Do true audiophiles own Mcintosh gear

Yes, because it is cool and fun to own, built extremely well, and has its own unique in-house sound, makes it a worth while investment. We all have different tastes both in music and gear so one can't expect everyone to jump on the "I love Mcintosh" bandwagon. Ask about other brands of gear and you will get the same mixed opinions as well. I can tell you some of the new Mcintosh sounds excellent.

Define a "true" audiophile?

What other kinds are there? Fake I suppose. Who determines? Who cares?

It's a rhetorical question really.

And to single out Mcintosh for questioning seems pretty ridiculous, like Mc owners are a lesser breed.

In any case, just check teh systems online. Lots of Mc gear shown. Does that answer the question?

Agree Mapman. What is this whole "audiophile" thing and how by accepting one thing over something(s) else that, to the guy asking the question, is somehow relevant to musical enjoyment rather than peer approval and agreement? Bose REALLY comes to mind as if there is something wrong with the company because they are successful and maybe don't offer the best value for the buck which I don't think they do but neither does Apple, so what? You make your choice and why is it necessary for others to question that? It's really pretty obtuse. Encourage, share and enjoy!

Men love to say that theirs is bigger. Frequently, this means saying things like, "everyone knows," "Science tells us," "The music is all that is important."

The reality is that tastes, hearing, enjoyment, visual appearance all matter. This is why no thread stress what is best sounding ever reaches a conclusion.

I also have a pearl cartridge, and I don't like Maron enough to listen to his podcast although I liked him on Air America. I do like that Mac glowing gigantic turntable though…very cool...