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.
I think much of this discussion assumes there is a specific "Mac sound". Since I've listened to only one Mac amp in my life I don't honestly know. But I'd guess if you lined up 10 different models of Mac amps you'd get 10 different sounding amps. Some may even sound more like a brand different from Mac. Can't prove it without doing it. But I wouldn't be the least surprised that's the case. And if that is indeed the case, chances are pretty good if there is one Mac amp you don't like there is another Mac amp that you will. There is a chance I could be wrong about this. But I've never been wrong about anything before...ahem.
I think your premise is erroneous, except for the parenthetical fudging that they might not "admit to it". About the same time that this thread was started, I experienced a paradigm shift. I'd been building Heathkits since the early 70's, adding mid-80's Luxmans to the mix, finally going digital HT in '99. Sent one of my kids to Caltech with a stack of music CDs that I'd made for her (Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Miles Davis, Puccini, Barber, Ralph Vaughn Williams). When she came home and listened to the new digital HT system, she was appalled, "Why does that sound so different from what I hear on my own system?" I'd sent a mid-80s Luxman receiver with her to school. That started my own return to analog and a search for great quality. Like I said, it was just about the same time that this thread started. Since then, I've gone through a number of different manufacturers of electronics and speakers, with the constant itch that we all have to trade up all the time. That itch is finally gone, after over fifty years. I'm using Mc C2200 and MC452 on Revel Salon 2 speakers in one setup, Mc C-22 and bridged MC275s on JBL Everest DD67000 in another setup. Late 70s Luxman separates on JBL L-300s in one bedroom, Mc 4100 receiver on JBL Project Array 1400s in another bedroom. Mc 117 receiver on ProAc Response 2S in our travel trailer. The only other electronics that I found pleasing over a fairly long period of time were Mark Levinsons. Getting back to the original question of this thread, I suspect that there's little mention of Mc on audio threads is that there's a very high level of satisfaction with that gear when it's carefully chosen. I have had a few less satisfying experiences with their gear - MC7270, MX134 - but after only a handful of missteps, I can say that I am perfectly happy with McIntosh. Music is playing almost constantly on one system or another, sometimes on all of them at once, linked with Bluesound.
We have a second house, a frame farmhouse built in 1900. Because of the age of that house, I am setting up a dead stock Dynaco system with PAS3, ST70 and A25 speakers, all of them in mint condition. I acquired the speakers ten or fifteen years ago when I puchased some other Dynaco gear and have only just now discovered that they are brand new. They were an afterthought, offered to me when I bought the electronics. I wasn't really interested in them but the seller wanted to get rid of 'em, so I added a couple hundred for them. Since I wasn't interested, I stuck 'em in the store room, and there they sat until a few days ago. We have finished a restoration of that old house and it occurred to me that a really old middle of the road system would be perfect for it. I remembered those old speakers and dug them out. When I opened the boxes, I was shocked to see that they've never been removed before. This stuff is really, really fun, isn't it?
I just went though about 4 months of auditioning a pile of amps, preamps and speakers. To my surprise I settled on a pair of Mac 611’s driving a pair of Sonus fabers. Musical bliss. Again to my surprise, cables made a huge difference in many of the pairing.
Throughout the years, I've listened to McIntosh and other brands (like Krell) of pre-amplifiers and amplifiers at high end audio dealers that have a separate "listening room" for prospective clients to audition. This is the only way I could ever experience high end gear because, no way I could ever afford that type of gear. But, if for some reason, I suddenly would find myself with the money to acquire high end gear for my stereo system, the first thing I would get is a set of McIntosh pre-amp/amp paired with Bower & Wilkins speakers. My dream combination of all the combinations I've ever heard.
I've used Mac gear from birth, seems like. I can't remember when Mac wasn't in the house. My folks had a console with a MR7X, C20, MC240 and a Thoren 124. That was the early 60s.
My first system, was a pair of MC20s pulled from a console, a pair of C4s and Jensen Imperial Horns. Worked all year and summers to pay for it all, 51 chevy PU could just fit the whole thing in. HUGE hand made speakers from plans at a local cabinet maker.. Wonderful sound.. 50+ years with Mac, just love um'.
The more you have the more you want... 20 pieces later...LOL I admit though some Mac gear, just had to go... Usually SS Amps stuff. 1.2ks and 600s both had to go.. Something about planars and Macs. Just don't work for me..Great resale...
I can listen to my C20, MC225 (or MC240) and a pair of Infinity RS4B (talk about old) all day long. Serious SQ from that combo.. BTW that MC225, was used 2 months and stored until I got it, 45 years later, from an estate sale. It's just now broke in after two years, of 10 hrs a week or so.. Perfect as it can be original tubes..RCA Mcintosh...9.5 + Just no box..
I'm a VTL fan too, killer gear, BIG horsepower, I know, I'm nursing a pair right now.. Never a problem UNTIL. LOL Cable drop (25 years no problems at all)..Not the old Art Deco design of Mcintosh though..
I like the way the old Marantz 7T, 7C, 33, 3300 and the Pioneer Spec Gear looks too. Beautiful craftsmanship.
Two years ago I purchased a Mcintosh C2500 and love it. I've been kicking myself for not looking at Mcintosh years ago. I use the C2500 with my long time VTL amps.
McIntosh is amazing audio gear. especially the,preamps,and,amps. The only mcintosh I own is the free cell app which has a blue meter displayed.
Maybe someday, maybe. its great stuff, people who badmouth mac I think arejust jealous. It’s truly top end made audio.
someday I’ll get a pair of monos, some day. Problem,is if you don’t buy from a known dealer, then warranty is moot n good luck w service. what I’ve heard and read. Shame one can’t buy used and transfer the warranty.
I own preamps from Conrad Johnson, Modwright, McIntosh, Dynaco, and have owned Audio Research, etc.
Many years ago I owned mint McIntosh gear in their walnut cabinets, a C22, MR67 and MC240, purchased from the original owner. The tubes were all checked and I compared them to my Dynaco PAS3x and Mark 3 power amps (tube). The Mc gear did have less air and acoustic space than the Dynaco gear and I eventually sold it. The McIntosh value has escalated dramatically and the Dynaco gear is still at about the same value that I bought it for. In hindsight, I of course wish I had kept the McIntosh gear. As I repair and maintain my gear as a hobby, I can assure you both stereos were in top working condition.
My more recent McIntosh gear is actually pretty good and feature rich. It can take a lot of inputs, control tone, and works well. My Modwright preamp has more detail and air but poor recordings really sound poor on it and the McIntosh, for what ever reason, is far more forgiving of average recordings. If you sit and listen to the music, the Mc gear is great and you are simply not aware of the gear. This is very true with classical or jazz recording. If you enjoy sitting and criticizing the music go with Modwright as you will hear every thing that is good or bad in the recording. Be aware that this can drive you nuts. In closing my favorite preamps are the Conrad Johnson preamps. Decades ago they removed all electrolytic from the power supply and signal path and they produce incredible detail, a broad and deep sound stage with no drama or harshness.
I broke into the biz in the 70’s with what was, at the time, the biggest Mac dealer in the midwest. It sells for the reasons listed here in many good posts: 1) Quality parts and construction 2) Longevity 3) Reliability 4) Cosmetics 5) Service We had a big sign in the window: "Buy the Best and Cry Once." By the mid-70’s and the advent of Maggies, DQ’s, Dayton-Wrights, ARC and Luxman, the sonic advantages of other brands began to eat Mac’s lunch. Ever try a C-28 with an MC-2105 on a pair of Tympani’s? Sold a lot of SP-3’s that way. Different great components intended for entirely different customers.
@abali...I’ve owned many of the amps mentioned here. I’m 58 and have experienced way more than most over the years. There is no best..only different. I just ordered my next system. B&W 802D3’s and a Mac MA8900. They compliment each other beautifully!
I use Mc and many might call me an audio enthusiast. My system is Brinkmann, Thales, FM Acoustics etc., and I find few to none do better than Mc amps at bringing it all together. The “house sound” ramblings are bs. The amps are transparent and let the music shine through.
Bumping thread into 2021. I have an ma8900 and love it. It is my first high-end integrated amp but it has a wonderful sound. Warm, well articulated, excellent sound stage, controlled. Running vintage Polk Monitor 7s I have owned since new in 1989 and a Sunfire True Super Jr sub. I recapped and replaced resistors on the Polks but will eventually replace those with B&W or Sonus Faber. I’m looking forward to hearing it with a better set of speakers. I also spent a lot of time researching Accuphase, Mark Levinson, Gryphon, Hegel, Bryston, Krell, etc. and decided on the Mc.
I owned AR, Rowland, ML, Mitner, Krell, and I have had my McIntosh MC 402 longer than any of them, and the reason why the amp sounds good on very speaker i have owned from dynamic speaker, Electrostatic, and now open baffle. I never thought I own McIntosh but when I heard one I had to admit it sounded dam good, and I would never have given a McIntosh a try due to hearing for years McIntosh was for the doctors and lawyers, well is just not true. The sound I hear sounds like groups are playing in the room, the amp is neither bright or dark, it does give body and weight to the music, and with the audio transformers, I can match any speaker to my amp and get the best sound with either of 8,4 or 2 ohm taps, and that is a full 400 watts on any of the taps used to connect my speakers.
I think that there is a thread dissing McIntosh all the time is an interesting thing. Boy, they seem to be doing pretty well these days. They must be doing something right. why is that? why is there always a thread like this? i think it’s actually a good promotion of McIntosh to be honest. Geez after reading all these negative posts I think I have to see what this McIntosh is all about. They must be the benchmark if everyones comparing to them. lol Their equipment sure holds its value. Does anybody elses? lol
I have always admired McIntosh since the late 1970's even had a mac dealer in Des Moines Iowa. Well, it is 2019 I am scanning A'gon here and see an ad for a pair of Mac Mc30 mono tube amps. i write and then we speak by phone, I ask if I can come and audition the Mc30's? he says yes, only 2hours away. I am a huge vinyl fan and assume a tube amp guy is also. I ask what turntable does he own?
No table and no CD no preamp he only streams his audio. I know my destiny is to rescue these mono amps. I inspect and listen they had been restored and NOS tubes, they came home with me for just over $4k!! Then within 2 weeks I again on A'gon find refurbished Mac C20 preamp with the brass bar $2K again I save the preamp.
My Mac gear now plays my jazz lp's through my Nola Boxer S2's and will be part of my legacy to my son.
I have a C29 preamp connected to a MC2100 amp, 1970's steely dan bliss. I love Mcintosh. Outstanding SQ, build quality, been running for decades without a moan of trouble. If you ever decide to part ways, high resale dollars are waiting.Turn it up!
My first electronics was a hand me down from my dad a Fisher X202 tube integrated, fm100 tuner , Marantz 8b and altec 804 in the early 70’s. I regretted selling them when I went to university. Had my share of Japanese gear in the 80’s. After my kids got grown up I got bit by the bug again. I could never afford new gear so I was in the merry go round of gear swapping used mid and entry level high end stuff. Audio Research, Bedini, Quad, Perreaux, Bryston, Counterpoint, Aragon, Acurus, Sonographe, Conrad Johnson, Luxman, GAS, Moscode, Threshold, Krell, Classe, Linn, Naim, Accuphase, Cary, Audible Illusions, McCormack. My first Mac was the MAC1900, then a MAC4100, C28, 6100. I lucked out on an estate sale and picked up C32, MC2205 and MR78, I kept them as my second system. My main system now is an Audible Illusions Modulus 3A, and an Accuphase P266 class A SS.
Mac gear are good sounding imho and yes the sight of those blue lights and big vu meters are icing on the cake, they are much more reliable than the others, never had good luck with Audio Research, Counterpoint and Krell gear they were not reliable. Older Mac gear are good investment pieces they hold their value, I find the older Mac gear are voiced to be on the warm side. Older guys like me like that 60’s and 70’s warm sound.
In the summer of 1972 my wife and I bought a new Mac 2105 amp and a used MX110 pre amp/ tuner. The MC 2105 is still in the family. It plays in the basement party room at my son's house. It has never needed repairs. I imagine it very much needs its capacitors replaced, but for over half a century every time it has been turned on it has played music. I'm into Pass Labs and First Watt amps now, but I still very much respect MacIntosh.
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