McIntosh -- good for show, not for sound, says dealer

@szore ...the one you own )Mac, Bryston, et al...) or the one you contemplate getting....;)

I have a Mc 462 amp driving a pair of Thiel CS6 speakers with zero complaints.

It replaced an old Krell KSA-100S amp.  Both did a great job controlling the bass.

The only complaint I might have is that it is heavy.  Blue meters are a plus, no arguments there.

Among all the basically good amplifiers there is no absolute better amplifier, not only because the conditions where the evaluation is done matter...But because the relation between our needs and the other piece of gear are very specific...

And for example which is the best amplifier for the S.Q./ price ratio?

What is the better amplifier to pair with a specific speakers or turntable?

What is the amplifier you will enjoy the most at first listening?

Etc...

I can only speak from my own experience.  I have enjoyed a Mc2125 amp, C28 pre amp, (MR77 tuner which I'm not currently using), for more than 40 years.  I personally love the sound which I find to be warm but accurate for my tastes.  I have never had a problem with the equipment, and in taking it in for a recent cleaning, decided to audition, and then buy a new pair of the recently discontinued Wilson Sabrina (now SabrinaX) speakers.  They will arrive this next Tuesday.  I almost felt like I owed my Mac pieces the upgrade for the years of service.  Bought them when I was in my late 20's, and now "renewing my vows" to them in my early 70's.  I'm hoping for the same with the Sabrina's.  A lifetime of joy for me from this Mac stuff that still feels relevant and new.  Can't say that about many things!

I have a pair of MC501 monoblocs running my 3.6 Maggie’s.  I bought them used 15 years ago for 6K.   I could sell them tomorrow for 6K.  I will probably never sell them, but try that with any other brand amplifier.  
 

The reason the hold there value is that they are quality products that last a long time and have a following (and NO they are not all sheep).

I ran through a few amps before finding my 501s and they make my Maggie’s sing.
 

And to complete the circle, I have a C220 tube preamp bought about the same time that still sounds great and is worth more than I paid for it.  I just took a Ms300 music server out of my system that was still working to go to all streaming, but 15 years out of a computer based product is amazing.  FYI, my new MB20 works seamlessly with my iPad and iPhone.