Seeing post about Sunfire amp made

[polktiger]

me wonder...

After reading many posts on these boards, there is a lot of discussion about amps. Popular names seem to be Rotel, Adcom, Sunfire, Carver, Parasound, and some others that are slipping my mind right now. However, I never see anyone discussing or in sigs as using the one brand I have drooled over since I was about 10...McIntosh. It has been a long standing goal to oneday own a couple 2 channel rigs with one featuing a McIntosh tube and the other a McIntosh solid state.

For a while, I just assumed that the reason this name is left out of so many discussions is the sheer cost of those amps. But looking at some of the retail prices on some of these other brands, there is not that BIG a difference. Is there something I am missing. Granted the last time I heard a McIntosh was about 15 years ago and I have certainly changed since then, so if I were to hear one now, I may no longer be interested in it. Just curious, does this amp not work well with Polks? Although, there are many people on this board running speakers that are not Polks.

[engtaz]

McIntosh are great but cost per watts is real high.

[phuz]

Most folks around here don't buy stuff at retail prices, or even brand new. So, you've kinda answered your own question.

Mcintosh makes very nice equipment. If I am lucky some day I may own some, but I have a hard time justifying the cost to performance ratio. Most people who are into Polk are the same way, very price savvy. Your goal may be to own Mcintosh equipment one day, but the goal of most people around here is to get close to what Mcintosh can do for the best price. We want the best bang for the buck, and Mcintosh - even used prices on equipment that is 20 years old - just doesn't have it.

Also, have you looked at Mcintosh's retail prices lately? It's pretty easy to get close to the same performance, for 1/2 or even 1/3 the price of Mcintosh retail or used prices.

[tonyb]

The competition in Mac's price range has soared.Plus,I dunno if I would spend that coin to power speakers costing under 2 g's.They do have an unbelievable cool factor though.

[JimBRICK]

yeah to own Mac electronics you'd want to have some serious speakers. Not your middle class speakers.

SOmething like these

http://www.tyleracoustics.com/woodmere.html
or
http://www.legacy-audio.com/whispermain.html
or
http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=1729&sc=hf

[F1nut]

IMO, the reason you see so many folks talking about and owning the amps in question is they are "affordable", at least in the mind of those that own them. The truth is that there are much better, yet affordable amps out there in the used market place. For example, there is an McIntosh MC-2505 SS amp on Audiogon right now for $550.00.

I also poo poo the idea that one needs "serious" speakers to own nice power gear. In fact, the better the power gear, the better any speaker will sound.

Mac makes nice gear, get yours and be happy.

[venomclan]

There are a few members here that use Mac equipment. As was said, it is mostly the price point that pushes people away. I always wanted to try Mac gear but never had the chance. They are usually known for a really warm sweet spot and their power capabilities.

Every year I get invited to a home near me, used by Macintosh as their reference demo for S. Florida. It is a customers home that has their top of the line speakers and tons of amps and gear. They were recently featured in Home Theater magazine. I should go next time because it is the town right next to mine.

Here is the link on the local dealer page:
http://www.stereobydesign.com/galleryimages.aspx?GID=2&IMG=1

[heiney9]

Mac gear doesn't seem to have the pedigree it used to have 10,15,20 years ago. No doubt they still make formidable components but they aren't on the radar as much as the others mentioned. Classic Mac is excellent stuff and is usually in high demand and that leads to higher $$$.

Personally I've never thought the Mac's cosmetic apperance was very nice. It's a love it or hate thing. I have a friend who absolutely loves the look and sound of his Mac's and part of his enjoyment is telling people he owns Mac equipment, so that's part of it too. Ego boost.

I can think of several other amps I'd rather own in the same price range. There is a lot of competition out there but Mac never has been or ever will be mainstream.

I say get your Mac on if that's what floats your boat certainly nothing wrong with their gear.

H9

[candyliquor35m]

Don't forget that tube mac's hold their value so you can't go out and get one for $500 just because it's 20 years old. Unfortunately this prevents many who dream of owning one the usual avenue of buying a old used one at a bargain basement price.

[Face]

I stumbled upon a MC-7270 for a great price. From there I picked up a tuner/pre(MX-115) and a MC-2105. I'm looking for a good deal on a MC-2100 and plan on using the three amps and a OnkyoPro/Integra processor for a combined 2ch/HT rig.
What I like about Mac is, if it's rated for 270wpc, that's AT LEAST what you're getting. The sound, looks, and resale value are also reasons I use them.
Their biggest downside is weight! Repair costs can also be expensive.

[danger boy]

i would love to have some MacIntosh gear.. but i could probably only afford the volume knob. :p

[tonyb]

IMO, the reason you see so many folks talking about and owning the amps in question is they are "affordable", at least in the mind of those that own them. The truth is that there are much better, yet affordable amps out there in the used market place. For example, there is an McIntosh MC-2505 SS amp on Audiogon right now for $550.00.

I also poo poo the idea that one needs "serious" speakers to own nice power gear. In fact, the better the power gear, the better any speaker will sound.

Mac makes nice gear, get yours and be happy.

Yeah,sure Jess....lots of people out there running RTI 6's with
Mark Levinson amps.:)

[cfrizz]

No Tony, Jesse is right on the money.

I would say that my Sunfire outclasses my entire system. If I had to buy it new it would cost me more than the original setup that was centered around my RTA-8T's!:eek:

Thank God for the used market, otherwise I would never be able to own a Sunfire anything!!!


Yeah,sure Jess....lots of people out there running RTI 6's with
Mark Levinson amps.:)

Quote:
Originally Posted by F1nut
IMO, the reason you see so many folks talking about and owning the amps in question is they are "affordable", at least in the mind of those that own them. The truth is that there are much better, yet affordable amps out there in the used market place. For example, there is an McIntosh MC-2505 SS amp on Audiogon right now for $550.00.

I also poo poo the idea that one needs "serious" speakers to own nice power gear. In fact, the better the power gear, the better any speaker will sound.

[tonyb]

Point being Cathy,is there is a limit.Jesse is right to a certain point.My example being the extreme of coarse.If you can afford mega buck amps,you can afford better speakers.A speaker will only sound as good as it's capable of,design and parts used.An rti 6 is only going to sound so good up to a certain level no matter what is powering it.So to me the price ratio between power and speakers,shouldn't be too far out of wack.I do agree that better amps will most likely yield better sound but only up to that speakers capabilities.After that,your wasting your dough.

[cfrizz]

Agreed Tony.

I couldn't hear any difference between my speakers being driven by 205wpc & 405wpc simply because they were getting all they needed with the 205.

When I was looking for a 5 channel amp I never even looked at Sunfire cause I knew it was waaaaay out of my league. But when it came up for sale here on the club & I found out it was a 5 channel amp I could actually lift it was a no brainer to jump on it!

But for the most part with these "Name" amps, it's more about status & bragging rights. But if you've got the money, go for it & enjoy.

[venomclan]

But for the most part with these "Name" amps, it's more about status & bragging rights. But if you've got the money, go for it & enjoy.

Tony's post is spot on. A good amp will bring the best out of speaker up to its capabilities, but it cannot change the speaker in any way.

As for status and bragging rights, while marketing and branding play a part, you do get what you pay for in the end. Higher end amps do make a large difference in speakers capable of those amps abbilities. There are giant killers out there in some respects, but it is not all "status".
V

[daveyg2]

Mac amps are def better, but Carver/ Sunfire amps are very good value for your money. very powerful, but not as graceful and rich sounding as mac in my opinion. If youcan score a mac amp for cheap it would be the best thing for you. Solid state i recommend.