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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
phd
1,320 posts
 
Tbg, yes Mcintosh does make solid state with autoformers. The original solid state Mcintosh amp that I purchased was brand new, it was a direct coupled design. Decided a few days later I wanted the more expensive Mac with autoformers so I was able to trade up and compare the two designs. As mentioned earlier the design with autoformers had a more fuller midrange and the highs were much more refined. But again the bass wasn't as tight and well defined as the direct coupled amp.

By the way I tried to contact you on the other thread and on the website that you directed me to but when I clicked on your name it brought up Outlook Express and wanted me to set up that account with ipp numbers that I didn't know off hand so I quit. My email address is phdunn544@gmail.com
mracoustat
74 posts
 
Easy just because they cannot afford them, is there better ??? yes there is, is there worst ??? again yes there is, but in my book they are very nice & good looking units but to rich for my blood.
sid42
302 posts
 
This thread is 2 years old now, time to give it up! You either like Mac, or you don't. To each his own opinion. Time to go bash other brands who aren't as successful as Mac, who don't have near enough re-sale value, and may last as long as this winter in the East!!!!!!Too many jealous folks around here who would like to own Mac but can't afford it, and can't think of anything else to do but bash a VERY prosperous and successful brand. Get a life!
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

Hey Sid42: Careful, you've been known to bash the transformer coupled ones as well. These are the only ones I and others believe need to be "bashed".

Quote Sid42
"7200 was/is the best amp they've made, and with no autoformers.. In my experience, all the autofromer models had a "flabby, not tight" bass. The 7200's bass is deep and tight." Quote

Cheers George
pops
2,275 posts
 
George,

What components do you use in your system, notice you do not post a system here on Agon?

Cheers
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