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Why do some audiophiles beat up McIntosh?

I've been around audio my entire life. I'm 45 and I bought a decent Technics system when I was 12 with my paper route money. Genesis speakers built in New England which were actually pretty darned good. I would spin vinyl every single day to the point it drive my parents crazy. My buddies father had a McIntosh system that I was in love with and he was allowed to play it. It was haunting for me to hear his fathers system.

Fast forward 28 years later and I'm perplexed at the hatred I see posted online about McIntosh. Is it really that bad or is everyone upset that McIntosh is so successful? It doesn't make sense to me that the resale value is the best in the business yet audiophiles bash them. I personally have always loved their gear and sound. I don't own any, and probably never will. Still, I just don't get it. I've always admired McIntosh. Looks aside, I always enjoyed the music. Can someone tell me that they're junk or do you just not like the presentation?
donjr
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Agreed.
Cadillacs and pain in behind are synonyms.
Coca Cola is good to get rid of corrosion, but not digestion.
Most Harleys are way overpriced and poor performers indeed.

These items as well as Mcintosh are more of a culture thing than quality.

Mcintosh still have a great quality components that are somewhat overpriced.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,393 posts
 
As a multiple Harley owner, I'll join in on the bashing ...obscenely overpriced and they take a lot of work and $ to maintain, but in all fairness, the quality has improved with each generation introduced.

"When you're big, and flashy, you're a target."
I think Viridian is dead on. I don't own Mcintosh gear, but I like that they have stayed committed to their original design principles. (And I do like the sound of a Mcintosh system).
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,686 posts
 
It really makes me laugh when people say that McIntosh is overpriced. Overpriced in comparison to what? Other competing brands can be outlandishly expensive, and although I'm not saying that Mac is on top of the heap sonically, it's best offerings are very good, and far less expensive than the very top players.
As far as them being "junk" sonically or otherwise, I think that professional and consumer response has finally clarified that issue. As usual, they are one of the available flavors. Some will love them, some will not.
One thing that is getting really tiresome though is the comparison to Harley Davidson. They aren't noisy or unreliable.
j_stereo
130 posts
 
Donjr - I also like McIntosh gear. Though the years of being on the merry-go-round of equipment by various manufacturers, I regret the Mc gear I sold. In my experience it is well-made, robust both mechanically and electrically, nice to look at, sounds good, and maintains it's value. Let the people who beat it up say what they want, but it always has a following of people who like it (me included).
paladin's avatar
paladin
227 posts
 
IMHO - McIntosh is merely a highly recognized brand due to branding & not sound - Same as Rolex is in watches.
People recognize a Rolex - but certainly not in the top ten of watchmaking.
I have been into audio for more than 50 years & have never had a single piece of Mac equipment in any of my systems.
As a watch dealer - I do on occasion deal with Rolex as you have to give the people what they want.
I honestly believe that both McIntosh & Rolex are overpriced for what you are getting, but they both hold their value on the pre-owned market.
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