2. amps-preamps
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Why do no audio enthusiasts use McIntosh?

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.
tireguy
jimbobtex
10 posts
 
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!
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superhonestben
194 posts
 
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.
jimbobtex
10 posts
 
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!
pops
2,272 posts
 
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.
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
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.
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