I never thought I would own any Mac because of my impression of mid-fi because so many mid-fi retailers have the line. Then I read the reviews on the newer stuff, 402, 501's, and the preamps and it tweaked my interest. I researched enough to go take a listen and compare amps. The 402's were very special, the 501's were just a notch better in every regard. Ultimately it came down to those 2 amps and the CJ 350 because I love CJ preamps and own a premier 14 .
I bought the 501's and paired them with Meridian front end, laid back, premier 14, a liitle laid back, and Thiel 3.6...the truth! and the combination is the best I've had in my room. Throw in MIT reference wire and I can't believe how good everything sounds. Boa...it put me where you are, listen to the music, not the system. |
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. |
I think the amps are okay but far overpriced, now McIntosh Preamps are where its at.. Very good for the most part and those super tuff systems that need a little "TLC" with tone controls benifit greatly. I have owned a Krell piece and to explain it sounded like a piece of Steel from the moon or something if that makes any sense in translating sound. Truely most mark levinson stuff is decent but more stereo sounding than organic or live, Krell well from the intergrated and preamps I owned now make me laugh, They do have a pretty sweet pair of speakers that run about 12000.00 a pair I believe, they are real solid like extruded aluminum and tall, sounded very nice, I think they were like scanspeak drivers or something, and I heard Krells 30000.00 sub, sure nice but for a 30000.00 sub I think I could buy about 10 of the best subs on the planet and really destroy some drywall. |
I know why Mcintosh sounds bad. They use Mcintosh speakers to listen to there equipment. |
hello sit,i dont know what mac's deal is with the mc2300 but i also had problem's with their service dept a few year's ago over that model amp & all i wanted was a replacement meter,i went thru hell with them trying to get a new meter or the old one repaired.
the speaker rebuilder i use is fantastic & has completely rebuilt several older model speaker's for me,jbl l250 ti,mcintosh xl1,mcintosh xl1w,atlec 14's,klipschorn's & heresy's & i think several other's too.
the company's name is MICHIGAN SOUND REINFORCEMENT & their telephone number's are 1-810-238-2772 & 1-810-238-4893, they open at noon i think.
i remember that the type of dual voice coil used in the older model's is tough to find & with the xl1's i had them rebuild they had one hell of a time locating the vioce coil's for the mid's but they did end up finding them & rebuilding the mid's for me.
hopefully they can hook you up. |
Ed_sawyer I agree almost exactally on your discription on the Mac sound. It is just plain dull. The MC275 is a great amp though. The build quality is NOT great tap on there preamps & sources& some of there amps they ring like a bell. |
Bigjoe- This is response from "SIT" to your question about which Mac pieces I gave up on. These are MC2300 amp, C29 preamp, one pair XR-7 loudspeakers. Sold As-is on Ebay about 1 1/2 year ago. Really broke my heart 'cause this was suppose to be top of the line gear and I maintained it meticulously over the years.
4+ yr. ago I had a channel go out on my MC2300 amp (gold and black panel 300 WPC unit) and a couple of other problems. Also had problem develop almost simultaneously with the C29 preamp where a nagging buzzing sound could not be cured. When I purchased both in '79 I also purchased a pair of XR-7 loudspeakers with the MQ-107 Environmental Equalizer. I was supporting myself thru college at Ohio State at the time and spent every spare dime I had to get this gear. McIntosh was absolutely no help to me in getting the gear back up to reasonable operating condition. I took it in for repair in Baltimore and then in Erie (PA) and no one could seem to fix things to work properly for any period of time.
Nearly right out of the box w/ my new XR-7 pair I had to replace (under the 5 yr.warranty) two of the 4 dome midrange loudspeakers. I ended up replacing all 4 with 2 not being covered by warranty. Roger Russell admits to a shortcoming with the domes....!
I am still looking for coils to replace 4 dome speakers on two other sets of XR-7 speakers I still own. Recently, I was able to get one rebuilt dome speaker (NOT FROM McINTOSH!!!) but I still need 4 more. McIntosh basically told me "tough luck". DO YOU KNOW WHERE I CAN GET THE COILS FOR THESE DOMES?
John |
name another company that retains the same degree of resale value. That says somthing. And I do not own Macs.
Larry |
SIT, i would be interested in knowing what peice of gear that mac wouldnt service for you,ive had terrible luck with them trying to get them to recone speaker's for me now that they changed over to all 4 ohm stuff(junk in my oponion) & ive had to find my own source for new voice coil's too but other than that they have alway's sent me to somebody close by.
let us know what they wouldnt service so we can stay away from it.
mike. |
I still am a Mac fan, sort of. Then again, maybe not. It does not seem to be the same company it once was. I tried repeatedly (REPEATEDLY)to get help with repair of some very high end classic Mac gear that I have owned since new. All to no avail. I had to even struggle to get any response at all. No one cared at Mac. I know all these companies want to sell new gear but Mac positions themselves as providing support on into infinity, basically. And yes, I did contact others who specialize in Mac repairs and replacement parts. I finally gave up and sold most of the gear as is on EBay. I may expect this from some companies that have clearly changed their marketing and management styles. But McIntosh still boasts of how they stand behind their gear. I have not found that they do, so it would be truthful (I believe) if they would stop communicating that they do. I do not believe they are any longer the "Lexus" they advertise themselves to be. Of course, I know there are many others who will disagree but this has been my frustrating experience. Too bad I guess. Good bye Mac. |
Proziob,once again you pop into another mac thread & set off with yet another diahrea of the mouth anti autoformer speel without ever qualifing your statement's,did your dad accidently drop a mac amp on your foot when you were little or what?
i can respect krellm7's comment's as he qualified his dislike of mac gear but you never say anything about all the mac gear you have had in your home that you hated so much,please enlighten us as to what model's you have owned that made you dislike autoformer's.
btw, your autoformer info is way outdated,mcintosh is not the only manufacturer using autoformer's in fact there are several other's using knock off's of the mac autoformer & recieving the highest of praises too,google is a wonderfull investigative tool & you should try it out.
mike. |
to answer tireguy's original question there is a stigma placed on mcintosh gear & it's buyer's are AUTOMATICLY dismissed as being too stupid or lazy to try gear that better suit's them or the classic accusation of being hypnotized by the big blue meter's into buying a pile of overpriced junk based on fancy look's or name recognizition.
marketing hype of other gear also plays a big factor with mac owner's not stepping up & giving review's,with the allmighty pure signal path being the king of today's hifi that it is mac owners get blasted over autoformer's & tone control's in their amp's & preamps,not many are willing to put their self into the hot seat that will surely follow.
it's become common place if not sheik for audiophile's to jump on the bash mcintosh band wagon even though most have never owned any mac gear.
mike.
|
I have tried many Mcintosh amps in my house & never liked any of them. They were all solid state. The way I feel they sound is very boring, no life, just dull. I had the intrgrated with Output transformers on my CLS & it did not drive them well at all. Now there new CD changer I hade at home & I could hear the disc spining from my listing seat.
The build quality on it was far from a good sony SACD player. |
Their use of autoformers in SS design. Ever wonder why they`re the only one? |
The fastest car in America? Who knows? The fastest car produced by an American automaker? The Ford GT!
How does this relate audio? I don't have the slightest idea.
Anyway, Merry Christmas and Happy Listening to one and all. |
Howard, that's a hilarious story! Who was that guy? :-) And I wonder how the Mcintosh will work in his system. And will his audio friends ostracize him when they learn he is using Mcintosh? I really want to know the answers to these burning questions. Only time will tell... |
Lots of good posts and lots of really misguided ones...I have owned good to great stuff all bought used here and other places...and lazy I aint...I research a alot trying to get bang for buck,,,I started out with Adcom, moved to Musical Design (great stuff), then went to the Lazarus H-1A class A hybrid, some handmade 6550 tube monos, Mcintosh Mc250, McIntosh MC40's, C26, C33, C11 preamp, Berning EA-230 triode amps and his TF-10 preamp (current setup).
I have listened to a lot of the modern Mc gear of which non I can afford. And its simply great sounding. No doubt about it. I think that maybe most McOwners simply want their good to sound good, without all the paralysis by analysis that many audiophiles go thru analyzing all the bloody details that encompasses their utopian mind.
Thats not being lazy, but simply realistic and just judging good sound (to the buyers ears). I mean, c'mmon,,,knocking Mc501's or Mc352's as not being good, or missing something is ludicrous...Just because they dont fill your cup of audiophile analysis.
How can McIntosh try to market the masses when their stuff is so expensive anyway...it just caters to music lovers with an eye for certain aesthetics.
I dont own any Mc gear anymore, but just because I didnt want so much of my limited capital tied up in a few pieces, but I did McI. |
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. |
while there is no way subjectively compare audio, and results in as many opinions as people, the same is not so for the automobile. The longest consecutively produced car in the world? Worlds most winning (preformance, endurance, competition) car? The one sports car that has outsold every other sports car in the world COMBINED? The fastest car in America today? At over 50 years,and now 500 horses.You don't have to like it, but come on tireguy, the worst car on the road? TAlk about an attitude. this site has the trophy.ALL the know-it-alls, yet no way to know it! |
Wwwrecords, because you DO know what sounds good to you, your system will be far better than most who have spent more either trying to impress someone (themselves), or believing salesmen or reviewers. Enjoy what you have. I have only one rule: If it draws me more into the music, I'll buy it. Good luck. |
Guys,
I have always had a pre-conceived opinion about Mc products.My Cary dealer also carries Mcintosh products-I sneered at him (within myself)for suggesting a Mcintosh monobloc.
A few months ago I listened to the mc 501s.They were just fantastic.I have listened to other reference components before.The new generation Mcs are something different.I dont want people to miss out on a good product because of snobbery and pre-conceived ideas.IMO Mc 501s are in the league of Krell,PLinius,Classe Omega,etc
My experience and hence my opinion is limited to the MCintosh amps alone.I dont know how their CDPs perform. |
Aball, yeah I realize I got really lucky on the Mc's and speakers. I did do alot of looking, talking to people and following up on leads, but it seems to have paid off. I guess it goes to show that a blind squirrel does find an acorn every once in a while. I don't know if the upgrade bug will hit me, but for now, I am very happy with what I hear.
Take care!! |
Holy crap! you got MC40s + speakers for $750!! Have you seen what MC40s can go for on Ebay or Agon? Man, I wish I could have gotten as luck as you. You can upgrade speakers and CD player for a LONG time before those amps will become the limiting factor. Many people would consider you elitest for having those amps!
Also, as a newbie, be careful not to trust your judgement too much. I found out through lots of experimentation that opinions are a moving target. |
I am a new Mc owner and just read all of this interesting thread. I can't comment on alot of the other gear that has been listed, but I can comment on what I own. I don't really consider myself an audiophile, but I do love good music. My problem is not knowing what sounds good to me, it is my very meager finances. Too many teenage kids and not enough income. I have tried to choose wisely in what I could afford, which was around $1000 for amp and speakers.
Anyway, I found locally 2 Mc MC40 monoblocks (yes, I know they are from the 60's) from a local expert tech. They have been his personal amps for the last 25 years. I also picked up a pair of Altec Model 17's (6048G's) 100db/watt/meter. I know these aren't regarded as audiophile gear by alot of uppercrust folks, but the music these put out is awesome to my ears. I love my Mc's and my Altecs. Total cash outlay was $750. I would gladly have a shootout with anyone elses $750 system.;o) I know most of you paid more for your cables than I have in my system, which I have no problem with, I would have spent more if I could. The point I am trying to make is we need to support everyone who has an interest in this wonderful hobby. When I have asked questions on here, rarely do people comment. Why is that? Am I too bottom crust since I can't afford the latest and greatest? Do I think McIntosh is the best? No. But it was the best I could afford and I love it. This hobby has way to many elitest that drive lots of people away. I still think it's all about the music, and my old vintage system makes great music to my ears. We need to support each other, especially the newbies. Yes, I am a newbie, but this is my perception of alot of what I read here.
Not intended to slam anyone, just hoping you very knowledgeable folks will take a newbie under your wing and help him enjoy his quest for better music.
Rant over, carry on!! ;o)
Peace out!!! |
In my area exposure to some of the smaller names is hard to come by. I currently have and favor the McIntosh/Klipsch combination, mine being a ma6200 and klipsch forte's in one room, ma6100 with B&W 602 s3 in another, and a third room with another ma6100 and JBL SVA1800 with various sources such as Denon Rotel and Marantz cd players, Rega Dual and Thorens turntables, . Compared to other vintage equipment, Mac really cornered the market in my opinion. Newer stuff maybe less so. I've listened to some new Mac equipment compared to some other stuff such as Krell, Mark Levinson, Conrad Johnson, Jolida, Audio Research and I think there is better equipment out there than some of the current Mac units, but for the price you can get quality classic Mac equipment for, you would be stuck with lesser equipment if using that same amount of money on new stuff. I like McIntosh for a couple reasons, with limited funds, quality used equipment can be had, the look of Mac installed into an oak wall in a stereo closet is really impressive, and it has a large following which means service will be easier to come by. |
I own one original MC-275 and use it for many years. I then bought two re-issued MC-275 in the 90's and run them in mono 150W per channel for my Ediolon. I recently bought another pair of MC-275 and put them aside for safe keeping. Simply put, it has the best output transformer which is so critical for tube amp. It is magical when it is run in mono mode. I have owned many other amps before and they include VTL Ichiban, AudioResearch VT-100, Jadis JA-500a monoblock etc.. The output transformers of these amps are nothing compare to the technology of McIntosh. For pure 150Watt per channel it is value for money. |
Some see it as "conservative looking," or "old fashioned looking," think that only doctors or dentists can afford it, which makes no sense since all high end equipment is pricey and McIntosh is by no means the most expensive. Just one of those odd things. I wouldn't own anything else. |
Let me be the first to say that while i love my Mac gear, I know there are other fine audio companies making top equipment that sounds really good. I also know there are companies making very expensive gear thats sounds, well yuk. I have heard good things about CAT,BAT,Quicksilver,CJ etc and if I tried some of that geat and loved it,great, I would still keep my Mac gear. |
Well put Ben...As I am new to Mcintosh with 501 mono's they continue to far exceed my expectations. I have about 100 hours on them, and they are the most natural sounding and organic amps I've heard. |
As in former post I do believe that Mac is good gear, however both their preamps and amps are slightly on the dark and slow side for me. I think that for example CAT gear is significantly better.
And I work for a mac dealer! |
Most "audiophiles" like to listen to the equipment, "does it have higher highs, more air, more this and that" me I get off listening to the music, and the equipment that plays it...musically...over the years I have heard LOTS of stuff....I own 5 pieces of Mac gear....they aren't leaving my house....quite frankly their gear nails it....musically. |
Many of today's audiophiles like the quick fix type components, or anything that is popular at the time. Well, McIntosh has really stood the test of time. They are "The Company" that started "Systems Engineering". Among other firsts, They also offered a high-end, fully remote controlled system, While other Companies were saying a remote System would jeopardize their systems integrity. While other Companies have gone thru several design changes (cosmetically, that is), McIntosh has retained the Blue meters, The Glass facecovers, and the All Black Chasis cover, and from what I heard at the CES show their Components will be awfully hard to beat. |
I had not seen this thread before and found it fascinating reading as I have owned a Mac in the past, MA6500, which being an entry-level integrated, may cause some to argue it is not a "real Mac".
Anyway, I did like its sound. I did like its looks. I had to sell because it was underpowered, which seemed funny given its 200 wpc rating, and I am now using a 100 wpc amp which performs better into high volumes.
But reading the above made me think about why I liked it... and that is that it was easy to listen to! I think they deliberately avoid audiophile characteristics so that much analysis is not done to the sound. Even mags like Sterophile say things like "it didn't seem to have much detail, but it wasn't missing any either" (not a direct quote, just from my memory of the 501 review). Huh? Either it has the detail or it doesn't, no? But then again those guys are masters of equivocation.
Back to Mac... I think the 'lazy' comment does have some validity. These are people pleased by other things, but what is wrong with that? They like the look. They like showing it off to their friends (it has to be admitted that they look impressive, and expensive. Guaranteed to impress the unwashed masses). I had a party at my place during the time I owned the 6500 and it was all "oohs" and "aahs", and I hadn't even turned on the damn thng yet! And not one of these people had ever heard one before, but had heard OF Mac.
So if I appear to have contradicted myself, so be it. I did 'like' the sound. I did not 'admire' the sound. Which is better? Horses for courses, as they say.
Mac makes a good living out of its image and its sound. Let's grant them their niche and admit they do the Bose thing very well, and btw were doing it before Bose was in diapers.
Oh, as to reliability, the 6500 I bought was a dealer demo. It was shipped to me with one bulb burned out, less than 1 year old.
As to the Mac lovers not frequenting this site, who the heck are all those people who posted "I love my Mac" or similar? |
Recently, I stopped in to listen to the McIntosh MA2275 Integrated at a local dealer. It was thrilling! Some forty years has passed since I last listened to tubes – a product of a home brewing friend of my father’s. In that instant, I knew what had been lost (at least, for me) over all those years to solid state “cleanliness” and digital “convenience”.
To be sure, this Mac incorporates elements of all three in its presentation, but its output is pure, warm analogue. At $6200, it comes in at five times what I can afford, but that McIntosh audition sure pointed the way for me in a quest for affordable tube audio. Mac is back – and back as a class act. |
My own experince: I used to work at a store which sold both Mac and Sunfire, among others. We demoed these lots and the Mac kills the Sunfire. No doubts. However, Mac tube gear with the stock tubes (275 2102...) was killed by a Air tight amp we brought in one day.
Just our experince at the store.
Drken |
I definitely don't belong in the "lazy" category (as described by Szutinglee). My choice was based on research and lots of listening. I upgraded from mid-fi Arcam integrated/amp bi-amp combo to a simple MA 6200 Integrated. I went with Mac for improved sound, customer service, the look and vibe (I wanted the simplicity of an integrated and couldn't hang with another skinny little plastic box that would be out of syle in 6 months).
The only other experience I ever had with Mac gear was at The Hit Factory studios in NYC- some of the rooms used big ol' solid stade Mac amps. I was amazed at the improvement in sound quality from the Arcam bi-amp setup that I was using before - I would like to move up to seperates. Mac isn't the last word in HiFi, but I still think they have a place among serious listeners. |
Hi, I'm a big fan of McIntosh gear and have been for over a decade.
My McIntosh MC7300 amp was originally bought by my father in the early 90s and I'm still enjoying it as much as I was back then. The logo bulb finally burnt out after 12 years of use and they fixed it for free AND paid for UPS 2day back and forth!!! Where have you heard of a company fixing 12 year old, out of warranty equipment for free including shipping? (this amp weighs almost 100lbs)
There are many fans of McIntosh, many even call it a cult. A high-end audio can not stay in business for over half a century without any fans. Listen to them yourself, you just might like it. |
I apoligize Tireguy in advance...Bob |
The last I heard they have been making amps since Day 1 and thousands are using them.Thats like saying why are no bike enthusiasts using chaps??? Not alot of interest on 1 website doesnt really cover much of the WORLD.... |
While I doubt I would own all McIntosh throughout my system, I am exceedingly happy with my 2102 amp. On this unit McIntosh did err when they used Chinese input tubes and these really hurt the permormance as they kept the amp from being as good as it is.
I think the greatest improvement I ever made to my system came when I rolled some electro harmonix and NOS Mullard tubes into my 2102. |
Jimbobtex, of the other brands you tried which did you like the most..and least, thanks |
Szuntinglee's analysis of a Mac owner sounds like a "think tank" marketing summary based on singular opinions and taste rather than extensive research.
No offense intended here either but In such a subjective hobby with close to an infinite number of combinations and possibilites with regards to component matching I don't buy into definitive statements and labels with audio brands. How can you? Subjective being the key word here, what's spicey to one is mild to another...just different tastes - no labels. |
VTL is outstanding. All the brands I tried were killer. I went through a 3 month listening process. Settled on the Mac gear because of reputation for longevity, looks, and they sound great! Again, it just depends on what you the buyer likes. Don't let the sales staff try and influence you. They aren't buying this expensive gear. Research and listen at home! |
wow thats some company you heard it against, funny thing is i do own both Mcintosh, VTL and some Linn gear, I concur I like Mac the best, but i also like VTL especially on my Khorns...and the linn for the money sounds very good, never heard quicksilver or CJ. But if I had to have only one set of electronics...it would Mac. |
I have the MAC 2102 amp and C2200 pre-amp and they're wonderful with my Vandersteen 5As Tried Audio Research, Krell, Linn, Cary, VTL(Vacum Tube Logic), Conrad Johnson, and Qucksilver, but bought the MACs. I've never looked back. It all depends on what you like. And for me, MAC sounds great! |
I have always liked the look of Mac, but in the UK, there really is'nt much exposure. The small London High end show was on last week and for whatever reason, at least 4 rooms were using the new Mac integrated tube or Transistor amps. They really made a nice sound in all the systems. I was'nt the only person who thought so, I heard appreciative comments from a number of visitors like me. I am very tempted, but will retain my loyalty to Conrad Johnson, I could'nt think of losing my Premier 17.
It's an interesting question, why are some perfectly good brands dismissed as being Lo-Fi, perhaps there is too much snobbery in our hobby. |
let me start by saying i am a big fan of the mc2000, mc275, and mc2102, although i have not heard them. my impression of them is they are unique, ingenius designs in tube audio.
now here is my attempt at Tireguy's original question based on my experiences with the mc1201, mc501, and ma6500:
1. the mcintosh sound is too safe, it tries to please the general public, not ultra picky audiophiles/enthusiasts. so my impression of mcintosh owners is they are somewhat lazy buyers. they didn't want to do the research and extensive auditioning to find what other brands can suit their taste better. i don't blame them as not all of us have the time to sort through thousands of reputable brands for great audio. they just took the easy way out by settling on a sound that has no major flaws, but not very special either.
2. on the other hand, common audiophiles love to try gear, love to do research, and are damn proud of their work. they are eager to show their good taste by choosing exotic, expensive, and less-known brands (to the general public). they also look for that special something that makes music come to life for them. not to say that mcintosh doesn't do that for all, but to me, it is harder to gear match to create liveliness with mcintosh gear.
once i was very excited going into auditioning the esoteric ux-1 with the mc1201, c2200, and mcintosh tower speakers, i came out so disappointed after hearing a fast, detailed, but boring sound. it could have been a lot of things (not enough burn-in, bad synergy...). but that experience kind of killed mcintosh for me.
the mc501, b&w signature 800, wadia 861, and c2200 setup was not impressive to me either.
but i must thank the ma6500 for helping me purchase the b&w signature 805.
my apologies if i offended anyone. please remember i am still a big fan of some mcintosh gear.
scottie |
I am an audio enthusiast and do use Mcintosh, The Harley analogy is pretty interesting and has alot of merit, I might add my own. To me some Mac amps etc are like a Ferrari (yes Ferrari). Those who have driven one (I have had the good fortune to drive 5,never owned one though) always seem to want to come back to them. The are not the fastest, most powerful, ultiamte handlers etc BUT, they just seem to do a whole lot right and put a smile on your face.
Same with Mac, take the 252 amp, I would compare that to a say a Ferrari 308gt4 (which is the least expensive Ferrari you can buy) and also is Macs entry level amp. Maybe not the most detailed, deepest bass etc BUT, it makes me want to listen to music more...same with the 308gt4,wonderfully designed by Bertone, driving one simply puts a smile on my face and makes me want to drive it some more. Both Ferrari and Mcintosh have put out super cars and super amps respectively.
Can't really put it all into specific terms, I know I just like what they both do. |
I feel McIntosh is to audio what Harley Davidson is to motorcycles. Harleys are not the most confortable,refined, fastest or the most reliable machines (as say, a top product from Japan), yet they are well made and offer good value. They are, however a piece of American history, and as such sell for probably more than they are worth and keep their resale values up there. Plus, they have quite a loyal following. Above all, they have ''soul and character'' something beyond the reach of many high-end products, as good as they are ( Accuphase ? ).
In audio, McIntosh do not do all of the ''audiophile tricks'' as some esoteric brands, and many other manufacturers can claim to being better than Mac's in one area or another. Still, they are well-built, coherent and well-balanced products, and have lasting power. I would take any Mac over a Sim Audio product any day of the week. And that's not even taking in consideration that 10 years from now, a Mac will still be a Mac, and the SIM will be 10 year's ago's flavour of the month, just like a Mercedes is still a Mercedes 20 years later, and that the Caddy becomes an old gaz guzzler. There we go, from motorcycles to cars to audio, classic brands are always a good buy, just like Macs. They may not be the very best at everything, but merit our attention and respect ! |
Looking at these threads, I find it hilarious that Levinson, touted as far above McIntosh, has transferred its interestes to home theater, can't service their products in any reasonable amount of time, and have products like the 331-333 with their capacitors leaking all over the place. I've owned Levinson, Krell, Pass Labs, Threshold, Rowland, McIntosh, BAT, Sim Audio, and gone round and round the merry-go-round. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. Personally, when I went into the Mac room at the 2002 CES, I had to leave. It was horrible. But, needing to try it just once, I bought an MC-602. I loved it. Paired it with a Sim Audio P-5 preamp, B&W 803's, and was quite satisfied. (Never even came close to tapping its power) I love Levinson's preamps, (owned a 32) really couldn't stand the thin, sterile sound of their amps. My own opinion, here. The point, ladies and gentlemen, is that after owning many of the "high end" brand's amps (ain't the used market great?) I've come to the conclusion that it comes down to personal preference, room, speakers, cables, etc. Why argue? Buy and try. In your own home. A dealer's room will never sound the same as yours. That's the beauty of Audiogon! I'm trying an MC 2101 tube amp next. If I don't like it, I'll sell it, and try something else. |
