I've owned McIntosh gear since 1971. Have always paired with JBL speakers. I have gone thru many different models and configurations with few issues. Have four different systems in use at this time with three of the four powered by McIntosh. The other is a nostalgic reproduction of my first system I ever owned. When I power it on, I remember why McIntosh is my personal choice. The proliferation of audio brands gives all of us a choice. Not everybody appreciates the McIntosh sound, and that's OK, it's what makes the world go 'round.
Mcintosh pre amp pricing
I'm looking for a used c53, then adjusted to bing open to a used c52, now looking for even a c50- older and older units- yet- the asking prices and inflexibility of the sellers is insane. People asking for 80% of MSRP for 5 year old units, close to the same for ten year old units- the difference in msrp and technology across these three models is huge yet sellers of ten year old c50's are asking for what they listed for a decade ago???
Sellers with no selling history demanding PayPal Friends and Family so the buyer has no purchase coverage.
These models are nice but they ain't worth anywhere near what people are trying get for them in my opinion.