I have listened to numerous McIntosh products through the years. I've also had 'heart-to-heart' talks with McIntosh dealers. Bottom line is that McIntosh tube products tend to sound much better than their solid state counterparts. Overall, if a comparison was to be made between the product lines of McIntosh and Audio Research, Boulder, Rowland, or several others; McIntosh would consistently come up short. McIntosh looks good and reliability is a strength, but to say that McIntosh is in the same league as the aforementioned companies is simply not true.
Why No McIntosh Recommendations?
As I read, and continually read through posts, nobody really talks to McIntosh Products, or recommends McIntosh Products. Why? I can understand why they are not getting their just due. I think their sound stage is incredible and the tube products offer incredible warmth. I own the 2600 PreAmp, 2152 Amp, and MT5 Turntable. I love what they do for my Sonos Faber Serafino’s. I’m a big fan. Why don’t y’all talk to them more. Now I know we all have our bias. And I know that they may be out of many price ranges, but they are wonderful products, in my ears.
BTW - Currently Listening to Hugh Maskela’s Hope on a Quality Pressings Release! Sounds superb! Excellent recording whether you are listening to a CD or a high quality a 180 Release from the original master tapes.
BTW - Currently Listening to Hugh Maskela’s Hope on a Quality Pressings Release! Sounds superb! Excellent recording whether you are listening to a CD or a high quality a 180 Release from the original master tapes.