Disappointing On Mcintosh......help

I listened to a Mc system driving Maggies, two systems actually at the local Hi-Fi place and they both sounded like music through mud.  I'll stay with my 25 year old Acoustats, ARC Pre and Sumo amps.

Do bot underestimate the impact of the cabling/wiring. ;)

I am really surprised a lot of times by the dumb remarks people make in reference to questions asked. If fact, people reply back many times with information that is not what the posted question is  about. My answer to your question is very simple and with common sense. You can not judge McIntosh amps unless you hear them on many different systems. I would guess McIntosh has a certain “house” sound that you should get familiar with to see if that’s for you. I have heard Mac amps many times and when set up correctly, they sound very nice. But it’s important to remember that the hired designers at McIntosh come and go so the “house” sound will change throughout the years. I personally feel that it’s important to purchase from a reputable hifi manufacturing company because it will still have a good resale value in the event it doesn’t work for you. Compared to Parasound, the McIntosh has a much better resale value.  I personally have a ton of tube and SS gear but have never owned a Mac amp but I have absolutely no objective in getting one. But I would never want a Parasound in my home. 

@lowtubes I agree you should buy from a reputable hifi manufacturing co but NOT for future resale value. Who knows what the future holds.

I haven't read all replies.  Just in case,   I want to mention that some Mac amp models sound better than other Mac amp models.  I know of recording and mastering engineers in NYC who love the following Mac amp models.
- the Mcintosh MC 252 solid state amp- 250 watts per channel (luscious tube-like sounding amp_ without the tube concerns.  ideal for a mixer.  No longer made.
- the Mcintosh MC 275 tube amp -75 watts per channel (their classic tube amp - don't let the 75 watt rating fool you.  One powerful,  wonderful sounding amp.  I recommend you use different tubes than the stock tubes.  From the likes of Golden Lion or Penta KT88SC for KT88 tubes.  And tubes like vintage Teleflunken tubes for the smaller tubes.
-  the Mcintosh 7205 five channel solid state amp- sought after also for it's tube like attributes.  Has maintained it's value over the years and is quickly bought when it shows up for sale.  No longer made.

Cheers and enjoy the quest!