2. amps-preamps
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Why do no audio enthusiasts use McIntosh?

With the exception of some of there tube gear, not many really use this stuff(or admit to it anyway), I am mainly referring to there amps. They look pleasant, they look good on paper and have the price of high end gear, but I seldom hear anyone claiming to like or one day dreaming of owning McIntosh. I have never really listened to there stuff, no good word of mouth sort of scares me away from it, the only people who like it are those who sell it, an uncanny coincidence? I don’t know. Sorry it this has been covered many times in the past, I ran a search and could not find anything.
tireguy

Showing 2 responses by radicalsteve

radicalsteve's avatar
radicalsteve
146 posts
 
I recently auditioned and bought a pair of MC501's driving Martin Logan CLX's via an MBL 6010D. I was and am blown away by the Mcintosh sound. I am listening to the music, live or studio, and no longer listening to the audio equipment. For so long I viewed this brand as anachronistic and appealing to those that did not know Hi-Fi. I am wrong. The Mcintosh product is state of the art, soundwise, design wise and looks-wise. A real manual is provided (not a garage company) and the packaging is as it should be for expensive gear. This is a company that knows its business and is very customer driven.

Time for a few audiophiles to stop "listening with their eyes" and audio review mentality and listen to the music with their ears!

Steve
radicalsteve's avatar
radicalsteve
146 posts
 
Since my last post on this thread (many moons ago) I added to my McIntosh experience by replacing my MBL 6010D preamp with the CT 1000. I thought that was a "ballsy" move on my part as the MBL continues to gain acceptance as a world class preamp - and rightly so. This is not about a comparison between the two but, after repalcing the stock tubes with Gold Lions the McIntosh clearly qualifies as world class that can hold its own with anything out there.

Now to the "house sound". As I listen to my amps there is no reason to support the notion that Mac gear is "warm" or "fuzzy" or lacking in detail. As a long time audiophile always looking for "the next best thing" Mac gear delivers consistency, product support, great sound and reliability. What is not to like? Oh, BTW it reminds me of a similar thread to this on this forum regarding Musical Fidelity gear. I have that stuff, have had it for over 20 years and the same applies .....

Having a reliable company around supplying world class gear to support our hobby should not be sneezed at. If it doesn't float your boat sound wise, that is fine, but let's support the venerable manufacturers such as Mac, such as ARC, such as MF, and so on that provide quality products, well branded, well supported and even if they segment their customer base to include main street consumers we should applaud their resilience to survive and prosper.
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