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Why do no audio enthusiasts use McIntosh?

With the exception of some of there tube gear, not many really use this stuff(or admit to it anyway), I am mainly referring to there amps. They look pleasant, they look good on paper and have the price of high end gear, but I seldom hear anyone claiming to like or one day dreaming of owning McIntosh. I have never really listened to there stuff, no good word of mouth sort of scares me away from it, the only people who like it are those who sell it, an uncanny coincidence? I don’t know. Sorry it this has been covered many times in the past, I ran a search and could not find anything.
tireguy
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Although some audiophiles can't understand it, "Look and Feel" of the equipment is important, and MacIntosh has always been the best. And some of the sonics are very good, if not the absolute best. Cost is relatively high, but for some people this is a non-issue.
rooze's avatar
rooze
640 posts
 
Here are 4 possible reasons, the actual answer to your question Tim might be a combination of the 4 reasons or might be something else altogether:

1 - Mac make some really good sounding gear (MC500 mono's, 275 re-issue, even the 252 sounds good), but they also make some rough sounding gear too, like the 6500 and 6900 integrateds, and some of their tube amps. Having rough gear in your portfolio doesn't help when you're trying to sell the good gear (image / perception).

2 - styling isn't to everyone's tastes, it's almost military looking.

3 - Mac gear appeals more to the older generation and relies on 'nostalgia' to sell.

4 - People who frequent sites like audiogon are often in a constant state of flux with their systems and they're in here looking for the latest/greatest deals. Maybe Mac owners are just so damned satisfied with their gear and they're sitting at home listening to great music.

They are just possibilities to think about. I don't want to debate why I think the 6500 and 6900 don't sound very good.

Rooze
aball
2,018 posts
 
Well, I was 23 years old when I got my first McIntosh. That was 4 years ago. I love the sound, the looks, and the presence McIntosh gear has. If you don't like it, look elsewhere.

Not everyone likes the same thing. Why is that so hard to understand?? I am amazed how there is so much "mine is best so yours is crap" attitude around here.

Personally, I don't spend much time in audio forums anymore. Rooze is right with that comment. It used to be fun until I realized there is no absolute like some make you think. Now when I browse posts, I generally laugh and shake my head. So many people have no confidence in their opinion. I find that strange but, hey, whatever floats your boat.

Arthur
tireguy OP
1,964 posts
 
Can't believe this came back from late 01(hard to believe how the years just seem to fly by!), and yet still no "answer"- damn it!
brianmgrarcom
1,317 posts
 
LOL!!!
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