Why do no audio enthusiasts use McIntosh?

Had a funny experience yesterday. Another Audiogon member with whom I speak regularly--and someone who has owned and heard some very fine audio gear--asked me if I had any familiarity with McIntosh. And the subsequent conversation went like this:

ME: "Yeah, we just bought a McIntosh amp (MC7200) a few weeks ago."

HIM: "You did?! How do you like it?"

"We love it. Now we have our SET amps for the intimate music, and the McIntosh will drive all the music we like that is more punchy. Plus, we leave it on all the time, and the power cord is captive, so I don't have to fuss with that either. I primarily listen to it, not the SET's, since the MAC is on all the time."

"But what about the sound?"

"Not as airy and textured as our SET amps, but with the tube preamp, it's pure joy. It just sounds like beautiful, rounded, dense music, perfectly balanced, never fatiguing, and completely engaging."

"Did you ever have a bias against McIntosh, you know, think of it as audiophile gear for NON-audiophiles?"

"Yep. I always thought that somehow it wouldn't be on the same level as the better audio gear out there."

"I always thought so, too," he said, "and I have no idea why. But the reason I was calling was to get your opinion since I just ordered an MC275 today!"

My wife and I cannot see ourselves WITHOUT a piece of McIntosh gear. Love it! Oh, and I called McIntosh Labs to order replacement bulbs for the amp. I was on/off the phone within three minutes, order completed. I was impressed.

The best thing I can say about McIntosh is that in the month+ since we purchased our MC7200 amp, I have not tweaked anything in our system. That has not happened in over two years! I was constantly looking for better sound, and for whatever reason, this amp has quieted that need. Consequently, my frustration with the system is also gone.

Last weekend, some friends and I took a drive to Amoeba Records in Berkeley, and I picked up 25 new CDs. Just enjoying the music, more than ever. As some have said, McIntosh is not for audiophiles. It's for music lovers. I happen to agree.

Also, McIntosh can't tell people what they can and can't do with their gear.

No, but their attorneys can.

Anyone ever see a reputable speaker manufacturer or other high end manufacturer using McIntosh in their demo rooms at any of the shows??? Me neither.

Why do you think that is??

Because whether or not another manufacturer wanted to exhibit with McIntosh gear, I'm willing to bet that McIntosh doesn't allow it. For confirmation, you could ask them directly.

Pubul57,
Your post exemplifies my experience of McIntosh. When I was finally willing to overcome my own "it's sub-audiophile" snobbery about it, I found that their amps/preamps in particular answer my primary goal, which is to turn off the analysis and simply enjoy the music. For those who prefer to chase--but not chew--the audio carrot, McIntosh is probably not for you.

Boa2, unless I'm a dealer I can do whatever I want with a McIntosh.

What exhibitor at any show demonstrates with a product that they do not--or cannot--sell?

The guy got really pissed, nearly threw me out of the room!

That's pretty funny, Albert.

We went to hear a McIntosh demo at a dealer in CA. When I asked about the little red speaker cable running to the back of the $80,000 XRT2Ks, the salesman responded, "A dollar fifty a foot, don't waste your money on anything more expensive". I'm guessing you would have tossed HIM out of the room. :-)