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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
taters
1,149 posts
 
Agm,

I agree with you! That table is ridiculous looking.
mrmitch
359 posts
 
Donjr, Why worry about why some diss Mac? If you like it, enjoy it! Probably those in the "I want every last clinical detail wrung out of my equipment" or the "I want totally neutral sound (does that exist?)" won't like MacIntosh. Those who prefer the warmish, more romantic sound do. We all hear differently and have different priorities about the sound we prefer. Neither camp is correct, both preferences are valid.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,396 posts
 
I think I heard a new Mc integrated amp recently that was perhaps CLass D/switching of some sort and seemed to have good speed and control accordingly. Audition was brief running of some newer larger and fairly pricey Totems that I had heard of other Mc amps prior.

Also saw the Mc turntable in question. YEs, that is quite different looking and unique, a good thing to help distinguish it from the pack. Did not get to hear it so I would withhold judgement accordingly. Speed meters does not seem like a bad idea to me if done well. Used to be that most all Japanese and European turntables had strobe devices of some sort on them to help identify any speed issue. Those were useful! Often, speed variations observed but perhaps hard to hear could be corrected easily by cleaning the belt and pulley mechanism. That was often needed for good results, even with new tables. You would think more modern and way more expensive tables would have some way built in to validate proper speed! What might they be hiding?
chazro's avatar
chazro
635 posts
 
I remember seeing the Mac TT at an open house that prominently featured Mac gear. When I asked to hear it, I was told it wasn't hooked up!!?? Talk about yr wtf moments!
liquid-smooth
48 posts
 
I think they are over priced for what they do, although they do sound good. I prefer Krell, and Teac AI-1000 (2000,3000) int. amp.

Who thought Teac would make such a good sounding gears, but hear them for your self - I heard them yesterday, and was blown away at the cost per quality ratio.

Anyone looking for an int. amp for under 1k might want to have a listen. The sales man said they have parts found in much more expensive gears.

They look classy as well.

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