Why do no audio enthusiasts use McIntosh?

Since I was a wee little nipper ther was always music. A suitcase record player at 5, small tape player at 7, a boom box with detachable speakers at 11, hand me down 70's system from an uncle at 13, the family Harmon Kardon with Pioneer speakers at 14-15, then at 19 I got the "itis". Am now on my 3rd big system 2nd of which is Mc. 13 years ago I tried the others and preferred the Mc. Presently finishing up my curent rig and still prefer the Mc. I can't imagine not giving Mc a listen.

What is an "audio enthusiast"? If you mean people who love listening to recorded music, then I suspect that many people with iPods and earbuds better meet the criteria, while many people who churn through audio equipment are not. I suspect the latter group actually exhibits some form of OCD, not "audio enthusiasm". The evidence is the number of people trying to sell mega-buck components because they need money. Makes me wonder what delusion they were under when they bought the component in the first place.

In any case, I used to own a Mac MC275 and upgraded to a VAC Phi 200, at more than double the price. The VAC is a better amp. However, it in no way embarrasses the MC275.

i dont have any MC components yet - looking for something good , so i can cmpare to Accuphase (have quite a few - seperates and integraded)...
but after reading this thread - i think that MC is like a Rolex in watch world - if you wear one, most of the people will recognize it as a expansive and best watch... i do have one and few other brands (Patek, Zenith, blancpain..) - i stopped wearing rolex - too many people made comments about it.. i do wear other ones and quite offten people comment on the other ones.... they suggest to me to buy rolex - " now this is a good watch, the best".... yes, i just nod my head.
that is why i want to try MC - just to see if it is what people say about it.
but if someone wants to show to people the money - buy a rolex, 90% will recognize the mark and price right a way....
maybe it is true with MC too..., will test once i get it.

10-14-11: Hakuchosan
i think that MC is like a Rolex in watch world - if you wear one, most of the people will recognize it as a expansive and best watch... i do have one and few other brands (Patek, Zenith, blancpain..) - i stopped wearing rolex - too many people made comments about it.. i do wear other ones and quite offten people comment on the other ones.... they suggest to me to buy rolex - " now this is a good watch, the best".... yes, i just nod my head.

Rolex with its history for making the first diving watch and the date complication, I think it would be just a natural response for most people to recognize it as an icon in the horological sense. Rolex watches are still affordable compared to Patek's astronomical pricing. Whatever it is I don't blame people who thinks they are the best. Perhaps best for value? iconic design? Usability? Fashion? Personally, I prefer JLC.

Macs has its own history too, you're right... an iconic brand as well. They are really good with some speakers, B&W, Totems, Paradigms....IME., Try it if it matches your system and let us know.

Wow

And the saga continues over the years. I was one who came up believing that Mac gear was just a pioneer of its day and that with CJ, Krell, Rolland, Threshold, et al anyone who bought Mac just did not know what "real" high end was. I have had them all and recently picked up an old Threshold S500 that I had Jon Soderber tweek out to the max hoping it would bring me back to when I owened an Sa4e that was probably my favorite amp of all time driving my B&W 801's UNTIL now. I picked up some B&W 802 N and the Threshold just did not let the speakers shine. I read on the blogs that a lot of people seemed to like the Mac power amps with them so I bought on a whim a like new MC 402 stereo amp. Wow, I could not believe how unbelievable it sounded. I was using a CJ Preimier 17 pre-amp and tried a friends SS MF 308CR that believe it or not bettered the CJ so I bought one. Now I had a chance to get a C2200 Mac tube pre for a great deal and it should be coming this week. I do not know what to expect but sure hope it will be as good as or better than my MF as I would love to have the matching set. It really is all about the sound but I do like the looks too especially when the lights are out. SOOOOO I must confess I am no longer a snob and realize this new Mac gear, (at least my amp) is killer. Now I will have to get advice on tube rolling but then again what sounds right for you may not be right for me.