Mc Intosh vs other brands

I guess it all depends on how you look at it, Wolf. Imo, the 70's were the heyday. Lots of hi end shops, buzz and excitement. HI-FI going mainstream with the majority of the baby boomers coming of age. I have a pair of Meridian 105 monos that would spank lots of new gear out there, including McIntosh. Incidentally Roxy, it was against a McIntosh I decided in favor of the Meridians in 1978. Don't remember the model but it sounded seriously challenged in every way. The Hafler which was close behind also easily beat it along with Kenwood, Sansui, Bedini, Sumo, etc. Nothing out there could match the speed of the Meridians, though. Immediate first impression was as if the record was sped up a bit.

Mac must be doing sonething right.
YOUR ALL STILL TALKING ABOUT THEM

Taters - Get a life and a clue!!

I hate my Mac 501's - thats why I listen to them everyday - to punish myself.

...it all depends. I've heard Mac gear sound better than so called "State of the Art" designs. The important point is the sound that comes to your ears. Everything in a system contributes to that sound. To MY ears, Macs are very "forgiving"...which may be a good thing if speakers, amp, cables, are bright and forward...anyone, or all which may contribute to the overall sonic picture. To me, I would prefer to get components that are more faithful...its very, very difficult to put together a system with components that are trying to sing with different voices.