Do people buy MAC gear for the blue meters

The answer to the OP's question is "yes".

People also buy ARC electronics because they recall lab equipment, Sonus Faber for the striking Italian styling, Oracle turntables for the futuristic appearance, and Cary tube amps for the retro-cool tube display.

Marty

PS I own all of the above - for the reasons stated and because they can be combined into great sounding systems.

This is one product I think the meter just doesn't seem to fit. It's their turntable. [http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/mcintosh-mt10-turntable.asp]

Maybe because it's missing one. Looks like it's monaural.

I first heard of McIntosh when I was in grade school. It was considered the best, and if a kid’s dad owned one, he was rich, and cool; like owning an Eldorado convertible. The Audiophile perspective is not the world’s perspective on the subject of Audio. McIntosh is legendary and is an easy choice for somebody who isn’t an Audiophile, but wants a system that both he and others will admire. Let’s face it guys, for every person who admires our niche high-end systems, five think we’re nuts.

The comments from the owner, that he bought McIntosh for the "glass front and blue meters“ and "never listens to it”, sound a little facetious to me.

The simple answer is "Yes" but let's be fair. McIntosh is one of the few high end companies that have survived the
volatility in the electronics business. Their products are well-made, timeless and prized by collectors even many years after the model production has been retired. So, it's
a lot more than just the blue meters. Oh, and did I mention that the products sound good and can still be repaired by factory techs.