I am not a hater of McIntosh. A C-45 pre, and a MC-402 power was my reference for 12 years. I just happened to find a Integrated amp for one third the price of the Mac gear that, in my system sounded better. I would say it's all about component matching. IMO.
Disappointing On Mcintosh......help
3 Months ago I went to NYC and stopped by the WOM and auditioned several MCintosh gear...........and left a bit disappointed or not impressed...then I told myself " lets give a second shot" and went today to a HIFI store and again Good room accoustics10K speakers , MC Preamp , MC Amplifier........ and again the same disappointment I felt 3 month earlier.
Is that the "warm" sound people reffer to about Mcintosh?
The sound is ample, base is powerfull but the the sound is simply not to clear, the hights are not too "crisp" It sounds like the treble is set at 3 and needs to be adjusted at 9 or 10.
It seems like the sound is coming through a thin layer of paper ...that is the way I describe that sound.
Then 20 minutes later I auditioned a Parasound A21+ and a JC5 and the sound was more clear and the highs were crispier
Whats your take on my experience? or That is the MC "warm sound?
Is that the "warm" sound people reffer to about Mcintosh?
The sound is ample, base is powerfull but the the sound is simply not to clear, the hights are not too "crisp" It sounds like the treble is set at 3 and needs to be adjusted at 9 or 10.
It seems like the sound is coming through a thin layer of paper ...that is the way I describe that sound.
Then 20 minutes later I auditioned a Parasound A21+ and a JC5 and the sound was more clear and the highs were crispier
Whats your take on my experience? or That is the MC "warm sound?
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- 165 posts total
I Have been a Mac user for over 20 years I have rotated different gear thru my system, and paired assorted gear with the McIntosh gear. Sometimes it sounds great, and sometimes not so great. In the past year have been living with some Manley tube gear. Paired to my MC-352 sounds great. Paired with my Primaluna HP tube amp sounds a little better to my ears. Wider soundstage, and more defined bass. To me the whole reason for entering this hobby was to enjoy the music, and experience different types of gear. Although Mac is good gear, it is not the pinnacle of sound. I’m not going to be parting with my MC-352 anytime soon for now I’m enjoying the sound that I enjoy. |
gavman24 posts02-08-2020 8:43amMacintosh spend a lot on marketing in the US. The designs are too dated and not competitive pricewise outside of the US. Personally i am very suspicious of manufacturers running the old 'buy domestically to demonstrate your patriotism' play. To me that's evidence your products can't compete on their merits. Still, they are popular with the maga crowd. Which tells you plenty And what does conservatism have to do with McIntosh or Audio in general? |
Every brand has its detractors. McIntosh isn't cheap, and it may not be to everyone's liking, but, there are a few things that are hard to dispute. First- they continue to support old products. In 2008 I bought a new front glass- new as in current production new and not new old stock, for a 40 year old tuner. Second, over the long run, McIntosh mains excellent resale value. If someone is a fan of McIntosh sound, it is, in the long run, a very decent buy. |
- 165 posts total