"I'm sure audiophiles would give more props to Mc Intosh if they made some cutting edge products. "
I think Mc cares more about retaining the value of the brand than catering to audiophiles. I don't blame them. The brand is what distinguishes McIntosh. WHy should they do anything to make their brand not stand out from the pack? Especially just to cater to finicky audiophiles who will not even agree on what a reference is? Keep dreaming. If you don't like Mc, buy something else. I lot of people do. I do not, but I suspect I could find a way to live with Mc gear if I had to. I do love the looks and have considered Mc gear on many occasions, but it has just never worked out.
I think Mc cares more about retaining the value of the brand than catering to audiophiles. I don't blame them. The brand is what distinguishes McIntosh. WHy should they do anything to make their brand not stand out from the pack? Especially just to cater to finicky audiophiles who will not even agree on what a reference is? Keep dreaming. If you don't like Mc, buy something else. I lot of people do. I do not, but I suspect I could find a way to live with Mc gear if I had to. I do love the looks and have considered Mc gear on many occasions, but it has just never worked out.