Why do no audio enthusiasts use McIntosh?

Looking at these threads, I find it hilarious that Levinson, touted as far above McIntosh, has transferred its interestes to home theater, can't service their products in any reasonable amount of time, and have products like the 331-333 with their capacitors leaking all over the place. I've owned Levinson, Krell, Pass Labs, Threshold, Rowland, McIntosh, BAT, Sim Audio, and gone round and round the merry-go-round. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. Personally, when I went into the Mac room at the 2002 CES, I had to leave. It was horrible. But, needing to try it just once, I bought an MC-602. I loved it. Paired it with a Sim Audio P-5 preamp, B&W 803's, and was quite satisfied. (Never even came close to tapping its power) I love Levinson's preamps, (owned a 32) really couldn't stand the thin, sterile sound of their amps. My own opinion, here. The point, ladies and gentlemen, is that after owning many of the "high end" brand's amps (ain't the used market great?) I've come to the conclusion that it comes down to personal preference, room, speakers, cables, etc. Why argue? Buy and try. In your own home. A dealer's room will never sound the same as yours. That's the beauty of Audiogon! I'm trying an MC 2101 tube amp next. If I don't like it, I'll sell it, and try something else.

I feel McIntosh is to audio what Harley Davidson is to motorcycles. Harleys are not the most confortable,refined, fastest or the most reliable machines (as say, a top product from Japan), yet they are well made and offer good value. They are, however a piece of American history, and as such sell for probably more than they are worth and keep their resale values up there. Plus, they have quite a loyal following. Above all, they have ''soul and character'' something beyond the reach of many high-end products, as good as they are ( Accuphase ? ).

In audio, McIntosh do not do all of the ''audiophile tricks'' as some esoteric brands, and many other manufacturers can claim to being better than Mac's in one area or another. Still, they are well-built, coherent and well-balanced products, and have lasting power. I would take any Mac over a Sim Audio product any day of the week. And that's not even taking in consideration that 10 years from now, a Mac will still be a Mac, and the SIM will be 10 year's ago's flavour of the month, just like a Mercedes is still a Mercedes 20 years later, and that the Caddy becomes an old gaz guzzler. There we go, from motorcycles to cars to audio, classic brands are always a good buy, just like Macs. They may not be the very best at everything, but merit our attention and respect !

I am an audio enthusiast and do use Mcintosh, The Harley analogy is pretty interesting and has alot of merit, I might add my own. To me some Mac amps etc are like a Ferrari (yes Ferrari). Those who have driven one (I have had the good fortune to drive 5,never owned one though) always seem to want to come back to them. The are not the fastest, most powerful, ultiamte handlers etc BUT, they just seem to do a whole lot right and put a smile on your face.
Same with Mac, take the 252 amp, I would compare that to a say a Ferrari 308gt4 (which is the least expensive Ferrari you can buy) and also is Macs entry level amp. Maybe not the most detailed, deepest bass etc BUT, it makes me want to listen to music more...same with the 308gt4,wonderfully designed by Bertone, driving one simply puts a smile on my face and makes me want to drive it some more. Both Ferrari and Mcintosh have put out super cars and super amps respectively.

Can't really put it all into specific terms, I know I just like what they both do.

let me start by saying i am a big fan of the mc2000, mc275, and mc2102, although i have not heard them. my impression of them is they are unique, ingenius designs in tube audio.

now here is my attempt at Tireguy's original question based on my experiences with the mc1201, mc501, and ma6500:

1. the mcintosh sound is too safe, it tries to please the general public, not ultra picky audiophiles/enthusiasts. so my impression of mcintosh owners is they are somewhat lazy buyers. they didn't want to do the research and extensive auditioning to find what other brands can suit their taste better. i don't blame them as not all of us have the time to sort through thousands of reputable brands for great audio. they just took the easy way out by settling on a sound that has no major flaws, but not very special either.

2. on the other hand, common audiophiles love to try gear, love to do research, and are damn proud of their work. they are eager to show their good taste by choosing exotic, expensive, and less-known brands (to the general public). they also look for that special something that makes music come to life for them. not to say that mcintosh doesn't do that for all, but to me, it is harder to gear match to create liveliness with mcintosh gear.

once i was very excited going into auditioning the esoteric ux-1 with the mc1201, c2200, and mcintosh tower speakers, i came out so disappointed after hearing a fast, detailed, but boring sound. it could have been a lot of things (not enough burn-in, bad synergy...). but that experience kind of killed mcintosh for me.

the mc501, b&w signature 800, wadia 861, and c2200 setup was not impressive to me either.

but i must thank the ma6500 for helping me purchase the b&w signature 805.

my apologies if i offended anyone. please remember i am still a big fan of some mcintosh gear.
scottie

I have always liked the look of Mac, but in the UK, there really is'nt much exposure. The small London High end show was on last week and for whatever reason, at least 4 rooms were using the new Mac integrated tube or Transistor amps. They really made a nice sound in all the systems. I was'nt the only person who thought so, I heard appreciative comments from a number of visitors like me. I am very tempted, but will retain my loyalty to Conrad Johnson, I could'nt think of losing my Premier 17.
It's an interesting question, why are some perfectly good brands dismissed as being Lo-Fi, perhaps there is too much snobbery in our hobby.