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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? 
128x128cydrone
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
200 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
2,346 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.
muddywaters61's avatar
muddywaters61
41 posts
 
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. 😎
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,449 posts
 
I have a MA6600 in my secondary system and it’s the best integrated I have yet heard in my system.  It has great synergy driving a pair of GE Triton Ones. Previously I had a Parasound Halo Integrated and a Rogue Cronus Magnum integrated and it was no contest. 
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