Mc Intosh vs other brands

I was originally going to make the same comment as Tpreaves, but I didn't want to encourage future threads like this. Looks like it didn't matter.

Look who the OP is. Taters is stirring the pot...again.

This post contains no news or surprises. Most audiophiles would agree that McIntosh is not state-of-the-art compared to Audio Research, Pass and Spectral. Their claim-to-fame is not to advance the SOTA and be the best that money can buy, sound-wise. They have a certain allure and following not because of their sound quality, but because of their macho looks, build quality, reliability, low noise and, yes, reputation.

I don't think that everybody buys audio equipment strictly on the basis of sound quality alone. To some, the bling factor plays a huge role.

Here is an analogy: A Rolex watch has a huge bling factor and the company has a stellar reputation. Most Rolex watches, however, are analog with old fashioned hands and dials and don't necessarily keep good time compared to a SOTA digital watch. Does this mean that they are behind the times (ha, no pun intended)? No, they have their niche in the market, just like McIntosh.

Maybe he should get better speakers than Magico. I've heard them, and for what they cost, it's(the sound) the very least they should do like anything else. Try a Mac 7270 or Mc2600.

You need to get out and listen rather than reading opinions of others. I see that this is your third thread in the amp/preamp forum regarding McIntosh products with a similiar theme. Just as Tpreaves asked, what is your point?