Seeking Honest Opinions: Your Experience with McIntosh Audio Gear

Value for money is not good. Units all you care about is how it looks and/or the name. Most of it isn't bad by any means. But not at all worth the price in most cases. 

If you search ads for current model pieces, the resale value is not any better than many other brands. Seems some are having a tough time selling these components for as little as 60% of retail. Schiit Audio actually retains more value on the pre-owned market.

Some of the older pieces have kept up with inflation or even gained value, but my hunch is that trend will decline concurrently with the numbers of boomers and early Gen-Xers.

Having owned Mac equipment for most of the past 25 years, I would like to add my thoughts.

SQ - suits my ear, more the tubes than the solid state. I have made money on all of the Mac gear I have sold over the years, except for the speakers. My main regret is selling my MC225 and MX110. Two premier pieces of gear.

BQ - I currently own the MC275, C2300 and MCD500. The MC275 and MCD500 were recently serviced by George Meyer Audio. Expensive but worth it. They are both operating at levels not seen since new. Takeaway is some service will be required over time. Do it.

Value - as stated, I have made money on every piece except for the speakers. The tweeter bank sounded like it would present a mini wall of sound. It did not.

Customer Service - never used.

Overall Experience - personal preferences are front and center. Balance with other components is key. These two aspects are well covered above. For me, VPI Aries 3 table for vinyl and Cambridge Audio streamer work great. Magico A5’s with B&W DB3D’s are amazing. Interconnects from Blue Jeans Cable are awesome. I believe these components are best for me, evidenced by the relative longevity in my setup. Love Mac gear and the way it sounds in my system.

Supposedly Jeff Rowland makes the best SS amps, although I've never stepped up to the plate for one. I'm still very happy with my 18 year old SS Plinius integrated AB amp. The OPPOSITE of McIntosh - very plain Jane, but excellent. I don't want to deal with the hassle and distortion of tubes. Would consider a tube preamp (if I didn't have an integrated) or phono stage maybe since the tubes should last a very long time, although you should always leave a phono stage or preamp on which could shorten the tube life. 

If you care about the blue lights and meters and the retro look, fine. The look of any audio equipment should not factor into the equation unless you are an interior designer. My only exception is speaker size. I prefer thin floor standers so they don't dominate/take up the whole den.

My experience with McIntosh is based on my ownership of an MA-8900 integrated amplifier.  

SOUND QUALITY:  As with all things audio, it’s what fits your ear that matters.  For me, the Mac delivers great sound.  I’m a classic rock, jazz, blues guy.  The MA8900 does a wonderful job with this type of music.  Audiophiles argue that female vocals are the acid test for sound quality and I think the Mac is very capable of reproducing well recorded female vocals that are true to the real thing.  I don’t think Mac is rolled off or laid back, but it’s also not so analytical as to be fatiguing.  I owned some Classe gear (pre bankruptcy) and it was awesome but only in shorter listening sessions (again, to my ear). 

BUILD QUALITY: This is one of their hallmarks.  My amplifier will certainly outlast me.  It is vault-like.  Fit and finish are first rate.  It exudes that classic American quality that used to define so many things made in the USA.  

VALUE FOR MONEY: When you consider that in one unit, you get an amplifier, preamplifier, MC/MM phono stage and DAC (more on that later), You would never be able to assemble separates of this quality at anywhere near the price.  And as many have said, the resale value of McIntosh is probably one of the best in the industry.

CUSTOMER SERVICE/SUPPORT: When I bought my Mac, it was installed in a moderately complex stereo/home theater system.  Using the pass through option when watching movies or TV worked well.  The only issue the installers had was getting the Mac to behave well with the remote control system.  The Mac was fussy about the sequence of various actions as programmed in the remote.  The installer got on the phone with Mac support and in about 10 minutes had the issue resolved.  Otherwise I’ve had no need to work with the company because the Mac performs as it should.  (I have since gotten rid of the HT part of my system due to a relocation.  Now the Mac is purely a two channel music system).  

OVERALL EXPERIENCE:  My Mac is 4 years old and sounds every bit as good today as it did once it was through the break in period.  I recently upgraded the DAC to the current McIntosh DAC2 board and it definitely sounds better.  More revealing and detailed but again, not fatiguing.  I have had a great experience and I would recommend McIntosh products to anyone in the market for high quality audio products.  You NEED to audition and be sure the products you’re considering fit your ear.  It is just like wine or bourbon.  Everyone’s taste buds are different and everyone will like or not like something that others rave about.  If you’re going to invest large sums of money into an audio system, be sure you spend time listening to different components with your music.  That’s the only way to know if it will work for you.  

OP is asking us for opinions about a brand, not a product. This is a marketing issue, not an audio issue. Yes, he asks about "sound quality", but from my experience, every component, McIntosh included, sounds different from other products of the same brand and sounds different in combination with other components. The sound of my MC2775VI, for example, is highly dependent on the preamplifier with which it is paired, not to mention the speaker hooked up to it. The other questions are, as I said, marketing questions, and are best answererd by the fact that Mac has been in business continously for 75 years.

Have had the same (purchased used in the mid 80s) power amplifier for 40 years now. It has been mated to many different tube and solid state phono stages and preamps leading to improvement in sound quality over time. I listen to it almost every day. It has a strong yet warm sound quality and has never been serviced or repaired since the original purchase. I think this speaks volumes about the build quality and excellence of what they manufacture and continue to manufacture. As far as the value proposition is concerned, I think it is worth about 8 to 10 times more than what I paid for it when purchased used.

Couple of fun facts before this falls apart: 

1. Still made in the USA. You can make an appointment to tour the factory in Binghamton, NY. Not sure, but I think tubes are still Russian.

2. They own Sonus Faber & Sumiko

3. They are owned by Highlander Partners, a private equity co out of Dallas, who owns a bunch of companies in many diversified product categories. They buy and sell companies....for profit

4. They did a deal with Jeep to put car audio systems in some models. Jeep forums seem to report they sound "pretty good" 

OP..I have owned 3 McIntosh components

1. Sound Quality: How would you describe the sound signature of McIntosh gear? Natural, musical sound. Neither warm nor harsh to me.
2. Build Quality and Design: McIntosh is renowned for its craftsmanship. Has their build quality lived up to your expectations? NO..I purchased a lemon C-220 preamp that was not manfactured carefully. I sold it within the first year. No "firmware" updates for my stereo, thank you.
3. Value for Money: Considering the premium investment McIntosh demands, do you believe the performance and satisfaction derived justify the price? Too subjective a question ..every listener has a different definition of value.
4. Customer Service and Support: Have you had any experiences dealing with McIntosh’s customer service? If so, how would you rate their support? YES..I contacted support, helpful folks. My problem included the fact that after I took my C-220 in to a authorized service center MAC dropped the dealer off the authorized service center list while it was in for service. Ya can’t make that up.....
5. Overall Experience: Would you recommend McIntosh to fellow audio enthusiasts? Why or why not? IMO the recent (last 20 years) McIntosh gear is not made like it used to be. I would consider buying the 60s and 70s McIntosh gear if an expert MAC repair/restore tech is able to refurbish/maintain the gear. Better yet, buy PrimaLuna gear and as much as I like to buy US made gear, just enjoy a reliable experience with new equipment. I also recommend Schiit for great USA made stuff.

My Mac experience is that the tube stuff is a bit bottom heavy, the mids are good and the highs are a bit muted.  If you buy a brighter speaker like the B&W 800 series, tube Macs sound great. 
I never had a problem with their equipment, so I can’t speak to their service department.

They definitely have their own sound and will not work well with any speakers.

As an aside, they keep their value better than most High End equipment.

All the best.

I was looking at McIntosh gear a few years ago when I was shopping for a new integrated. But they are quite deep in length and wouldn't fit on my audio racks. I ended up getting a Luxman instead.

McIntosh has a storied reputation in the high-end audio world

Really??

Nah

Mediocre at best, dreadful design, appeals to dumb patriotism.

All this talk of American Craftsmanship, when there are infinitely better choices available domestically;  Boulder and Vac, to name two

Having owned Mcintosh for over 10 years I am still enthusiastic .  I would not put much stock in the reference to the Best Buy listening saying it sounded like mush because the rooms in. the big box stores are not set up properly.  I have had my Mcintosh MC501's since 2009 and they still sound wonderful.  They have been paired with several different speakers and always sounded great, now they make my Sonos Faber Stradivari sound beautiful.  I am also using the a C2300 pre amp similar age with gold lion tubes.  I have no desire to change either.  I have Mcintosh home theater amplifie/surround processor system. that is less than a year old and they also sound wonderful. 

I owned Mac gear for years and really enjoyed it. An old solid state amp with fixed power cord was my first real amp upgrade. Don't recall the model, bought used.  Made a believer out of me.  Bought the C2600 preamp and loved it. The amp died and I wanted to change to tubes, so I bought VAC signature 200 monos.  Not unexpectedly, a huge upgrade.  Still liked the pre, but moved up to VAC master preamp with phono.  Game changer.  Gifted the Mac Pre to my little brother (not so little anymore, lol) who absolutely loves it.  He went to his local stereo dealer in Michigan to build a system and they told him to NEVER sell the preamp because it is so good.  He has a dedicated Mac system with Sonus Faber speakers and he is super happy with his system.  I haven't heard it yet, but I bet it sounds great.  I think McIntosh is a great company with good sounding equipment, particularly for the price.  There is a huge difference between the Mac pre and VAC pre-remaining system unchanged.  But a much higher price point for for the VAC.  

"@uavnola  looks like a new autonomous vehicle BOT…"

At least it knows how to spell McIntosh...

I’ve read all the comments from group.  It all comes down to one thing.  Until you own a piece of Mac equipment, you’ll never understand why they are the gold standard in audio.l

of course NOVA means something else in other languages…

@uavnola  looks like a new autonomous vehicle BOT…

Notice…the OP is MIA….. lame given the high quality / high efforts y’all put back to what looks like a click generating bot….

in a few words : warm, enveloping, reliable lacking the last nth in definition

Macintosh is know through the audio world. Built quality is second to none. I also have other Audio equipment other than Mac gear. Mac has made some outstanding sounding gear. No other company has the reputation which Mac has earned.  Personally I appreciate the engineers of Mac for making there product.  Most of all made in America 🇺🇸 

All have been said already but for my part, I finally bought a new McIntosh integrated and that, fifty five years after I got my first japanese receiver (Kenwood KR-2120) 😎.

Tried about everything since then including tubes, class A, Naim and all that. Not saying it’s the most refined sound there is but it’s very musical and easy to listen to for hours. Should have made that move some decades ago.

I own a C2200 and I intend to keep it. I have a Mc352 for around 16 years, no problems. I have a Ma2275 tube shorted and the repair wasn't inexpensive, but it was done correctly and has functioned properly ever since. I also own Pass Labs and Linn electronics.  I am not just a Mcintosh enthusiast.

Hope this helps

After going through several power amplifiers to pair with my Cary SLP-05 preamp including Parasound JC5, Pass Labs XA25 and Pass Labs XA30.8 I wasn't getting the sound out of them that I was after.  

I decided to try the McIntosh MC 312 300 WPC 120 db S/N solid state amp.  when I saw a good deal on a store demo model.  

1. Sound Quality: How would you describe the sound signature of McIntosh gear? Do you find it warm, neutral, or something else entirely?  > The sound quality is robust- fast paced and incredible speed and dynamic changes on a dime.  It has excellent transparency and bass authority but the kicker is an incredible soaring midrange that is as clear as daylight.  High frequencies are  not rolled off yet are smooth and pristine.  Sound stage is sufficiently large, well defined and spacious.  The sound is so clean and without a hint of grain.  Finally found my amplifier!
2. Build Quality and Design: McIntosh is renowned for its craftsmanship. Has their build quality lived up to your expectations? >Build quality is flawless.  Connections are accessible and of high quality.  I will be able to sell this thing for more than I paid for it (if ever) for the rest of my life!  It is almost too heavy though, not a big deal unless I ever sell it. 
3. Value for Money: Considering the premium investment McIntosh demands, do you believe the performance and satisfaction derived justify the price?  >I consider the value competitive with anything in its price range if not higher.  Again resale will always remain very high on McIntosh amplifiers.   
4. Customer Service and Support: Have you had any experiences dealing with McIntosh's customer service? If so, how would you rate their support? >n/a
5. Overall Experience: Would you recommend McIntosh to fellow audio enthusiasts? Why or why not?  >Absolutely.  Sound quality on the latest gen solid state amplifiers is as good as I could ever want and I flat out love it and the sound.  I have had many tube integrated, tube power amps, class A amps, high bias class AB amps and the Mac sounds the best to me!  

I had a C27 preamp for several years, bought refurbished. Here are my comments:

1. Sound Quality: Very pure; certainly not warm. Everything was good although the phono stage, to me, had a bit of harshness built in.
2. Build Quality and Design: Build quality was second to none. Beautifully constructed with the highest-quality parts.
3. Value for Money: As I said, I used it for several years and liked it mostly. At the time, it did every think I asked of it and did it very wel. 
4. Customer Service and Support: Never had to have anything fixed.
5. Overall Experience: I think the new ones are rather garish with their lit tubes and all. I think they have gone overboard and right now, the only pieces I'd recommend are the C22 preamp and the MC275 amp.

I have several intergated amps that i do a rotation. I have always wanted a Mac with those blue meters.  I purchased a Ma 352 which is a hybrid. So I have Pass, Accuphase, Hegal. I noticed that when I rotate the Mac, it tends to stay in play the longest. Can’t quite put my finger on it, but there is something about the sound that I much enjoy. 

A lot of their amps measure objectively worse than amps priced MUCH MUCH cheaper. Not that they're bad amps by any means, but you're paying for name and esthetics.

If McIntosh were a car company they would be Porsche, but made in America. Sure there are Ferrari’s and sexier components out there to rival. There are also the Lexus equivalents that come close and punch above their weight.  

In the end it’s a quality product that works as advertised in its class. 

The rest is subjective and subject to pairing like anything else. 

We sold Mac audio gear in our store back in the 1970's. We also sold ARC, Halfer, B&O, Yamaha, Maggies, Klipsch, JBL, Levinson, Linn, and more. Back then Mac would come in the stores and set up a test bench with clad blanket covering the table where the equipment brought in by customers for tested. I also toured the factory. Built quality was impeccable. Sound was also very good. (MC275) 

Mac decided they needed to make everything audio. (Cassettes, CD's, turntables, Dacs, surround systems, etc) Once they started down that road, the reliability went out the window.  I now consider there amps and pre-amps to still be extremely well built, reliable, and sound good (not ampung the best, but good). The rest of there products I would never purchase.  

I had Mac’s most recent solid state preamp and actually preferred the $599 Topping A90D in terms of sound quality. The Topping had a significantly lower noise floor and just overall superior resolution. Of course the Mac felt and operated like a more premium product and has a good built-in DAC.

The other times I’ve experienced Mac gear I was never blown away, but in those systems I couldn’t really isolate what was contributing what. Most of those systems were rather laidback and mellow sounding which aligns with the general consensus of the Mac sound. The best systems I’ve encountered have not happened to have any Mac gear in the chain.

My overall impression is that much of what one pays for with the brand is the name and legacy.

As for resale value, it seems some pieces simply hold their value better than others. I had to take a substantial hit on the resale value of the Mac preamp even despite the fact I bought it used for thousands less than retail. 

I think it probably depends on your other components. I have 611 monos, with B&W 802D3 speakers. My sources are an Esoteric N01XD streamer and a Clearaudio Performance turntable. That combination works well. Bold, natural, and detailed with clear separation. Heaven to my ears.

immatthewj,

the MAC SACD plyer i had I got in a trade deal and only tried one SACD and maybe a half doz CD's. So i can't rally talk about sound as i didn't even use the internal DAC in it. I sold it shortly after getting it as I stream now for digital. 

The first "real" Hi-Fi system that rocked my audio world was powered by McIntosh. That was 45 years ago. Blue meters were on my bucket list for my home system for the next 40.

My interest in audio developed into a career that spanned 40+ years and, yes, we became a "Mac" dealer somewhere around 1982. I would classify the Mac experience as a dealer as one of the group of vendors I could count on one hand being in the "never let us down" category. This includes the customer/end user.

I got my wish in 2016 when I sold my business. When presenting a list of current inventory to the prospective new owner, I made it a point to tell them they can have anything they want -- EXCEPT the Mac stack on display. The separates I had at home that esthetically reassembled a mix of military surplus and vintage laboratory instruments were replaced with those beautiful faceplates and bouncing blue meters.

As one would expect, we had the opportunity for "shoot outs" on many occasions with "similarly-priced" gear. I would say overall that the Mac gear held it’s own. The inner Hi-Fi nerd in me classified the sonics of the Mac gear as "not quite as revealing" as some world-class gear.

Okay, I know the next comment is going to make some heads explode. But here goes: I found that audiophlle fuses can make a significant sound quality improvement in Mac gear (that utilize fuses). The sound becomes more "analytical", revealing, more detailed, and brings instruments and voices more into focus. For me, the sound nudges a bit closer to the agility I have experienced in other renouned high end brands. For Mac owners, with the fuse upgrade, you may find yourself in the room with a more transparent, revealing, and rewarding musical experience. For non-Mac owners who love the brand, esthetics, and build quality, but Mac doesn’t quite get you there sonically, a couple hundred buck investment may result in Mac checking ALL of your audiophile boxes.

I’ll also say that McIntosh has done an admirable job of staying relevant for many decades. It’s a balancing act that few have navigated successfully.

I’ve owned my 1962 McIntosh MR65B FM tuner for close to 20 years. The MR65B is the first all tube stereo tuner manufactured by McIntosh. It’s all tube, built like a tank, sounds great, and IMO the MR65B is very nice looking. Mine also has the original walnut cabinet.

McIntosh has always been sold as a high end audio product line and is presently owned by a private equity firm (according to Wikipedia).

The three things I know about McIntosh gear:

1 It holds its resale value incredibly well.

2 Their components tend to be built to last a long time.

3 I'm not a fan of the McIntosh "house sound".*

 If I wanted to try McIntosh gear, but wasn't sure if I'd like it, I'd buy used. Then it can be sold with little to no loss, maybe even at a profit if you got a good deal.

* #3 should have no bearing on anyone's decision, except mine.

Honestly, I’ve heard Mac gear at dealers too many times to count over the years and have heard it sound just fine but never seems to fully grab me. But that’s just me. It holds value very well compared to many others it seems so that is a big thing. As are the looks which I do tend to like.

I've owned the C2600 Pre-amp and MC 302 Amplifier and I enjoyed listening to music at home more than ever (at that point) 

1. Sound Quality: It sounded good.  I enjoyed the sound immensely and the difference between McIntosh sound and others to me is a bit of transparency - in comparison to my Moon gear it's less detailed and dynamic.  Note, I never thought anything was missing until I was evaluating purchasing a MC 462 as an upgrade.
2. Build Quality and Design: I never had an issue with quality and if you like their design it's definitely something folks appreciate/enjoy.
3. Value for Money: Yes, specifically after experiencing resale.  I pushed my budget to acquire and I sold the gear for 85% of what I paid for it.  
4. Customer Service and Support: I only had one interaction with customer service because I bought a demo unit.  They initially refused my warranty - their email message provided me a phone number.  I called them, they answered, we spoke about my situation and the person did some more research and then let me know my warranty registration was accepted.
5. Overall Experience: I recommend you listen to as much stuff as you can and you buy what you like.  I won't recommend McIntosh but I won't recommend you buy anything you don't enjoy listening too!

McIntosh reignited my love for music - and as far as I'm concerned that makes them alright with me.  I moved away from the brand and I'm sure I was replaced with another happy customer.

I use the MC 901 mono amplifiers which allows me to biamp my speakers. The speakers are B&W and I use transparent cables and power cords and and an above average pre-amplifier and streamer dac. I don't use mcintosh pre-amplifier because I hate looking at the stupid green light all the time and I'm not sure the quality of the processors is as good as other manufacturers Plus I don't like the way it's configured for a home theatre bypass which turns off the TV screen when you're listening to stereo when using home theatre bypass which really sucks.

You really need to biamp and use quality interconnects to get the best out of any system. Especially B and W speakers. I thought about using a tube amp from VAC or CJ but I was concerned that the bass wouldn’t be what I wanted. Really wanted to biamp using tubes and solid state and McIntosh was the only company that could really do it given what their skill set is. So far it’s working out.

My only complaint as I mentioned in another thread is that the stock tubes they use are crap and I’m in the process of evaluating new tubes.

If you have issues with the amplifiers good luck getting them repaired very quickly.. McIntosh support of warranty centres is not where it needs to be and the length of Time you need before it’s fixed could be several months and very uncertain. I’m not sure why they use Best Buy to sell their products using Magnolia. That’s disappointing in my opinion and cheapens the brand.

Reliability was a big factor in my purchase decision and strong dealer support which is the case for me at least.

Totally agree in general with: "Can't beat MAC on price/value ratio nor for resale and service..."

With over 50 years in this hobby, the only piece of equipment I truly regret selling was my MC240 power amp, which I sold to finance my first home theater. I'm now at least 5 upgrades past that in my theater, and would love to still have that MC240 for my 2-Channel rig.

Bottom line: if you're shopping for the long haul, you probably can't do much better than Mcintosh. 

A little different perspective. I have bought almost all of my audio components used. I’m the second owner of an MC352 that I use to drive Quad 63s. When I moved on to Sound Lab electrostatics, I bought two MC2500s, each bridged to mono 1000 watts. The 2500s have a slightly brighter signature than the 352. But all sound great and are built like tanks. I really couldn’t be happier with their sound and lack of distortion. Also, looking at the audio market places, it appears all three of my amps have appreciated since I bought them. 
 

A friend and fellow audio traveller has a stunning system built around a new Mac integrated and Sonus Faber Olympica speakers. Marvelous sound. 

No one has mentioned convenience. I have a M/X 123 A/V processor that controls my audio and video. It came bundled with Apple Music, so no separate streamer, DAC, etc. necessary. My audio is powered by a McIntosh 275 tube amp. For movies, etc,, I use a MC8207 seven channel solid state amp. Coupled with a MAC4BACCH filter, it sounds better than a million dollar system I recently heard at a very high-end dealer in New York. I cannot over-emphasize how much the BACCH adds to my system.

SQ - I have owned four different McIntosh combinations over the years and I would consider their sound quality to be solid, punchy, clear and powerful, never shrill.   

BQ - just outstanding.  Beautifully crafted and very unique.  Touching McIntosh equipment always invokes a sense of quality craftmanship.  Some bash the meters but what a distinctive brand identity.  They are also incredibly reliable. 

Value - McIntosh is too expensive but when you add in most pieces ability to hold their value, I think it changes the expense to benefit ratio.  Seems you can always get your money back and in some cases more.

Customer Support - never had to use it but I hear it is exceptional.

Overall - I would highly recommend McIntosh to most listeners.  I just have confidence that Mac gear delivers in most all situations.  It may not be the very best of the best, but when you consider everything involved, it's a hard to be brand. 

Right on jheppe815. Mac equipment is solid, as well as the resale value. Unlikely to take a hit on the buy in cost other than general inflation.

 I have multiple Mac pieces. It sounds "warm" to me. I have nothing to compare to. My ears love the sound and I suppose I could "upgrade" but what would be the point. My ears and brain have come to accept my Mac equipment as audio nirvana. Would just turn into a rabbit hole with many dollars needlessly spent. 

I have been a McIntosh owner for over 30 years. 

I will state that when I would visit stereo / hi-fi stores over the decades (when we still had hi-fi stores!) and salespersons would ask what I had for a system, I was embarrassed to some degree to state that I owned McIntosh due to the comments and that I would get.  Not sure where that really came from...other than the assumption that people disliked the colored, house sound from years ago, the logo font choice and the blue meters.  McIntosh, seemingly more than any other stereo manufacturer, has indeed generated a fair number of detractors that really dislike these products.

I still remember a few clubs/bars in my area in the '90's that would have a McIntosh amp behind the bar running the sound system.  All beat to heck, lights burned out, top of the amps battered for years of setting stuff on them, but still operating year after year.   

My mid '70's MC250 amp is still going, and my Clarion years MAC preamp is still 100% functional.

Owned McIntosh for a long time, off an on for decades:

1. Sound Quality: above average, a little warm to neutral, but a bit much on the mids and bass... great for rock music, but prefer other equipment for a more balanced approach.
2. Build Quality and Design: Dislike all the lights and meters. So damn bright and flashy. Design is done well though and their build quality is average compared to other hifi equipment at similar cost. (still pretty good though)
3. Value for Money: It is average to good. I know Americans will point out the 'made in usa' makes it great... but it doesn't necessarily mean anything.
4. Customer Service and Support: Fantastic. Here is where they remind me a bit of Bryston, "have a problem, no problem we will look after it for you for a reasonable price".
5. Overall Experience: 6/10. But I have moved on to what I feel is equipment that have more honest and neutral presentations.

I feel like McIntosh is what you buy when you want to say you have hi-end equipment but aren't really someone who researches and listens to a lot of different equipment. While it is still good equipment, once you audition others, you will soon find out that perhaps McIntosh isn't really what you want or need. But still good.

Equipment: MA352 Hybrid Integrated Amp,  MCD85 SACD/CD player

Sound Quality:  Very subjective topic, depends on room and other equipment, but in general more natural, very detailed compared to other equipment owned.  An audible difference for the better.  If its there the MA352 will reveal it; even standard CDs sound better in the MDC85; SACDs sound is outstanding.

Build Quality and Design: Both items heavy and built like a tank.  Outstanding fit and finish.  Top grade connectors, knobs and display.

Value for Money: I'm sure you'll find many great sounding alternatives at the same price point. But hard to beat resale value and you can be assured you'll find service and replacement parts as long a you own your McIntosh. 

Customer Service and Support: Called twice for features, configuration questions; you'll get a real tech not a call-center.  They know their stuff and will go beyond to help.

Overall Experience: Never regretted the purchase; probably the last IA I will own.

I never owned Mac before. Last feb I bought a pair of Mc611 and c49 to drive my Kef Blades. The Mac amps brought the blades to life at low volume, added layers of detail and bass that create an open soundstage that's unique and fulfilling.

Mac doesn't support MQA, but tidal is dropping it anyhow so, as much as I enjoy it mqa'a going bye bye. 

They are okay, I think in modern standards there are better, Much like Harley Davidson they are a legacy brand, not that great. I call HD motorcycle Driveway Ornaments, McIntosh is a rack ornament. Now here is the real question.

Do you like McIntosh?

If so what’s with the question, enjoy it, who cares what other's think.

Paired with the right speakers and when listening to the right music, Mac gear can be very impressive. Unsurprisingly, those who own this gear love it, those who don't...don't. I prefer a little more detail and a little less bloat.

It's a good thing you said HONEST twice, otherwise .......