Faber and it was day and night. The Parasound was way way better
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Cydrone
what is the specific model of the mcintosh?
i myself heard a disappointing mcintosh pairing with
dynaudio and sonus faber but heard a fantastic mac
combination with b&w speakers.
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As a Mac owner, I would say no. |
