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Disappointing On Mcintosh......help

 3 Months ago  I went to NYC and stopped by the WOM  and auditioned several MCintosh gear...........and left a bit disappointed or not impressed...then I told myself   " lets give a second shot"  and went today to a  HIFI store and again Good room accoustics10K speakers , MC Preamp , MC Amplifier........ and again  the same disappointment I felt 3 month earlier.

Is that the "warm" sound people reffer to about Mcintosh?  
The sound is ample, base is powerfull  but the the sound is simply  not to clear, the hights are not too "crisp"  It sounds like the treble is set at 3 and needs to be adjusted at 9 or 10.
It seems like  the sound is  coming through a thin layer of paper ...that is the way I describe that sound.  

Then 20 minutes later I auditioned a Parasound A21+ and a JC5 and the sound was more clear and the highs were crispier

Whats your take on my experience?  or That is the MC "warm sound? 
cydrone
cowan217's avatar
cowan217
112 posts
 
Funny because their largest stereo amp is A rated by the mags for its sound / performance. and, McIntosh/Sonus Faber are owned by the same parent. I wonder what you'd have heard if it was a true blind listening scenario...
fastfreight
935 posts
 
Well if this discussion shows anything, it is that people like different sounding systems!  But it is quite interesting how McIntosh discussions evoke such passion and opinion.  I can think of no other brand which causes such divisiveness.  Or brand loyalty...which of course does maintain resale value.  For these and many reasons people (my self included)  'want' to like McIntosh. (and yes the tube stuff is quite different from the SS stuff).  For me, I chose to go in another direction, and feel my  equipment (AudioNet, Auralic  and PS Audio) is more resolving and interesting.  But I have fought and controlled any 'shrill' or excessive brightness.  My Revel speakers are on the smoother side (but much more revealing than the Sonus Faber I have heard).  My interconnects are Audience AU24 SX, which are amazing, copper, smooth and revealing.  My Classe amp is smooth. PS Audio, is described as 'more analog sounding' by many.  But we do appreciate McIntosh; they are a US icon.  In an age of buyouts and confusion, they lend stability to our hifi world.  Peace!  Ken
jollygreenaudiophile2's avatar
jollygreenaudiophile2
275 posts
 
Mac service was always great with my gear. Slow though.... But I have learned that the servicing of just about any/all of what I would call "good gear", indeed takes patience.
  And, "Patience is a virtue"....
iopscrl
206 posts
 
Interesting thread.  I recently commissioned full restoration of a MX110z, 225, and 240 and will have an opportunity to listen very soon.   I have heard MAC tube equipment before, and of course their SS models.  I am generally not a fan of most of their SS equipment.  C28 sounds ok, 6100 sounds ok....most of the rest did nothing for me.   I have not listened to current MAC SS equipment.  Anyway, I have a lot vintage and more recent tube equipment on hand and it will be interesting to hear how restored MACs compare.
rsf507
2,410 posts
 
@jordi couldn't agree with you more. I've heard it in 3-4 stores and in friends homes and ALWAYS a sterile uninvolving sound. Gear looks great and a nice talking point but that's it. Again IMHO.
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