To me, it's a bit like the Rolex paradigm. The common person thinks Rolex is the best watch in the world because it's expensive and, if you're wearing a Rolex, you must have money. When I see someone wearing a Rolex, I assume the person is only wearing it as a status symbol and they're not really into watches. (I realize, of course, that this is not always the case.) There are far better watches and far more expensive watches but almost everyone knows the Rolex brand to be an expensive status symbol.
McIntosh doesn't have the same widespread brand recognition, so my comparison might be a bit off. On the other hand, I would hope that, if you're arbitrarily spending $5000+ on an Mac amp, you're at least mildly interested in listening to music and not just looking to impress a few friends who might know the McIntosh name.
I sure dig those blue lights, though... ;-)
McIntosh doesn't have the same widespread brand recognition, so my comparison might be a bit off. On the other hand, I would hope that, if you're arbitrarily spending $5000+ on an Mac amp, you're at least mildly interested in listening to music and not just looking to impress a few friends who might know the McIntosh name.
I sure dig those blue lights, though... ;-)