Why do some audiophiles beat up McIntosh?

Mcintosh brand is a national treasure IMHO. Stop beating it up, even if its not your cup of tea! SAme true of OHM Acoustics. :^)

Taters asked:

Who are these people that are unhappy with Pass? I've never seen a negative comment about Pass.

I am one. In my system, using 4 different speakers, the X250.5 sounded thin and electronic. I bought it because I never read a negative comment either. Sent it to Pass for a check up, and it was all good. Ironically, I bought it used here on Audiogon, and the guy who sold it to me told me (after the sale) that he had replaced it with Mac 501 monos and liked them much better.

Audiozen,

I think you nailed it!

Don Jr.

I have been in the pro music space for 30 years. I work with the best of best in terms of bands. These people have discerning ears. I frequently see McIntosh equipment at their homes.

My father was a noted music cat and he owned both a McIntosh 275 and a JBL Paragon. Both provided him four decades of pleasure.

Most audiophile gear maintains less than 50% of its purchase price. Few are classics. I can tell you that there is a cadre of fans who look for classic pieces, such as the 1950/60s Thorens, 1970s Marantz receivers, JBL and Yamaha pro gear, mostly in Europe and Japan, where these products did not have distribution. The only label that actually sells near retail is McIntosh. Not Conrad-J, not Pass, not AR.

I listen to professional grade rigs all the time. I find it funny that many consumer grade products exclaim that they are "reference."

I hope that you someday can afford McIntosh. Musical to degree that few consumer brands are. Nice selection of entry points. Well thought out electronics that will power most speakers.

"I have been in the pro music space for 30 years."

Nice to hear from that side of the aisle. I worked in the studios (NYC) and often wondered if the band was playing or if it was tape playback when I entered a control room. (the analogue days).

And appreciate some real-world comments, Bongofury.