Does Mc Intosh make reference gear

"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.

Whats reference level gear?

*******Prior the the 'audiophile revolution' of the mid 80's when the 'high end' was really born*******

A Date that will live in infamy!!!

Cheers

The British invasion of the 70's is when 'actual' hi end distinguished itself imo. Recognized or not. McIntosh sounded like absolute junk in comparison. No different from all the Asian crap jumping on the bandwagon. Just more power. However I'm speaking strictly ss here. As far as tubes go, Mac was an 'also ran'. Lots of good 'old' stuff out there. What Mac has going for it is establishment, not pedigree. It sounds okay and has it's following. Sometimes it's wise to 'leave good enough alone'.