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Frustrated McIntosh Owner

I’ve been a satisfied McIntosh separates owner for quite awhile. Two months ago, I got the bug to upgrade, so I decided to trade-in my MC462 stereo amp for MC611 monoblock amps. I reached out to my local authorized dealer that I’ve done business with for years, we worked out a deal and placed my order. He told me he expected he would have the monoblocks from McIntosh in about a month.  I called my dealer yesterday asking for an update and he’s now telling me that McIntosh won’t tell him when my order is shipping, let alone if they have been manufactured yet.  He even went so far as to inquire with his McIntosh regional rep.  I trust my dealer and know that Covid has stressed a lot of manufacturers, but the lack of communication from McIntosh to their dealers has got me concerned. Basically what I’m getting is, they will ship when they ship- it could be in 8 days or 8 more weeks, possibly longer.  Have any of you experienced any issues like this with McIntosh lately?  Is this a sign of any bigger issues with them?
gelfdaddy
gelfdaddy OP
20 posts
 
Thank you all for your comments and advice. Cheers!
glupson
7,842 posts
 
jond,

"@glupson not sure I understand why McIntosh is a globalist or controller?"

That link was for McIntosh Controller.
richopp
760 posts
 
Personally, I would let the order stand and try out a few other brands from your dealer while you are waiting.

Given the proper item (Audio Research?) you might just decide that there are products out there that YOU like better IN YOUR ROOM, of course.

What else have you got to do?

I would be surprised if most retail shops were not swamped with requests for demo-ing gear right now.  If I still had my shop, I would be reaching out to all my customers to see if there was something on my shelves that they would be interested in trying out in their room.  As a business owner, you have to FIND the business and this is a good time to be doing that, IMO.

Cheers!
jond's avatar
jond
6,056 posts
 
@glupson ah lol missed that.
pgaulke60
319 posts
 
I have not run into this issue with McIntosh.  I communicate directly with a few McIntosh folks via email and it is always a great and timely exchange. My dealer Also doesn’t have any trouble getting products I order or getting intel.  

But folks are correct, no doubt COVID has an impact on the product production, plus I understand the trade war with China and corresponding tariffs have resulted in some earth metal (or whatever they are called) being in short supply.

What also happens is that some of these ladies that have been making McIntosh products for 30 years are slowing down.  Frankly, that is one of the reasons I like McIntosh (aside from the sound).  I like that they are committed to their people and their people are committed to the equipment.  Did you know that one lady makes all the new 901s? 

Anyway, don’t give up.  You’ll be happy when everything arrives and is set up.  I’ve been trying to find a new refrigerator and it is next to impossible these days.
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