Thought it was time to revive this thread because all of the above opinions are still valid. I too grew up with the knowledge of McIntosh and other iconic American trademarks (think Harley-Davidson) and have tried to buy as many as possible. I too have mixed and matched many different brands of preamp/amp/cdp into my system to the point of adnauseum. Things changed when I started using all McIntosh electronics (c45, mcd-201, mc-352, with american maple speaker stands, plinths and rack. I like McIntosh. You might like ARC, Boulder, Conrad-Johnson, etc. The point is that the electronics should be from the same manufacturer if you want your system to sound it's best. OK, my speakers are British and my turntable/cartridge is German/Danish but the synergy of the electronics and therefore my system is undeniable. Call it a "house-sound" if you want, but the only way to get it is to have it all from the same company. Now the fun part is to find which "house-sound" is best for you. Listen everyday.
Hail to Mcintosh
In respnse to another thread about why audiophiles dont' pick Mac.I think (in my humble opinion) is unfounded. Not everyone (as this is a BIG world) spend their time on audiogon or any other forum "playing expert in hearing sound reproduction". Sound is subjective.In the guitar amp world many players choose their amps for different reasons....some monetary,others by what their heros played and some by what their ears are hearing, build quality or a combination of things. I've owned many boutique,vintage fender and clone amps of famous designs....,to me ,nothing beats the sound of a 60's Marshall w/ a Strat or LesPaul guitar. And many would agree......but not everyone. SO WHAT!! Now getting to Hi-FI..... When I was 16 or so (I'm 43) I heard my friends Uncles stereo I was BLOWN away,much like seeing a rock concert when the band Has that......MAGIC and everything flows. I wanted it! It was some Mac tube gear and Klipschorns. The passed 3 years I've listened to MANY systems tube and solidstate and to my ears the Horn loaded speakers w/ tube gear does it for me . Doesn't matter whether Rock,blues jazz or folk. I've chosen Mcintosh first for sound,quality ,history,looks and convenience of my dealer ...Audioclassics.com. I live 1 hr away from both the factory and them! I bought my Mac gear from them used (MC 2102's, MC2000 amps,C2200 preamp,Rosewood Khorns,ect..)My C2200 went awry,I explained my problem to "Ryan" at audioclassics and he contacted Mcintosh,they never encountered the problem I described. I thought to myself "OH brother" NO stereo for awhile......WRONG!! Ryan drove down to my house with a Brand new factory sealed C2200 and said "here, its yours" and took the other one back. No, it was not a loaner but an exchange,what company or dealer does that??? Nuff said!
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- 31 posts total
- 31 posts total