I have heard the 501's not the 1.2's and have had a chance to hear them in a comparison to the Classe' amps. The McIntosh clearly showed that the Classe's were over priced and over rated. Of course that is just my opinion based on 45 years of listening to music. As Sid42 points out there are many who buy McIntosh, a company that has maintatined a customer base since 1949, must be pleasing more than nostaglic gratification. I would add that you won't have any trouble selling them if you grow tired of them. McIntosh produces a great product although it is not for everyone. But what product is? If so we would have but one brand of everything from audio to cars to appliances.
Ironically I have a dealer that hates McIntosh because he doesn't sell it, however he has a complet McIntosh system in his private listening room. If I sold Fords, I would tell you what is best about my product, a poorer sales tactic would be to take the time you gave me, telling you how bad the competition is. That logic supports the theory of "I blow out your candle and mine glows brighter"
Ironically I have a dealer that hates McIntosh because he doesn't sell it, however he has a complet McIntosh system in his private listening room. If I sold Fords, I would tell you what is best about my product, a poorer sales tactic would be to take the time you gave me, telling you how bad the competition is. That logic supports the theory of "I blow out your candle and mine glows brighter"