Disappointing On Mcintosh......help

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

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"....

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.

@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.

There are models of Macintosh intergraded amps that do sound cleaner or crisper then others. My dealer demonstrated both sides. Might have been the MA 5300..
I had the MA6200 for many years and it was recommended that if I liked that warm
sound ‘almost tube like’ go with the MA6600, which I did and just love it. It’s such a fine line for me when it comes to more detail at the cost of Listeners fatigue. I spend several hours a day playing music,
Cds, tape, and vinyl. Macintosh isn’t for everyone but those of us who are luck enough to own it are sure
glad they do. 😎