Disappointing On Mcintosh......help

Originally, and now, their claim has been their Transformer Patent, Neutrality, Protection Circuit, Build Quality.

just popped up on Google.

https://www.popsci.com/story/technology/mcintosh-amp-factory-photos/

I visited the headquarters and manufacturing/service building last year, holy smokes, this article has no photos of how big it is! 

Was there to service, then sell my Solid State MC2250 amp; SS C28 Preamp.

I went for an old Tube Mcintosh Tuner/Preamp from the 60's, mx110z, I couldn't be happier. 
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Often you never know the whole chain, weakest link.

I just blew a 6sl7 tube (labeled Cayin, source?) in my beloved Integrated Tube Amp (Cayin A88T), and quickly ordered two new matched pairs, Sylvania NOS, ....

Then, I searched my random collection of tubes, found a GE, used, strong, put it in the blown channel, wonderful, matched the sound of the other Cayin 6sl7. Found another, and last used GE, they are in there now.

New Sylvania's arrived, oh boy! In/ sounded dull, so compressed, no!!! Burnt them in for 3 full days, improved a bit, but still not as musical as the GE's. Brent Jesse has the GE's, NOS, and will take these Sylvanias back.
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Point is: If I heard that Cayin amp with those Sylvania tubes, I would have walked away saying negative things about Cayin, meanwhile, with the GE's, I absolutely love it.

btw, Cayin came with 6550's, very nice. After a few months, I tried some KT88's. Slight preference for KT88's,

What cables were in the chain, ....?  Good stuff can be rejected in the store, and great stuff in the store, in your space, your cables, .... can be disappointing. 

It's work to get it right.

I am not a hater of McIntosh. A C-45 pre, and a MC-402 power was my reference for 12 years. I just happened to find a Integrated amp for one third the price of the Mac gear that, in my system sounded better. I would say it's all about component matching. IMO.

I Have been a Mac user for over 20 years I have rotated different gear thru my system, and paired assorted gear with the McIntosh gear. Sometimes it sounds great, and sometimes not so great. In the past year have been living with some Manley tube gear. Paired to my MC-352 sounds great. Paired with my Primaluna HP tube amp sounds a little better to my ears. Wider soundstage, and more defined bass. To me the whole reason for entering this hobby was to enjoy the music, and experience different types of gear. Although Mac is good gear, it is not the pinnacle of sound.  I’m not going to be parting with my MC-352 anytime soon for now I’m enjoying the sound that I enjoy.

gavman24 posts02-08-2020 8:43amMacintosh spend a lot on marketing in the US. The designs are too dated and not competitive pricewise outside of the US.
Personally i am very suspicious of manufacturers running the old 'buy domestically to demonstrate your patriotism' play. To me that's evidence your products can't compete on their merits.
Still, they are popular with the maga crowd.
Which tells you plenty


And what does conservatism have to do with McIntosh or Audio in general?

Every brand has its detractors. McIntosh isn't cheap, and it may not be to everyone's liking, but, there are a few things that are hard to dispute. First- they continue to support old products. In 2008 I bought a new front glass- new as in current production new and not new old stock, for a 40 year old tuner. Second, over the long run, McIntosh mains excellent resale value. If someone is a fan of McIntosh sound, it is, in the long run, a very decent buy.