Why do no audio enthusiasts use McIntosh?

If you can get past the big vu meters, build quality thats over the top, a company that has making gear forever, and represents a status symbol that you have finally arrived, you could actually settle on something else less attractive. However as good as it is there could be something better depending on your personal tastes and what your trying to match it with.

You got it correct Stasis awesome response .put a smile on my face

I heard various Hanson speakers powered by the latest McIntosh gear about a year ago or so. The systems sounded horrible. I attributed it to the Hansons since I had never heard the speakers. Someone else who heard the same demo and heard the speakers elsewhere agreed that the electronics were to blame for the poor sound. I was shocked, as I thought would be a great combo.

To be upfront, I am a Mac enthusiast. I have been for a long time now. Currently, I am using a 2102 tube power amp with a 2200 tube preamp. These two pieces give me liquid sound with plenty of base. I also get wide sound staging great image focus. But what really gets me going is the sound this equipment produces is just what I want. Over the past 40 years I have had other brands of equipment, but I always seem to come back to Mac.

I am a frequent visitor to Audiogon and have been on site enough to have heard all the cleches and worn out stereotype phrases made by Audiogon patrons about Mac gear. Frankly, I think that most of the naysayers don't know what they are talking about. Everyone has an opinion about audio gear, but I haven't heard any of the anti-Mac people use reasons others than the same old, same old. Makes you wonder. I too, have noticed that Mac gear rarely shows up here for sale. I read about the trade-up program in a previous response and would agree (although I have never heard of it) that maybe that has some effect on the scarcity of used equipment on Audiogon. But, I don't think that is the only reason. It could just be that Mac equipment is well built and doesn't wear out (My 2102 is almost 10 years old. Never needed anything but tubes. I have a MC150 solid state amp that is 15 years old and hasn't needed anything but light bulbs). It could also mean that Mac customers are totally in love with their equipment and don't want to change. I also noticed that when Mac equipment comes available on Audiogon, it doesn't stay available for long. That in itself says a lot about Mac gear.

Like I said above, everyone has an opinion about audio gear. It just amazes how many sheep out there spout the same stuff over and over again. Where are the original free thinkers?

Frepec - I agree with you. There are some people who like to stir up controversy just to see the response. I have owned some gear by varios manufacturers through the years including McIntosh, Audio Research, Conrad-Johnson, Bryston, Cary, Manley, McCormack, etc. Having rotated through various gear, I would take the Mac equipment back any day. It is warm sounding, extremely reliable, pleasant to look at, and holds its value. As you said, there are alot of sheep out there just following the rest of flock, too clueless to form their own opinions.