McIntosh -- good for show, not for sound, says dealer

The negative replies are truly funny. I’m curious of what equipment they have tried. I’m definitely not loyal to any brand of equipment because I do consider myself an audiophile/ audio snob. If anyone is in the Southern California area and want to have a listen to my McIntosh MC2301 paired with Wilson Audio Maxx 2 speakers, Cary Audio SLP-05 preamp with the (Ultimate Upgrade, tube rolled, & Cardis wiring inside) and various high end source units to compare and contrast. I’m more than happy to reshape your mind and soul. At the end of the day, it is all about what you like or love and how you match equipment up with each other. Believe me, I’ve been down that road just like some of you trying to find the best matching equipment to give the best possible sound first and looks second. Ask my wife, she hates the look of my speakers but loves how it sounds.

Enjoy the Music! 

Regardless of my thoughts on McIntosh (I've never owned any of their gear), a dealer who insults a line of products he doesn't carry is a dealer who I would not waste one second of my time listening to.... 

@stereo5 there are several ways to answer your question. On the surface of it all I found peoples opinions to be rather one sided & fun to read, & there is nothing wrong with that. To go a bit deeper as to why I enjoyed this is to say I once took a law class in college years ago & our professor taught me something I have never forgotten & have found quite valuable. He once stated that a good lawyer can argue both sides of the law or case with the same amount of vigor no matter which side he or she believes is right, while most lawyers can only successfully argue the side in which they believe. For some reason that popped into my mind while going through the comments & I enjoyed analyzing peoples opinions in that light. It was good practice & insight.  I never went into law, in fact I’m an aircraft electrician by trade for 26 years now.  How did you sir enjoy this thread & why… & if I didn’t make sense during any part of this I apologize. I am on pain medication 💊 right now & lots of it… ☮️ 

@davidclarke

Great story - best post of the thread! Thank you so much for sharing. To my mind a system develops a personality over the years much like a treasured car or watch.

The more I listen to my C2300/MC275 through Magico A5’s the more I appreciate the world and time in which we live.

As Jerry was fond of saying, let’s have fun.

@sfseay 

In the end it has to be about the sound per dollar spent.

many people feel the way you do, but some don't - why do you state this like it is gospel?

enjoying the finer things in life has many facets, different people with different tastes and different means weight those differently - if one can have their cake and eat it too, then why not?  unless you have figured out a way to take your money with you ...