Why the hate for mcintosh amps?

1978   I became an audio enthusiast I owned the Mac C28 preamp and the 2105 power amp.  I met a guy which was 100% blind we became friends low and behold he was an audiophile; I invited him over to listen  to my system, within 5 minutes he said that`s enough what I hear is DARK AND VALE VERY POOR LEADING EDGE at the time I didn`t understand. He began tutoring me in how to and what to listen for what`s good and bad as far as amplification is concern.  He also made a suggestion I should get rid of the Bose speakers 901`s series 2`s, out went the Mac and the Bose speakers In came Audio Research SP3a preamp,  David Hafler mono blocks and Maggies Typany1D`s.  For about 40 yrs. its been Audio research and Maggies, 3 month ago I up graded to the Pass Labs XP30 preamp, X 350 power amp and held on to the Maggie 3.6`s.  My next upgrade will hopefully be speakers the 20.7 Maggies.

I owned a lot of audio equipment and still have a few pieces including McIntosh.  I liked them and always liked the sound.
It's on the warmer side for sure and not as open as some other gears but very musical and good for long listen without fatigue.

Currently in my system I rotate the following preamp:
McIntosh C38
Mark Levinson No 26
Krell KRC-2
Inex Innovation fiber optics preamp
Marantz 7

They all perform differently and C38 compared to the rest is the most non-fatigue one.  Quite musical.

As for the power amp I rotate among:
McIntosh MC7100
Bryston 4BST
Canary Audio CA300 mono blocks
Sonic Frontiers Power 2
Threshold CAS2 Monoblocks
Inex Innovation 8W power amp


I find McIntosh right up there with the rest of the them.

In my past, I've owned McIntosh MC225, MC240, MC275, MC250, MC2100, MC2120, C504, C20, C8, MC20W2  all of them are very good.
This is comparing to the other amps I had such as Spectral DMA50, Audio Research Classic 120, Classic 30, D125, M100, D100, D76 which I owned and also Krell KSA80B, Counterpoint SA20, PS Audio P200, GAS Ampzilla, New York Audio Lab Moscode300, DB6M Conrad Johnson Premier 7, Premier 3, Premier 2, PV6, MV75, Marantz 8, VTL Deluxe 120, First Sound Preamp, VTL Ultimate and among other things that I've owned.

I can say that McIntosh is as good as anything I owned and heard and they are lovely.
But the draw back is not as open or clear and not as attacking compared to the list of the amps I had.

I have never heard a McIntosh Amp in action, but who ever designed this amp (just on looks) must of been back in the 40’s or 50’s that is the impression it gives to me. And the design seems to stay the same in all models...? That sort of implies the type of audiophiles/ music lovers it seems to attract. Just on looks its either dislike or love for the amp. If I had the money and was forced to buy an amp with VU meters, bass, treble knobs and all extra’s which come with it it would definitely be the Luxman amps. Its just sheer pleasure to look at it and most probably a lovely precision feel to the use of its knobs, volume control etc...A tasteful silver look not purple/blue with red letters...!

Thank you runboy. Finally a well reasoned comparison from a listener who actually has experience with the brand as compared to others.

Runboy,
u must be a dealer with great access.

sooooo many amps to choose from.

so whats diff between a $10k, 20k, and 30k amp.?

Have seen a great 30k amp used for $12k, very tempting, but still 12k.

thx for great reply