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

I think the Mc fans here have more or less countered these claims. I'm just pointing out that he's not really bashing people so much as saying they're deluded in thinking they've gone into true audiophile territory.

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AND there is the rub. Everyone has an opinion and as a few have pointed out, "Pick out the gear" and work from there. I could use just about any gear and work from there. Some start with Mac, some with Sansui like Master M.

To even suggest an audiophile is determined by the gear they own or don't own is about the dumbest thing I've ever heard. THAT is the problem with this guy. He doesn't seen to understand statements just like that puts HIM in the not only the Midfi class but somewhat ignorant to what an audiophile is. It has ZERO to do with GEAR, it has to do with the persons ability to excel in spite of or in lieu of money or gear. Knowing 1/2 the sound is the room just how far does one part (say a power amp) costing 2k vs one costing 40k, IF 50% is the room and the actual amps are 5-10% of the SQ? Same with cables. I've seen people budget according to "CABLES" total BS. The point of diminishing returns happens so quickly after 300.00 for me the .25% per 1000.00 spent just isn't worth the 100.00 dollar room improvement and get 3-5% return in SQ. 

I've strapped into systems that the sweet spot was so small your head went between two cushions above your ears.. 

The hours spent on some of these peoples rigs is crazy, and the money to sometimes, BUT sometimes NOT! Look at Master M.. FOR PEANUTS. A system for listening to music.. 523.41 cents :-) He added 4 dollars for ear plugs..

Total room in all. 

Regards

@thecarpathian

Thank you. As I stated, I certainly do not hate McIntosh. Why on earth would anyone hate any product unless you bought it and were then extremely disappointed? I assume those that buy it are for the most part not disappointed.
I would ask other posters one question though, why does this company feel the need to sell merchandise? Do you not find this ridiculous and demeaning? Would you believe they even sell McIntosh covid masks?

So, he's not bashing Mc owners, per se. He's pitying them for being stuck.

This is what irritates me about this hobby. This self crafted ideal that certain equipment and/or bands are superior over everything else. The "everything else" category is all trash and you're unintelligent suckers for purchasing said gear. As @mahgister likes to remind everyone, it's not only the gear that is important.

To my ears McIntosh gear is neutral. It allows me to hear just the music. That is why I am in this hobby. I am here for the music.  

What he is claiming, though, is that while you’re enjoying the Mc experience, you are foregoing better quality experience with other gear. In part, he says, you’re taken in by the looks of Mc. In part, you’re just stuck in a comfy cage. You’ve settled for lesser gear. Are you content? Sure. So are those who eat pork rinds and call them gourmet food. But you’re missing out on the real audiophile experience that Mc. cannot deliver.

So, he’s not bashing Mc owners, per se. He’s pitying them for being stuck. And he’s warning those not yet owning Mc gear -- or the other brands which are not truly audiophile as he defines it -- to steer clear of those audio cul-de-sacs.

this is elitist b-s -- it is as intellectual dishonest as it is self-serving

properly functioning mac gear of ANY generation is absolutely good enough to fulfill the audiophile pursuit - a garrard record player, a dynaco iv tube amp and a pair of jbls or bozaks from the 1960's do it... let’s get real -- we are here today because people 50-60 years ago desired and pursued great music played beautifully in homes for enjoyment - the fact that it has an aesthetic quality and looks cool too is totally besides this central point

the gear matters (imo it is too strong to say it doesn’t, it needs to meet some suitable level of quality, in spite of what some here would like to think), and of course, so does the room, and most importantly, so does the attitude and willingness to desire it and pursue it, with time, effort, money -- these things need to come together harmoniously

My last comment here. Those of you in this forum that post this elitist BS only do it because you know it "stirs the pot" in this forum. I guess it makes you feel better about yourselves to insult and belittle the choices of others. Nice maturity level.