Do true audiophiles own Mcintosh gear

Clash..Mcintosh...Truth Path to Paradise? You guys are smokin somethin aren't you..come on, admit it!!

I wish.

I have been on a long search for a solid state amp I could live with, and bought (used) ML 27.5, Ayre V5xe, Pass x-250, Nuforce, and other top contenders to replace my ARC VT-200 and VT 100 mk3 in the summer months. None of the solid state amps could compete, UNTIL I bought an MC402 Mac amp. It is definitely the finest amp I have heard, in musicality, detail, transparency, nuance, etc. I am using it with my Ref 3 into Quads, Thiels, or Magnepans. I had always considered McIntosh to be boutique gear for folks with money but no ears. But I had never really listened to it. I did try the Mc 275 tubed piece, and did not feel it was any better than my ARC amps, but the 402 is better in every way. It literally rocked my known audio world! I mean, transformer coupled transistors? You bet it works! Try a 402 at home and see what you think.

I wouldn't call your foray into solid state amps comprehensive in any sense. Also, the Mac testimonial seems dealeresque Dbarger. But, whatever floats your boat..enjoy!

Mac gear won several Editor's Choice awards from The Absolute Sound this year, including the MC402 power amp and C46 and C2200 preamps.

But of course, the editors of TAS likely don't actually own those amps, but just borrowed them from the manufacturer ;-)