McIntosh - is it that great?

I thought I'd chime in here on one of the reasons I think Mac is so great, at least for their solid state. It's their hand wound autoformers. I got this from something Ron C, of McIntosh, said awhile back. Transistors are not very linear compared to tubes. They get pushed around by speakers, which are not resistors. Mac designs the output stage to be as linear as possible within a certain design and type of transistor they're using then couple it to the autoformer. The output stage stays very linear while the other end of the autoformer deals with the reactive speaker. It seems Paul Speltz is enjoying success with his aftermarket autoformer. Imagine Macs experience with handwinding their own all these years plus they're matched for that specific amp. I hope I haven't butchered his explanation too much.

I'm using a MC2200 & two MC2101 bridged to drive a pair of Watts & Puppies. Front end includes Levinson Reference Transport & DAC, Linn LP12 TT.

I've compared the MC setup against my other Levinson 26S pre & 30.5 power amp.

In general the Levinson produces a more clinical type of sound. However, as far as vocal and sonic quality, the MC will beat the ML decisively. The operatic vocal comes out very smooth & sounds like a voice with the MC.

Incidentally the ML 26s sounds decisively better than the new ML320 upon AB testing.

Running the MC2101 in bridge mode will have a much better imaging, sound stage and sound pressure. It is taking the best of both qualities out of ML & MC combined in one.

No other company has been as consistent as Mac, and is still around doing the same thing after being in the business for over 50 years.

No other company's products have better resale value.

Mac has a real engineering team with over 30 people, unlike some garage operation of other so called high end companies.

No other company has a bigger crowd of loyal repeat customers.

No other company has got the same open door policy and allows you to do factory tours like this: http://www.stereopal.com/McIntosh%20Intro.htm

And yes, I have a pair of MC275 IV and they sound awesome.

I believe Mac's reputation speaks for itself.

Simon

I own 5 pieces of Mac gear including both SS and tubes, i fully agree with the above post, Mac is 100 percent...the real deal,no games no gimmicks just pure great stuff.

I have heard, read for years how marginal Mac gear is (audiophile wise). Had to get some brawn to drive a pair of Maggie 20.1's, and got a pair of 1201's to replace an older pair of MC275's. They are very nice, and easy on the ears, they also have responded quite surprisingly to tweaks (power cords, and feet). They now present a dead quiet background, and excelent frequency response. There might be some synergy with the ribbon tweeters in the 20.1's, because I am able to run them full, without a shunt resister.

Overall, I agree with the above comments, and am very happy they seem to be very active in the high-end once again.

Duane