2. amps-preamps
  3. 154343-138223

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
llg98ljk's avatar
llg98ljk
182 posts
 
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?
zavato's avatar
zavato
1,405 posts
 
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. 
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,449 posts
 
As an owner of many McIntosh components, I take umbrage in saying it is a popular brand of the maga crowd. I am not nor would ever be associated with those type of people.
ghasley
2,507 posts
 
Mcintosh gear is terrific and a good value. May be the lowest cost of ownership in high end audio. With that being said, I have owned it in the past and may own some in the future but I presently own Audio Research. 

While it may not be to everyone’s taste, anyone who prefers something else is certainly justified in doing so. Anyone who says it is bad has another agenda. Its like someone who doesn’t like cauliflower telling everyone else it is bad for you. The McIntosh bashing is silly.
donjr
1,335 posts
 
What an odd post.

More to discover