What's with McIntosh and Two Radio Buttons on the Facia?

[mini-me]

I dig the look of the later MAC amps (MC501 and upwards) but I really dislike these two radio buttons on the Facia. It's a turned off to my taste!

Can't they get rid of these old traditional radio buttons and make the amp a bit more modern while maintaining their elegant Facia? Can't they be hidden behind a front panel or something like pop-out?

[Hawkeye]

My guess is durability. If they were hidden behind some cheesy spring loaded panel, that panel would probably wear out way before the amp needs service. I've had the knobs off of mine during a clean up and they honestly looked naked to me.

Also, McIntosh can be stodgy in the design and holds on to a theme for a long time. I don't think change for change sake is in the corporate thinking. I'd say most McIntosh owners hold on to their gear and the consistency across the line enables the pieces to match when an upgrade is desired.

Gordon

[mini-me]

I guess it's probably form over function. I wonder how many people still using the knobs on the amps to adjust volume instead of using a preamp. But Mac seems to be still holding their traditional look.

[Hawkeye]

Actually, there is no volume control. One knob is the power, the other is the control for lights and meters.

Gordon

[mini-me]

Actually, there is no volume control. One knob is the power, the other is the control for lights and meters.

Gordon

Thank you and I stand corrected. I think it's probably about time I go down to a MAC dealer and give them a listen and play with a few knobs.

[Hawkeye]

It doesn't cost a thing to at least listen to them. They may or may not float your boat. I personally like the sound, others hate 'em.

Gordon

[Ranger0912]

It doesn't cost a thing to at least listen to them. They may or may not float your boat. I personally like the sound, others hate 'em.

Gordon

Hawkeye is right. Before making the commitment to Mac you really need to decide if you like the sound. After all, that amp is going to be around a long time!

[zingo]

To me it's a classic MC look; if I want the sound, I also get the knobs. :)

[Face]

Their amps sound nice, but their SS preamps are nothing special.

[Hawkeye]

Their amps sound nice, but their SS preamps are nothing special.

I agree Mike. However, a bit of tubes in the pre is ok with me.

Gordon

[mini-me]

I have experienced older MAC but not the newer offering. I will listen to them soon and report back here. I may like the Big MAC but I may hate the two FAT knobs still. We'll see...

[toucanet]

Just curious to know if anyone has connected their MacIntosh MC501 monos to a pair of SRS 1.2TLs. If so, how did the system sound?

I've always heard and read great things about McIntosh products but never listened to anything they have made.