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
It's about vibe and feel...some Harleys are retro-beautiful but I don't like the riding style (tailbone sitting) personally, but so what? I'm sure people think my Bonneville is lame...but I love it. McIntosh has had GREAT reviews of some tube amps recently and although I prefer my Jolida (only because I own it, it sounds good, and the vibe...the vibe...) I think their designs look great, although I bet they don't care what I think. I have over 60 watches of many types and they're all fun...Rolex is an amazing brand in spite of my not having one (an old "red letter" Submariner in on my "want list") and mechanical watches are just a cool vibe if, like me, you give a damn about 'em. Somebody could argue that a Valjoux 7750 watch movement exploded and removed all their wrist hair and I'd still enjoy mine...although most people really don't care about my little hobbies...*sigh*...
Sadly the Macs have sunk to new lows--the Vintage ones 60s/70/s were deservedly Classics-the latest offerings are

bloated muddy and bland.

Great pity for one of the truly great names of Audio.

I'd but elsewhere.

They are owned by some Italian hedge fund outfit together with ARC and Sonus

faber--the latter has models made in China

How the mighty have fallen

Des
Donjr, as always, there is seldom if ever a consensus on McIntosh or any other audiophile discussion. My feeling is that if McIntosh changed their business model, the perception of audiophiles would change. However, it would no longer be McIntosh. But that is what it would take to garner more respect in the audiophile community (ie. an upgrade to higher end parts quality and a change in some of their design approach) This would also mean price increases. I have owned one McIntosh piece.
McIntosh is probably the most iconic and sought after brand in high end audio.

Success breeds contempt.