2. amps-preamps
  3. 1368417143

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
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,468 posts
 
I only owned one Mc preamp, a C15. It wasn't bad but it wasn't as good as the PS Audio 6.0 preamp it replaced and was no where as good as the McCormack RLD 1 that replaced it....
phd
1,281 posts
 
Etbaby has made a very good point about Mcintosh gear, which I have found to be true myself, that sound quality varies from one unit to the next. This could explain the vast differences of opinions about Mac.

Overall I think McIntosh gear is cool looking, well built, and produces a unique house sound that is very good. It would be tough to walk-away from McIntosh without a smile on your face.
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
Rpeluso,
Way back when, Schubert lost to Sinatra on the Major Bowes Amateur Hour and has had an axe to grind ever since. HA
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,708 posts
 
05-16-13: Liquid-smooth
I do own Mc and I still feel that there are better options out there for the money these days...

I saw one of your recent threads, and you seem to think Adcom is one of those better choices. That's funny.
pops
2,272 posts
 
@Audioquest4life well said my friend, I agree totally. My answer to OP is audiophiles, most of which have an OCD issue, will always bash something that they do not own themselves or can't understand....it fuels their own insecurity of obsessiveness which leads back just like a circle to the OCD issue.

Then of course there are opinions and honest feedback, which is good and help many, that can tactfully be articulated since everyone likes what they like and that is why there are so many avenues with this hobby. Those are the ones that have helped me over the years. Cheers!
More to discover