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Does anyone understand McIntosh? When I was in college ...

98.234.0.127
Posted on May 20, 2016 at 12:33:00
jnr
Reviewer

Posts: 2164
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Joined: April 5, 2000
 you could buy the new transistor amps with or without a glass front panel with the now infamous blue meters. I was friends with the dealer, neither of us owned McIntosh, but he loved selling it. About 15 years in the 80s they had a McIntosh Dealer sign that looked a lot like the front of amp. It did nothing but light up but people wanted it so badly that McIntosh begin to sell it. If memory is correct for around $300 in the mid 80s. So I wouldn't be surprised if they sell some clocks. I just don't get the appeal personally.
theaudiobeatnik.com

 

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RE: Does anyone understand McIntosh? When I was in college ..., posted on May 20, 2016 at 12:57:17
Mr. Dick Hertz
 To each his own. I don't understand why some people like to bash McIntosh. It's a great American brand that stays true to its heritage. Personally, I don't understand the appeal of brussel sprouts, but a lot of people like 'em.

 

I probably should say I don't understand the appeal of the blue meters. I love the sound of the early tube ..., posted on May 20, 2016 at 13:21:07
jnr
Reviewer

Posts: 2164
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Joined: April 5, 2000
 products and the tuners both tube and solid state.
theaudiobeatnik.com

 

RE: Does anyone understand McIntosh? When I was in college ..., posted on May 20, 2016 at 13:46:15
BigguyinATL
Manufacturer

Posts: 3475
Joined: April 10, 2002

OK, beautiful sound and timeless looks ... Not a bad combination...


"The hardest thing of all is to find a black cat in a dark room, especially if there is no cat" - Confucius

 

RE: Does anyone understand McIntosh? When I was in college ..., posted on May 20, 2016 at 14:13:58
6bq5
Audiophile

Posts: 4385
Location: SF Bay
Joined: August 16, 2001
 Part of the appeal with McIntosh is that for many people they first were exposed to it through their father (Like Me) an Uncle/Aunt, or other respected Family friend-
even if you did not get the hear your music on it- that persons's position was such that the gear was part of their status-
Remember that most of the McIntosh equipment from the '50s & '60s was built into a cabinet, or the wall- and so the appearance was enhanced by being installed-

I agree - that the older tube stuff and the tuners are what shine for me-

Happy Listening

 

RE: Does anyone understand McIntosh? When I was in college ..., posted on May 20, 2016 at 14:34:09
Inmate51
 Heck, I thought you were going to talk about the operating system and explain it to me.

There's a guy here on the AA who used to work with a well-known rock band. If I remember correctly (IIRC), he once told me something about them carrying a bunch of extra Macs with them 'cause the road was so hard on them being jostled around in the trucks, unloading, loading, etc.

:)

 

RE: Does anyone understand McIntosh? When I was in college ..., posted on May 20, 2016 at 14:43:47
jnr
Reviewer

Posts: 2164
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Joined: April 5, 2000
 I'm not that smart

theaudiobeatnik.com

 

What's not to get ? ...., posted on May 20, 2016 at 15:56:23
reelsmith.
Audiophile

Posts: 13131
Location: CT
Joined: June 7, 2005
Contributor
  Since: January 19, 2010
 Some people think its gorgeous and like the way it sounds good ...no different than most any other brand in those respects.

Seems simple to me ...but I'm easily confused.

Dean.




reelsmith's axiom: Its going to be used equipment when I sell it, so it may as well be used equipment when I buy it.


 

I made this post in reaction to the two previous post about McIntosh., posted on May 20, 2016 at 16:03:45
jnr
Reviewer

Posts: 2164
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Joined: April 5, 2000
 I've been in this hobby since I was 14 which means over 48 years. Back then there were two kinds of McIntosh buyers. Those who purchased it for the sound sans meters and those who purchased it for the looks and prestige. Nothing wrong with either, but when it gets to the point of paying $300 for a small sign or $1800 for a clock I don't get it. I would love two own some of their vintage tube gear for the memories, but I'm just not a collector. I would own it for a few months and then sell it to buy more LPs to play.
theaudiobeatnik.com

 

Got it ..., posted on May 20, 2016 at 16:18:19
reelsmith.
Audiophile

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Contributor
  Since: January 19, 2010
 I worked for a Mc dealer for about 6 years. There are few as brand loyal as Mc owners.

I never saw the Mc promotional goodies as any different than having Ferrari models around the house if you owned a Ferrari ...or a framed & signed jersey of your favorite player from your favorite team hanging on your wall.

Just another way to express your passion.

Dean.






reelsmith's axiom: Its going to be used equipment when I sell it, so it may as well be used equipment when I buy it.


 

Gordon Gow got it, posted on May 20, 2016 at 16:53:12
Bill Way
Audiophile

Posts: 1884
Location: Toms River NJ
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Contributor
  Since: December 14, 2012
 Mr. Gow, who was largely responsible for building the company, would say to salespeople at Mac dealers, "We are in the business of selling sophisticated toys to immature adults."

WW
"Put on your high heeled sneakers. Baby, we''re goin'' out tonight.

 

The times they are a changin', posted on May 20, 2016 at 17:12:14
genungo
 They can no longer sell semi-affordable stuff to mainstreamers like they used to but they can sell semi-unaffordable stuff to the financially blessed. Not too hard to understand.

 

RE: I made this post in reaction to the two previous post about McIntosh., posted on May 20, 2016 at 17:25:58
RGA
Reviewer

Posts: 15177
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: August 8, 2001

The above for $1250

I live in Hong Kong where virtually every train station sells Rolex - plenty sell $1,000,000US and above for a watch like a Patek-Philippe.

So $1800 for a clock doesn't seem all that ridiculous for fans of the brand. Who knows one day we might see an Ongaku clock and the price would likely be dizzying.

 

This says something about me, I don't like close where the band name show, I don' buy cars that say which ...., posted on May 20, 2016 at 17:31:01
jnr
Reviewer

Posts: 2164
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Joined: April 5, 2000
 dealer it was purchased from, I love my Mini Coop John Cooper Works edition, I have no mini stuff at home or in the car, I understand some people like that kind of stuff, I'm different and thus the point, I don't get it. I do get buying it if it makes you happy though, so go ahead and don't be like me. The world doesn't probably need any more like me anyway.

theaudiobeatnik.com

 

RE: Gordon Gow got it, posted on May 20, 2016 at 17:49:12
briggs
Audiophile

Posts: 1674
Location: Connecticut
Joined: April 16, 2002
 I knew Gordon Gow -- and his son Frank -- rather well. Gordon was a high flier but I never heard him say anything like that, or thought he was quite that cynical.

 

A Works Cooper ! ..., posted on May 20, 2016 at 18:02:13
reelsmith.
Audiophile

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Contributor
  Since: January 19, 2010
 Picture please.

I drive an '06 R53 S.

Dean.




reelsmith's axiom: Its going to be used equipment when I sell it, so it may as well be used equipment when I buy it.


 

RE: I probably should say I don't understand the appeal of the blue meters. I love the sound of the early tube ..., posted on May 20, 2016 at 18:28:17
bigshow
Audiophile

Posts: 472
Location: WI
Joined: December 3, 2012
 I would say that for many audiophiles Mac is a step on the ladder. That is a brand they aspire to own and then, as I did, realize that there are other great brands. So they move on from the prestige of MacIntosh and accept that there are other equally iconic brands that are just that much better.
bigshow

 

RE: I made this post in reaction to the two previous post about McIntosh., posted on May 20, 2016 at 18:34:39
fantja
Audiophile

Posts: 15518
Location: Alabama
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 Nice! pic- RGA.

 

Here you go, posted on May 20, 2016 at 19:08:54
Michael Samra
Dealer

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Location: saginaw michigan
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 "
"For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong" H. L. Mencken

 

That's the one; at least it seems to have been a fair investment NT, posted on May 20, 2016 at 20:26:41
jnr
Reviewer

Posts: 2164
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Joined: April 5, 2000
.
theaudiobeatnik.com

 

I've come full circle, posted on May 21, 2016 at 06:06:54
kev313
Audiophile

Posts: 342
Location: Chicago
Joined: November 25, 2004
 When I started in audio in the late 90s, McIntosh was one of the only brands I recognized and I associated it with the top of the heap. Shortly thereafter, having quickly moved to 2a3 amps and high efficiency speakers, I thought that McIntosh was for the generations that came before me, that it was no longer high-endy enough, and that it's sound couldn't compete. After nearly 20 years of watching prices spiral out of control, I've changed my tune. My opinion is that they offer a solid, reliable, good sounding, well-engineered, attractive product for a fair price, both modern and vintage. **Disclaimer** I'm truly spent on this hobby after entering near the US SET craze and watching it devolve (my opinion) into an luxury arms race. So view my opinion through that lens.

I've owned MC30s and regret selling them. I'm currently using an MC240 which I use with my Metregon and will never sell and I have no need for my MR74 and MC2105but I can't bring myself to sell them yet.

Weird...before I posted this I was truly just staring at them thinking that I need to spring clean them out of here. Just can't do it.

 

RE: Does anyone understand McIntosh? When I was in college ..., posted on May 21, 2016 at 07:06:54
acres verde
Audiophile

Posts: 723
Location: Big Easy
Joined: November 13, 2004
 Based on personal observation, I think it's pretty safe to say that Mac is the gear of choice for the discerning audiophile who listens with his eyes.

 

McIntosh caters to the 'carriage trade' ... built very well, looks good, competent design ..., posted on May 21, 2016 at 07:11:15
Cleantimestream
Audiophile

Posts: 7551
Location: Kentucky
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 for the professional career guy ie... Doctors, Lawyers, and certain high-fidelity enthusiasts... I have a higher regard for their Preamps than their amps. I still own an MR-77.
The Mind has No Firewall~ U.S. Army War College.

 

RE: This says something about me, I don't like close where the band name show, I don' buy cars that say which ...., posted on May 21, 2016 at 07:12:22
acres verde
Audiophile

Posts: 723
Location: Big Easy
Joined: November 13, 2004
 I don't like close where the band name show..."

I actually did struggle with that one for a second. As with online reviews, how hard is it to read it (just once) before you "send" it?

 

RE: Gordon Gow got it, posted on May 21, 2016 at 08:14:53
Bill Way
Audiophile

Posts: 1884
Location: Toms River NJ
Joined: May 28, 2012
Contributor
  Since: December 14, 2012
 There was nothing cynical about it - he just knew his customers. He knew there was the doctor/lawyer who wanted "the best" and once it was home would use it forever and not think about it. *That* customer was unlikely to ever trade in/trade up.

Then there was the customer who wanted the best *and* loved the look and feel of the piece. That customer would respond well to the McIntosh story, was interested in the gear as much as (or more than) the music, *and* loved the black glass with lit blue lettering, the shiny chrome, and of couse meters. That customer would respond to a phone call saying, "You need to come in and see the new C28 - it's great." He would bring his amps in for clinics, and was *always* a good target then for a trade-in. The piece of gear gave him (always him never her) at least as much pleasure as the music, and often much more.

There was also the conspicuous consumer, who loved having Mac gear because of what he felt it said about his good taste, knowledge, and income.

The "immature adults" line, which he repeated whenever talking to salespeople, was in no way cynical or condescending. He respected his customers. He also realized that understanding his customers was key to selling them McIntosh products.

WW
"Put on your high heeled sneakers. Baby, we''re goin'' out tonight.

 

Great stuff ... who knows, probably was then too..., posted on May 21, 2016 at 09:04:12
bjh
Audiophile

Posts: 18614
Location: Ontario
Joined: November 22, 2003
 Some will never be in position to judge, too much 'carriage' I suspect.


 

Carriage trade, posted on May 21, 2016 at 09:09:44
kev313
Audiophile

Posts: 342
Location: Chicago
Joined: November 25, 2004
 Even though I made the same comments about build quality and I am an attorney, I hope Mc isn't relying on this to be true. I can assure you that I have yet to run into an attorney under 40 in Chicago who has any idea what McIntosh is. Not that they don't exist, it just doesn't seem to be a robust market.

 

'carriage trade' : reads stuff like "Upscale Living", "Yachts International" "Dolce Vita" "Robb Report"...nt, posted on May 21, 2016 at 11:17:34
Smelly_Socks
 .

 

That's debatable, but look at the used gear market., posted on May 21, 2016 at 11:40:47
Mr. Dick Hertz
 How many vintage or classic pieces of audio equipment command the prices on the re-sale market like McIntosh?

 

RE: Does anyone understand McIntosh? When I was in college ..., posted on May 21, 2016 at 11:45:14
mikeval
 Give it up Jack, and stop torturing the inmates !! Obviously, The Mc Meters were for navigating the muddy banks of the Susquehanna! Binghamton was a declining mid size city(in the late 1960's) that seemed perpetually gray that was probably saved by the NY State Univ.system. (I saw a couple of good shows there, the Dead and the Band). I don't care how much people love working at McIntosh, I am not leaving SF to work in Binghamton for any amount of money. And I most definitely would not wait 10 years for that job to open up!

Regards, Mike

PS, having said all that, 2 Mc systems, a 240 with Valencia's and a Mc 30 with Tannoy's were a big influence in my early stereo life.


 

all you need to know about the Mac ethos, posted on May 21, 2016 at 12:10:54
mhardy6647
Audiophile

Posts: 16016
Location: New England
Joined: October 12, 1999
Contributor
  Since: October 23, 2016
 From a mid-1970s McIntosh catalog.

mac p1
mac p2
all the best,
mrh

 

RE: Does anyone understand McIntosh? Well . . . ., posted on May 21, 2016 at 15:37:47
goldenthal
Audiophile

Posts: 1001
Location: Ontario
Joined: March 28, 2003
 having cycled through a fair amount of other equipment, both tube and transistor, for about 50 years, I ended up with 2 275s, a C22, and 2 MR-78s. The C-22 benefited from much modification; the rest sounds enduringly excellent and remarkably modern, and none of it seems to age. I don't know what more one can ask.

Besides, I need tone controls.


Jeremy

 

RE: Does anyone understand McIntosh? Well . . . ., posted on May 21, 2016 at 16:01:04
jnr
Reviewer

Posts: 2164
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Joined: April 5, 2000
 I love every piece you have, though my favorite tuner was the 77, I just love how simple it looked and how great it sounded.
theaudiobeatnik.com

 

Had Mc service center nearby back in the day. As audiophiles, they were clueless. , posted on May 21, 2016 at 16:23:44
jtpzenith
Audiophile

Posts: 607
Joined: November 4, 2002



NT

 

RE: Gordon Gow got it, posted on May 21, 2016 at 16:39:31
briggs
Audiophile

Posts: 1674
Location: Connecticut
Joined: April 16, 2002
 Everything you wrote about Gordon Gow is consistent with what I knew, and is a good contribution to the history of audio business. And make no mistake. Gordon was a bright engineer, but he was also a superlative entrepreneur. He also cared a great deal about the quality of the brand, and how it reproduced music.

I worked for Dave Lebous, at Audio Service Company, in Binghamton, in the early 60s. We were McIntosh's sole hometown dealer and knew them all -- Gordon, Maurice, Sidney, Dirk, Dave, AP...

I was later a manager at IBM in their great days, but I can confidently state that I never knew a finer enterprise than the McIntosh Lab of that era.

 

Doesn't do much good when you are as dyslexic as I am . . ., posted on May 21, 2016 at 21:20:36
jnr
Reviewer

Posts: 2164
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
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 I run all my reviews through gramerly and then they are edited by Larry. I don't know why they still have mistakes, but I'm not doing all that for a post. So, just a little mercy would be appreciated.

theaudiobeatnik.com

 

If you speaking of stuff made in the 70s and early 80s, posted on May 21, 2016 at 21:22:46
Michael Samra
Dealer

Posts: 36118
Location: saginaw michigan
Joined: January 30, 2005
 Based on personal observation, I think it's pretty safe to say that Mac is the gear of choice for the discerning audiophile who listens with his eyes.

I used to follow that same thinking for their larger solid state gear of the 70s and early 80s..They used to sound somewhat brittle or hard as we call it but then came the late 80s and 90s and their design philosophy changed a bit by going to pnp/npn outputs where as they used to be straight npn outputs.They also implement the power guard differently and the driver and phase splitter transistors are also different than before and are running deeper in class A.
The MAC tubed gear like the MC-275 and MC-3000 are first rate amps..Mac leans on sonic correctness in all their amps today but like with anything,you have to match them with the right load..Many speaker companies at the CES shows you go to feature Mac amps when demonstrating their products..This wasn't the case back in the 70s and early 80s..Mac has a lot more money today and that helps.
"For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong" H. L. Mencken

 

Audio Research understands McIntosh, posted on May 22, 2016 at 06:40:46
budget fi
Audiophile

Posts: 709
Location: seattle
Joined: August 8, 2004






Which is why they are starting to copy McIntosh.

 

RE: Audio Research understands McIntosh, posted on May 22, 2016 at 07:23:38
kentaja
Manufacturer

Posts: 4614
Joined: March 26, 2001
 Meters are not something new on ARC amps. D150, D79, VT130SE, VT150SE, REF300, REF600 all had analogue meters on the front.

The current REF250, REF750, REF75, GS150 also sport nice analogue meters.

The D160 had LED meters, REF210, REF610T had fluorescent style meters on the front.

I may have missed a couple but ARC has used meters on many of their amps.


 

What is it about audiophiles and meters and handles?, posted on May 22, 2016 at 09:42:08
Dave_K
 I don't get meters. To me, they seem like an unwanted distraction while listening. Their information value is dubious. They require extra circuitry which can only degrade the purity of the audio signal path. And they add cost.

Another thing I don't get is handles. Does anybody even try to lift high end audio components by the handles? I'm the kind of person who prefers a clean look, but even if I liked a bit of decoration why handles?

 

They look "professional"..., posted on May 22, 2016 at 09:58:48
Steve O
Audiophile

Posts: 12365
Location: SE MI
Joined: September 6, 2001
 ...or maybe industrial/lab instrument like.

 

I agree over all, but, posted on May 22, 2016 at 10:05:03
jnr
Reviewer

Posts: 2164
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Joined: April 5, 2000
 I love the handles on the back of the new Pass Labs amps. They make lifting 100 plus pound amps much easier to move. I don't get meters on solid state amps. The on on my Pass Labs 30.8 hardly ever moves, thanks goodness it's not bright or distracting. I find the tiny meters on the Allnic gear very helpful for adjusting bias.

theaudiobeatnik.com

 

The handles are more for sliding than lifting, posted on May 22, 2016 at 11:05:14
genungo
 The meters are for mood enhancement and... the hell of it?

 

It's that blue hue that makes em sexy ;-) nt, posted on May 22, 2016 at 11:32:44
budget fi
Audiophile

Posts: 709
Location: seattle
Joined: August 8, 2004
 nt

 

RE: What is it about audiophiles and meters and handles?, posted on May 22, 2016 at 14:01:55
kentaja
Manufacturer

Posts: 4614
Joined: March 26, 2001
 'To me, they seem like an unwanted distraction while listening.' Agreed that is why I turn them off when listening.

'Their information value is dubious.' A matter of opinion I guess. I find knowing the power output quite helpful at times especially when trouble shooting a problem. In addition on ARC amps the power meter also serves as the bias meter. Quite helpful when dealing with lots of output tubes. No need to probe around inside with a DVM to adjust bias.

'They require extra circuitry which can only degrade the purity of the audio signal path.' Not so if implemented properly.

'And they add cost.' Quite correct.

'Does anybody even try to lift high end audio components by the handles?' Yes all the time. My REF300 is 132# and my VT150SE is 78#. Nearly impossible to move without handles. Even my REF75 is 50# and the handles are helpful.

These features may not be of use for some folks but they are far from superfluous. At least with ARC gear. Meters and handles are placed there for functional reasons.




 

One big difference, posted on May 22, 2016 at 14:19:15
E-Stat
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  Since: April 5, 2002
 Other than the fact that ARC's meters have never been blue is they are used to set tube bias

 

It wasn't long ago that, posted on May 22, 2016 at 14:24:24
E-Stat
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  Since: April 5, 2002
 McIntosh considered blue meters to be a "core competency". I don't know of any other audio firm that sells metered towels and turntables.

 

I remember the first time, posted on May 22, 2016 at 14:43:38
E-Stat
Audiophile

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  Since: April 5, 2002
 I heard a C-28/2105 combination.

Nice light show but insipid sound quality. Maybe some of those folks never actually auditioned them.

 

RE: I got your meters and handles right here, posted on May 22, 2016 at 15:58:25
kitch29



 

RE: I remember the first time, posted on May 22, 2016 at 16:02:07
Bill Way
Audiophile

Posts: 1884
Location: Toms River NJ
Joined: May 28, 2012
Contributor
  Since: December 14, 2012
 Insipid is the word. I bought a C-26 from the factory when I was selling their gear. Loved it. Then heard a beat-to-s**t Dyna PAS-3 that just blew it away. It was a moment of great enlightenment.

WW
"Put on your high heeled sneakers. Baby, we''re goin'' out tonight.

 

Now those are useful! NT, posted on May 22, 2016 at 16:39:21
jnr
Reviewer

Posts: 2164
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
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 .
theaudiobeatnik.com

 

This was the kind of thing I was talking about. All the great sounding . . ., posted on May 22, 2016 at 16:44:19
jnr
Reviewer

Posts: 2164
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Joined: April 5, 2000
 McIntosh of the past had no meters. Like I said there first transistor amps were offered with or without the meters. I know car companies sell all these things like model cars, clocks, lamps and clothes, but not to me. I wonder when if we will see models of their amps that one could sit on their desk.

theaudiobeatnik.com

 

Handles are so you can actually move the amplifier. ARC 'rack look' aside., posted on May 22, 2016 at 20:39:50
Smelly_Socks
 I own an Audio Research SP-15 preamp, with the handles.
They are for rack mounting. Which was the original intent with early ARC. The design just stuck.
The ARC handles can be taken off, though the panel is still the extra wide for rack mounting. For amplifiers, I own a 60lb amp and I am very glad it has handles.

I also own another 80lb device, Furman REF 20i, and it does NOT have handles. It is a PITA to move around. Ditto the 60 lb PS Audio P600.
BTW, Bryston offer rack, no rack handle options. Same price with or without.

 

Those meters are important, dammit..., posted on May 22, 2016 at 20:52:25
musetap
Audiophile

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Contributor
  Since: January 28, 2004
 How else would you know that you have your RPMs set correctly?!?





"Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination"-Michael McClure



 

RE:Is theCarriage trade for high end Audio is bigger than , posted on May 23, 2016 at 07:56:11
BigguyinATL
Manufacturer

Posts: 3475
Joined: April 10, 2002
 the audiophile market for high end audio?

If so this would make McIntosh a sound business decition...


"The hardest thing of all is to find a black cat in a dark room, especially if there is no cat" - Confucius

 

RE: Doesn't do much good when you are as dyslexic as I am . . ., posted on May 23, 2016 at 08:50:43
acres verde
Audiophile

Posts: 723
Location: Big Easy
Joined: November 13, 2004
 FWIW, I'm a late blooming dyslexic and have problems with both words and number sequences. Looking good in print in the public eye is a chosen priority or it's not. And, just for the record, the errors in the cited statement are not dyslexic in nature ("close" instead of clothes and "band" instead of brand).

Hey, I read your reviews and relate to your generally audio philosophy so I have no mean spirited intentions. I would just think you would wish to present as the professional that you are.

 

RE: Doesn't do much good when you are as dyslexic as I am . . ., posted on May 23, 2016 at 09:49:50
jnr
Reviewer

Posts: 2164
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Joined: April 5, 2000
 After being tested as a teenager and again as an adult, I was told there are many forms of dyslexia. Sadly my son inherited it. He has a less common type. It did not keep him from graduating from college and his masters program with a 4.0 gpa.

Yeas ago, I decided life was to short to worry about the mistakes it cause me when it not important. By the way being dyslexic can be entertaining when you have my type. I am always misreading signs. The family favorite is when I thought a sign that said "Honkey Dory on sale" said "Horney Donkeys on sale"

If you don't know Honkey Dory was a caramel popcorn and nut mix that was popular at one time.

theaudiobeatnik.com

 

RE: Does anyone understand McIntosh? When I was in college ..., posted on May 23, 2016 at 11:11:47
Land Shark
Audiophile

Posts: 504
Location: South Florida
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Contributor
  Since: September 6, 2000
 Well, they do things their way. They've managed to survive and maintain a reputation for high quality in an increasingly disposable world. The few Mac components I've heard (mostly pre-amps and amps) delivered excellent sound and looked great to boot. The one tuner I heard delivered the best sound I've ever heard from FM.

Of course I've heard plenty of components that sounded as good and didn't cost as much as McIntosh, but I respect them for continuing to do what they do.

Best regards, Ralph

 

RE: I've come full circle, posted on May 23, 2016 at 11:18:16
6bq5
Audiophile

Posts: 4385
Location: SF Bay
Joined: August 16, 2001
 Hook up the MR-74 - there is still some good FM out there...
Happy Listening

 

RE: I've come full circle, posted on May 23, 2016 at 13:02:47
MannyE
Audiophile

Posts: 2088
Location: Miami Beach
Joined: March 4, 2001
 Depends on where you live. Good tuners are wasted on the stupid STUPID Miami FM dial. I stopped listening becuase it both infurated me and dropped my IQ by the minute.

I have always seen having MAC gear as a sign that you've arrived and that you are serious about your music. Unfortunately, I have yet to sit down and hear, for any length of time, a system with all Mac. Considering the stuff is bullet-proof and lasts a long time, if I like the sound it would probably be a good value if bought used.

One day....

 

RE: Does anyone understand McIntosh? When I was in college ..., posted on May 23, 2016 at 19:12:41
El Monte
Audiophile

Posts: 283
Joined: August 18, 2000
 I bought a used Mac MA5100 integrated in 1977. It was to replace my early 70's Pioneer system. I really didn't know much about audiophile but I always loved my stereo and music.
One of the "selling" moments of the Mac was the "Amplifier Test Clinic". I still have the graph, seems to measure harmonic distortion.
It was new to me and was fantastic.
After a few years I went to NAD and the Mac went into the closet. But it was always one you brought out as a spare.
I moved into a condo for work and took the Mac and bought a pair of B&W602's. They sounded perfect. Tried NAD, too bright. Mac just right.
My Mac story.

El Monte

 

No longer true , posted on May 25, 2016 at 01:01:15
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37609
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 At least about every solder joint being hand done. Toured factory several years ago and was proudly shown their automated wave soldering machine.

 

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