Why do no audio enthusiasts use McIntosh?

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 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.

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!

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.

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!