Why do some audiophiles beat up McIntosh?

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.

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?

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!

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.

It's interesting to note that those doing most of the "bashing" on Mac gear have never owned it, which disqualifies them from even making a judgment. All brands have their followers and haters of their products. Once you understand that NO brand of gear is going to replicate the real thing, then it's time to start listening to products that make the listening experience pleasurable to YOU. Some of the "reference gear", while being state of the art, may not be your cup of tea.
Personally, I like their gear for the most part, and I do own it. I will agree with some who have stated their cd player's reliability problems, and can speak to that too. I won't own another cd or universal player from them, as they never get the bugs worked out right. But their preamps and amps do really well, especially the newer ones. I've had other products whose sound always had me on edge, and I never listened to them for very long. But the so-called Mac sound is pleasing to my ears and I always have a pleasurable time in listening nowadays. And looking at the gear in a darkened room, well, I like that too.

Whatever Mac is doing, it must be pretty good, and their sales will attest to that. Some have commented on the fact that they have been owned by several offshore companies since Frank and Gordon passed on, but some have really helped Mac in providing needed funds to provide a better product. Being able to get advanced equipment in cutting the glass faceplates with water-cutting lasers has been one big improvement. I do think they are trying to be a "something for everyone" company lately, but all-in-all, they will be around when most other companies are just a memory of the past.