I have seen some Interesting comments about Mcintosh lately
These comments come from here and a couple of other sites.
1.The only people that buy Mcintosh gear are one's that just don't listen. 2. Mcintosh is what rich people buy just like Mercedes Benz. 3. Mcintosh relies on generational buyers as a business plan. 4. Mcintosh is known for rebranding products and putting there name on it. 5. Mcintosh has great looks but uses cheap off the bin parts.
I can't think of another high-end company that have so many stereotypes about the brand. On the other hand I can't think of another audio company that has been in business as long.
I am going to assume that, like myself, everyone adding to this dialogue has at one time or another owned a McIntosh whatever?
I've owned a C28 preamp, a cd player, an Mc2100 solid state, a MAC6700 receiver, and most recently the latest version of the 275 tube amp, the Mark 6. All were fine to one extent or another, but I don't own any McIntosh now.
One has to admit that the legendary reputation of this brand, if only out of curiosity, drives customers to its hallowed doorstep. Countless reviews of McIntosh laud its performance, longevity, immediately recognizable looks; people like me-self and the "nouveau-riche" are/were willing to try it out. I don't consider myself a sucker in looking into their stuff, nor do I consider people who like Rolex and Mercedes to be suckers, either. I believe Jack White's recording studio is 100% McIntosh, or very close to it.
Is it good stuff? Is Mercedes a good automobile? Rolex a good watch? I've owned a few Benzes in my time and yes, they are good vehicles. I prefer Audis, but Benz is no slouch. I've never owned a Rolex nor harbor any desire to possess one - I think they're ugly, and I truly don't give much of a hoot about wristwatches anyway. (I wear a Mondaine cuz I can see the time...)
While my current Pioneer SX series stereo receiver is not the first one I ever bought, it's perhaps the only gear I've been unable to be without over the decades. (It's my backup piece.) My interest in acquiring new gear, the funds I have available to acquire new (er) gear, comes from a reservoir similar to every reservoir - it rises, it falls, when it floods and reaches my knees I buy.
Belonging to this site, reading members opinions on brands and everything else under the sun, has taught me that no one particular brand holds the answer to everything. I prefer other equipment to McIntosh, but seeing for myself was pretty much a necessary step to take along this oft-expensive, oft-frustrating, and thoroughly enjoyable pursuit.
As JS of Ohm Acoustics would say, "happy listening!"
Schubert’s correct, they are ugly and heavy, I prefer something light and cheap, something like say men’s Baby G. Much cooler than Rolex ever thought of being. Although I probably wouldn't turn down a Rolex bubble back.
People buy McIntosh and Rolex for the primary purpose of impressing
friends and stroking their own ego and in the vast majority of cases it
is mission accomplished
Rolex customers appreciate the quality and craftsmanship required to make a mechanical watch that is designed and crafted to last a lifetime. In a world dominated by disposable products, craftsmanship and quality is becoming extremely rare and should be celebrated for holding true to their past.
schubert2,776 posts01-24-2016 10:00pm"Wrong, cleeds, the people are the business not the factory, New owners = different company"
Sorry Schubert, but new owners do not necessarily a different company make, and McIntosh has never gone out of business. In any event, the very same people are at McIntosh ... same CEO, same staff.
By your reasoning, every public company goes "out of business" every day. That's because its owners - those are the stockholders - change constantly.
A business is a legal entity. When you buy a McIntosh component, its warranty is honored by the company, not its individual staffers. Likewise for a dealer who buys from McIntosh - he pays the company, not the CEO. Do you get it now?
People buy McIntosh and Rolex for the primary purpose of impressing friends and stroking their own ego and in the vast majority of cases it is mission accomplished.
McIntosh Amps are what I call, "Rolls Royce"....more than adequate for any reasonable demand. And they never break. A lot of what Mac makes I could live without, but that's me. I just love the company and a few of there amplifier designs. MC2255,MC7300, MC275, MC2600, MC1201 mono blocks, MC352. All of these amps are special. I think there are many misconceptions when it comes to McIntosh. Frankly speaking, it is quite blatant in some places. If you have never owned one of these amps I mentioned.....don't post stuff about something you know nothing about.
dchang, Its not that Rolex makes bad watches, just that they are nothing special unless you just happen to really like their casework. You buy their case and their reputation much like a lot of audio equipment you see advertised in the audio magazines. And get about the same amount of accolades from those who notice but don't really know.
My impression, perhaps too limited in scope, is that the Mac reputation was built on the MC60. We had a bunch of them in the labs. Their new glitzy products seem the antithesis of that amp.
But the Rolex will actually work.... When you need it to.. 1961 MC240 never in shop except for a tube or two..been to many a clinic...always makes specs.. Now finally 55 plus years later needs a PS recap..
Wore the input selector switch out on the MX110 Z..had Rimo rebuild it...family treasure I believe were his words.
MC 202, MCD 205, C15 ran a decade with ZERO issues...oh I guess a lightbuld burned out on the amp, fixed that myself..YES the service dept took my call at MAC - which has never gone out of business..
Did the Mac stack sound as good as the ARC and Ayre that partially replaced it ?
+1 with Schubert. Although Mac has had several buyers, the business continued as usual in the same location. Several companies infused large amounts of capital in the company, which allowed Mac to versify and do some operations more efficiently. Personally, I wish they'd stick to what they do best, and not get into so many differing items. So, Mac is doing quite well, thank you, and will continue to do so for a long time in the future.
Yes, Taters, you are the Thread King around here, for sure.
All these comments are hogwash, of course. If only the rich bought Mac, they'd be out of business by now! If their parts were so cheap, why do they last so long? They certainly do hold their value. One thing I will agree on, however, is that pricing in the last few years has gotten outrageous. If you are retired and on a smaller income, good luck. I love Mac gear, have owned it since 1978 (although my gear is much newer now) but I can only buy it used. But you're right, they have survived a whole lot of other brands and it appears they will be around for a whole lot longer. I don't stay awake all night thinking about it, however!!!!!!!!!
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