McIntosh Announces Mc451 Dual Mono Power Amplifier

It's strange why some folks on this forum bash and hate McIntosh. I have owned McIntosh for many years and really enjoy my system. I might not care for some other brands but I do not bash or hate them especially when I have never heard them in use. I am intrigued by these new amps but at my age, I could not manhandle them. They really need speakers capable of bi-amping. 

Hate is too strong of a word. The aversion IMO is mainly directed at the obstinate fan base. Does Mcintosh produce excellent products despite the garish cosmetics? Yes, MC 462, MA 12000 and the C22 are contending class leaders at their price points. Where they miss the mark is at the flagship level of the product line.

Interesting, McIntosh are obviously popular in the US and maybe some other countries in the northern hemisphere. Virtually no love for McIntosh in Australia however, compared to most other high end brands. I have never heard a Mac amp, so I have no view from a performance perspective, but please, can you do something about the dog ugly styling. They are refugees from the fifties.

Putting it’s subtle and understated cosmetics aside, how does it sound?

tablejockey & surfmuz: I believe every MAC amp and, possibly, every MAC product allows one to shut off the VU meters and/or blue lights, if desired.

dayglow & m_j_s: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You know what they say about opinions, don't you?  They're like a@#@#@#s.  Everybody's got one.

As an owner of a MAC amp, I love the look, the sound and the VU meters, which are not only for show.