McIntosh - is it that great?

I had an MA6900 for 6 months but couldn't get it to sound pleasing even after changing sources cables etc. It was beautiful and the build quality was outstanding. But, I sold it here and the new owner sold it within 2 months; said it was 2 dimensional. I'd have to agree.

Porziob: Single Ended Triodes in the 21 Century! Who'da thunk it? People vote with their pocketbooks so in looking at how well McIntosh is doing, I'd say they got elected. If they don't get your vote, that's fine. I think they are aware of the transistors low impedance and it's more about impedance matching: lower it for tubes, raise it for transistors. Bottom line is if there was only one way to do things, everything else would be falling by the wayside and I don't see that happening.

Although it was bought by Japanese company, they did not reveal and release their transformer technology. This is why MC-275 is still, to me, the best sounding amp.

I have just finished re-designing my system. It now comprises: Genesis APM-1 speakers, McIntosh C41 pre-amp, MC352 power amp (both replacing my previous MA6800 integrated amp), MCD7010 player (a change from YBA CD 3 Delta), Thorens TD2001 record player + Synergistic Research Resolution Reference cables with active shielding + Fadel Art Hotline Plus. The final tweak will be replacing the current pre-amp with the C2200 model, funds and wife permitting. This will be the ultimate crowning of my quest for a personal musical Holy Grail.
I am not an audiophile. I wouldn't know an aliquot tone if it jumped and bit me you know where. I also don't care whether the sound of a wrapper coming off a boiled sweet emanates from the 7th or the 9th row of the concert hall. However, I like my music, and Mac's gear simply hits the spot for me. It looks great, its reliability is legendary and its musical performance first rate (at least in my humble opinion). Put together, it produces wonderful synergy.

I have been a consumer of audio gear for 30 years now. I have owned McIntosh, Krell, Conrad Johnson, Marantz, Perraux, Revox, and top end Sony, Yamaha, Teac 3340, Nak Dragon. Tubes & SS epuipment. I liked/loved/hated all at one point.
McIntosh cost are higher for many reasons. 1 overlooked fact is Americans handcraft each one in NEW YORK where the cost of living is higher. The comany has been on the cutting edge in amp research since it started. No other company even comes close to the number of Pat. McIntosh owns in amps!
McIntosh DVD players are always playing catch up and may not be the best value.
Looks and performance. Outstanding. Sold the Krell Amp KAV 300 because lack of involvement no meters. I wanted more than a box with led light, beautiful heat sicks. Don't get me wrong This is a wonderful amp. As far as the sound goes. B&W 801 s3 with Sigma IC's I could not hear any difference Just being honest. I don't have 100% McIntosh eqipment in the 3 rooms. But all have McIntosh amps.
If you are careful and buy a used amp lets say MC 602 New $8500.00 Used $5000 average. I would willing to bet a buck in 10 years you will still have a outstanding amp and be able to sell it for more. Just due to inflation, demand, and the fact that these are the best amps in the world. The reason I have owned so many different tpyes of equipment is I wanted to save a buck. But always compaired what I had to McIntosh. Once I purchased my First McIntosh I quit compairing and have setteled for the best. What a piece of mind. And if and when I do upgrade again I will just smile.