Does Mc Intosh make reference gear

The British invasion of the 70's is when 'actual' hi end distinguished itself imo. Recognized or not. McIntosh sounded like absolute junk in comparison. No different from all the Asian crap jumping on the bandwagon. Just more power. However I'm speaking strictly ss here. As far as tubes go, Mac was an 'also ran'. Lots of good 'old' stuff out there. What Mac has going for it is establishment, not pedigree. It sounds okay and has it's following. Sometimes it's wise to 'leave good enough alone'.

Does McIntosh make reference gear? Sound is in the ear of the beholder. McIntosh does not make the most expensive gear, although not cheap my any means. Some equate the most expensive gear as reference level.

Being a owner of the McIntosh MA6600, I can only state that it is the best sound out of all my former and current systems. Tube or solid state. And in league with some gear I had chance to audition at fine audio salons. Gear that many may indeed rank as reference gear.

IMO they do stand out for the pack. Great sound, much appreciated features, impeccable build that lasts for years, going into decades. Not cookie cutter looks, their gear has in own distinctive look. Excellent customer service and high pride of ownership.

Csontos.."The British Invasion of the 70's is when actual high end distinguished itself"..if your referring too British high end audio influencing America in the 70's then your way off the mark. It's the British who copied us.
Who invented the world's first Acoustic Suspension speaker?
Acoustic Research in New England in 1952. Who invented the worlds first two channel stereo receiver? Harman Kardon in 1958. Who invented the worlds first soft dome fluid
filled tweeter? Phase Technology in Florida in 1979. In fact the British sound comes from New England. The warm rich relaxed sounding speakers from AR and KLH from the 50's had a direct influence on British speaker companies.
It all started in America Baby! We are still the best on the planet when it comes to High End Audio!

Does McIntosh make reference gear? Sound is in the ear of the beholder. McIntosh does not make the most expensive gear, although not cheap my any means. Some equate the most expensive gear as reference level.

Being a owner of the McIntosh MA6600, I can only state that it is the best sound out of all my former and current systems. Tube or solid state. And in league with some gear I had chance to audition at fine audio salons. Gear that many may indeed rank as reference gear.

IMO they do stand out for the pack. Great sound, much appreciated features, impeccable build that lasts for years, going into decades. Not cookie cutter looks, their gear has in own distinctive look. Excellent customer service and high pride of ownership.

I'm glad no one is beating up on Burson gear. My hackles/dander would be up.
Add to that the Aussie invasion debate and this thread would go on forever.