Thoughts on McIntosh

[Orbie]

Yes, I am a newbie to Club Polk...but there seems to be some good posts out there. Therefore I am inclined to ask this question:

What are your thoughts on McIntosh products? I went to college in Binghamton, NY (where McIntosh's are made) and have toured their facility a few times. I am quite impressed. But I feel a bit bias toward their products.

But before I go spending my money, I was curious about the public opinion.

Thanks.

[SolidSqual]

If I had the money . . . McIntosh is not money spent, it's money invested.

[reeltrouble1]

They are a company dedicated to fine audio, hi-fi, they do not make junk. Sure there are others and MacIntosh can stand with just about anybody.

RT1

[madmax]

I don't think they are the end-all be-all but are very good components and would be proud to own them. You have to go with what YOU want, not what everyone else wants. I think equal fidelity can be had with other brands as well.
madmax

[Krell]

I auditioned a few McIntosh products when I was in the market for a new 2-channel system. I personally found their tube amps to be warm sounding and matched with the right speaker, sounded as good as I have ever heard a tube amp. I am not really a big fan of tubes amp and perfer solid state. I found the McIntosh solid state amps to be a little lacking compared with other amps in the same price range. I am not saying they are bad amps at all, but just to my ears, I perfered other amps over the McIntosh.

I ended up going with a Krell unit (as you can tell by my forum name) and I am very happy with it. I love the bass rich sound of the Krell monsters over anything else. But as anyone will tell you, it all comes down to what sounds best to your ears. And the only way to know that is to audition many different units.

[shack]

IMO there is nothing prettier than big blue power meters. Great gear that someday will be a part of my 2 channel rig.

[Yashu]

McIntosh vintage components are some of the most valued in the community.

Some people have said this with respect to vintage: There is McIntosh and there is everybody else.

I am not as fond of their current stuff, but their vintage equipment is top notch, and yes they are treated as an investment. I remember a friend's Mcintosh system... the tuner was wonderful and even had a CRT scope, and the amp and pre had a warm but accurate sound.

I would say that many of the people who buy new McIntosh stuff are people that already have vintage components and wish to add new functionality and yet keep a consistant look and synergy of their system as a whole.

[markmarc]

As others have pointed out McIntosh is an investment. The sound isn't for everybody, some consider many models of recent vintage to be a bit "dark". Make no mistake, McIntosh products have a true sonic signature, it's not for everybody. But for those who enjoy it, it becomes an almost religious experience.

[pearsall001]

McIntosh! Ah, McIntosh! If I was ever going to plop down a wad of cash on an amp, it would be a MAC. I've always admired them for the look, damn those blue meters get me every time, as an investment to pass down after I'm gone, pride of ownership, the mystique about the whole history of the company, the lush sound coupled with brute strength. My sights have been set on the MC252 or the MC402. Either one of those would look grand sitting on my floor parked between my speakers. Someday, someday!!!:)

[gidrah]

I have a McIntosh integrated in my main HS/HT rig. I love it. Anybody that says horns have to be played through tubes haven't tried Mc solid state.

[W WALDECKER]

McIntosh is very good but then again so is Granny Smith .:eek:

[pearsall001]

McIntosh is very good but then again so is Granny Smith .:eek:

Granny Smith is ok but a McIntosh is still the best!!!:)

[engtaz]

I have not heard one thing bad about them other then the arguments about the cost and what might be as good or better at price point. Darn nice equipment.

[Spacedeckman]

I have not heard one thing bad about them other then the arguments about the cost and what might be as good or better at price point. Darn nice equipment.

Built like a truck. Not too keen on the sound, but there are a lot of amps out there I don't like anymore. Kind of dark like Levinson, but not as refined. Nothing wrong with them, just not my speed. Sounds like old vintage electronics. Kind of like old tube products and new stuff designed to sound old.

Mark

[engtaz]

already stiring up the fanboys LOL

[cmy330go]

I really haven't had any significant time with vintage McIntosh. However a few years ago when I got to hear the Sonus Faber Stradivarius they were being powered with new McIntosh monoblocks. Needless to say the combo sounded very sweet. Of course it's hard to believe that those speakers could ever sound bad.

Personally I would run them with an AVR....but that's another story.:D

[Spacedeckman]

already stiring up the fanboys LOL

Why not. I regularly attend the Church of the Painful Truth. I need to find converts for my religion.

Notice I didn't say that Mac was bad, it has a lot of strong points. Just not my speed. If you look at the typical Mac customer, you will either find an old guy, or a guy who had a dad or uncle who had some.

Can I start bagging on newer Krell stuff now?

Mark

[engtaz]

go for it but watch out for approval or .... LOL

[Spacedeckman]

I have not heard one thing bad about them other then the arguments about the cost and what might be as good or better at price point. Darn nice equipment.

Yes it is. Some of their old tube stuff is as good as "old tube" gets. Even their new stuff is nice, just not price or performance competitive with modern equipment. On the flip side, not much stuff is built like it. I just need someone to explain to me why you need output transformers on solid state amplifiers. Makes no sense at all.

Mark

[Spacedeckman]

go for it but watch out for approval or .... LOL

Timing is everything. And, I am very polite about it.

Mark

[Orbie]

Thanks to everyone who responded. Your opinions were well founded, and I will certainly be purchasing a new McIntosh unit very soon.

Looks like I'll be getting the MA2275 Integrated tube amp. At $3G's for a quality McIntosh product...that isn't a bad price at all!

This link below goes to the McIntosh site for the 2275. Thanks again!

http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/mcprod/shopdisplayproducts.asp?hid=1&id=17&cat=Integrated+Amplifiers&prodid=1092&product=MA2275

[cmy330go]

Keep us updated. Enjoy!

[sucks2beme]

I listened to a great Mac tube setup driving B&W speakers up in Wichita ,KS.
I remember 2 guys coming in and upon seeing the tube goodness said
"tubes? why would anyone still be using tubes?"
I stepped out to answer a cellphone call, and about 15 minutes later I returned to the
room of glass goodness. The same two guys were sitting in the sweet spot speechless.
That's the kind of effect it has when you actually listen to your first good tube amp.
Mac has been making soom nice tube gear as of late. You won't regret it!

[Hawkeye]

I have a mc352 ss amp which provides the slam and headroom that I wanted. I originally had a B&K pre amp which made the combination a little too sterile for me. I then bought C2200 Tube preamp. This gave me the power of ss and the smoothness of the tubes.

Alot of Mac people go this route to have the best of both worlds.

Also, don't forget resale. If you want to upgrade to say a pair of 501's, you'll probably get close to every dime back you paid for your original piece.

And of course, Ole Blue Eyes is a sight to behold in your audio rack.

Gordo