Why do no audio enthusiasts use McIntosh?

Hi Jc51373, Yes we all have opinions and we all hear differently. Krell is your amp of choice and McIntosh happens to be mine. Most systems differ in components not to mention room treatments. System synergy is what we're all looking for in this wacky hobby. I think what has most McIntosh owners scratching their heads is your description of this amp as "Dry and etched"............"unemotional and uninvoling" are a bit more subjective and that is your honest opinion. This is close to 180 degrees opposite of my experience with this amplifier. Musical with a relaxed presentation, involving, emotional and just a smoth sweet sound would be my characterization of this McIntosh amp.

Vanilla & choclate........... we all have opinions

Good luck with your new Krell's!

Although I can't afford any Mac gear I've demoed a bunch at my local "dream store". Also known a few people who own and swear by the stuff. It seems that ever increasing "detail" in audio gear has tended towards a brighter sound. While all that detail is impressive at first , it just gets annoying to me after a few hours. McIntosh gear seems to have a more soothing , relaxed sound that you can leave on all day and not think about anything but the music.
After a couple divorces I'm down to a little integrated (Marantz PM7200) that has the same type sound-with the obvious caveat that it ain't Mac. I like the signature "Mac sound" and would use their amps in a heartbeat if I could afford it.
Finally , I've noticed that Mac amps definitely have speaker preferences. They don't seem to like many planar or ribbon speakers. Hook a pair of Mac monoblocks to a pair of Klipschorns or LaScalas though , and you'll hear why the old guys love their "blue eyes".

Alaric, I like your description "blue eye"..Funny stuff.

It's true though, opinions are all unique, or you know what they say, they are like a-holes, we all have em and they stink!

Anyway, not meaning to brand bash, just state my experience, if it came across as brand bashing my bad. Who knows, I could get this FPB in my room and think it sound terrible. Doubtful, but possible, and I would be honest either way, Krell or not. If it doesn't sound good, I don't see the spending the kind of money we spend on this stuff, cause in the end albeit cliche, it is TRULY all about the emotion of music, not just the delivery of it.

Wouldn't it be interesting to get the 2 camps together in one place to demo/debate what each is hearing/looking for? Of course liability policies would have to be up to date and all furniture removed. I wonder if the experience would be convergent or further polarize?

Mac is that good and Bose is that good. Look at it this way if it werent that good people wouldnt buy it. All this crap is good or it wouldnt still be selling for this long. Buy what you like and dont listen to these nuts. smile