2. amps-preamps
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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
classiq77
2 posts
 
One word....... Jealous
tbg
5,263 posts
 
It is the isolation transformers that are in most McIntosh components. They make the sound perhaps musical and listenable but not involving and real. Other than the model 78 tuner which I got in a trade, I was never tempted by any of their gear. I had a friend who had one example of everything made by McIntosh. He had one on every step of his stairs to the second floor and on shelves in the bedrooms on the second floor. I never heard him listening to anything.
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,964 posts
 
Tbg,
You forgot to add IMHO.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
I think that would always apply, but yes, you are right.
pops
2,273 posts
 
09-06-13: Tbg

"They make the sound perhaps musical and listenable but not involving and real"

Disagree IMO, mine amps certainly do. Maybe for you it's more about listening to your components instead of getting involved in the music, just a guess. Easy for that to happen.
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