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McIntosh - is it that great?

I'm just curious if McIntosh gear is all that great. How does their older power amps compare to new products from other high end manufactures? Are there any products I should stay away from. I like the idea of owning vintage McIntosh stuff. Most of their stuff seems pricy. Is it because it's that good or do people just like to collect their products. thanks for you opinions--Matt
mattman
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tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
Ive always viewed Mcintosh older tube amps as a music lovers amp.  The 240, 275, MC30 and MC225 are timeless pieces that just sound like real music.
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
the older McIntosh tubes amps, The MC30, The MC225, MC240, and MC275 are music lovers amps.  They just sound like real music and you can listen all day long.
troidelover1499
253 posts
 
I have always thought the looks are very cool, in an old school retro kind of way.  In a friend's system I heard the sound seemed pretty soft and romantic to my ears but I don't know if that was a result of the Mac preamp and amp being used.
ejr1953
917 posts
 
Back in the late 70's/early 80's I worked in the high end audio business and always loved the McIntosh equipment we sold, but thought I'd never be able to afford to own it.

Fast forward a few decades and I enjoy a McIntosh tube preamp and solid state power amp, which pair very well with the other equipment I own.

I do have a stack of PS Audio equipment, as I enjoy the SQ of their DirectStream DAC and their power conditioning equipment, it also pairs well with the McIntosh separates.

I've heard other setups driving the Focal speakers I own and (IMO) the McIntosh amp I own drives them better.
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