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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? 
128x128cydrone
avanti1960
1,409 posts
 

As people have mentioned a great sounding system relies on system synergy. 

I have heard Mac source and amplification sound uninspiring and even atrocious paired with GoldenEar and Sonus Faber speakers.  

I have also heard it sound about as good as sound can get with Magico speakers.  Also really nice with B&W diamond series speakers.  A to die for system with their recent cook top hybrid integrated amps and Klipsch heritage, especially the Fortes.  

Also their amplifiers can sound better when matched with non Mac preamps.  

Again, best of the best when matched up correctly- and they eliminate something that many reasonably priced solid state amplifiers struggle with- grain and sibilance.  The Macs have zero of either.    

steve59's avatar
steve59
1,654 posts
 

In the current market Mcintosh is a bargain. The Mc611’s really brought my KEF Blades to life 

w123ale
101 posts
 

Mc (601s) with SF (Amati) is a brilliant combination—dynamic and smooth as hell. I have a separate system with an A21 and Tekton speakers that does not hold a candle to my Mc system. The A21 is dull in comparison with a flat sound stage. Wait, they are in different rooms. A +1 to the synergy comments—so much is in play. Before calling out a brand as good as bad, consider your room and all your components. Take it a step at a time and find what suits you.

jeffreyw's avatar
jeffreyw
240 posts
 

+1 @steve59 

My 611s with my KEF R1 Metas are magical. The bass/mid-bass would have you believe I am running a sub. 

fastfreight
678 posts
 

For me at least it is not about being a Mc hater.  When I got reinvigorated in chasing great sound, I went through lots of equipment.  PS Audio, Stellar, sent it back for BHK, sold it.  Tried Audionet Preamp and loved it.  Tried Parasound JC1+'s, but fell in love with Audionet MAX amps.  Got a nice Tube Mc preamp (new) in for home demo.  I wanted to LOVE it!  I did!  It was dull and flat sounding compared to Audionet.  Not over etched or harsh.  Just great resolution and more life in the music.  Now I have top of the line Audionet amps and preamp and oh my so good.  Not about hating, about choosing.  Resolving SS gear needs to be special to not be fatiguing. 

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