Thread: Mcintosh high end audio

Some of us would dispute that McIntosh is the luxury audio brand, but they certainly make great gear. It's cool that the president came up from the bottom as an engineer.

I know, but it still is handmade in the USA. The amps sound so sweet, and of course there is nothing like those big blue meters. My kids are always telling me they want all my Mac stuff when I kick the bucket, guess thats high praise.

Definitely. That seems to be pretty typical with Mac gear. You don't see it on the used market as much. The owners are very loyal, the stuff lasts forever, and it tends to stay in the family.

I sadly have no more MC gear.. used to have an MC-240... one day I might try again.. maybe a 275.. Would love it get an MC207 for everyday use.

Originally Posted by spdntrxi

I sadly have no more MC gear.. used to have an MC-240... one day I might try again.. maybe a 275.. Would love it get an MC207 for everyday use.

I think Cayin makes an integrated designed to mimic the 275. I've never seen or heard it, but their stuff seems to get good reviews. Not the real thing, obviously, but might get you a big chunk of the sound for a small chunk of the money.

Originally Posted by trent.memphis

Some of us would dispute that McIntosh is the luxury audio brand

I would, for one. Never been a fan of McIntosh's stuff...

In my mind (which really doesn't count) I've always viewed MC as high end...or luxury as Trent called it. Right or wrong, that's what they made me believe. I've never heard any of the higher end MC stuff. Would love to though.

Originally Posted by ev666il

I would, for one. Never been a fan of McIntosh's stuff...

Originally Posted by GOS

In my mind (which really doesn't count) I've always viewed MC as high end...or luxury as Trent called it. Right or wrong, that's what they made me believe.

Well, being "high end" is not really a matter of being to ev666il's liking LOL I just don't like the brand's signature sound, and therefore think there's better stuff out there at that price point. That being said, if there were but one way to listen to music, we'd all end up with the same gear, wouldn't we?

Absolutely. As I said - (or didn't say), I've never heard MC, so really have no reason to comment. Only what I've been brainwashed with lol

Originally Posted by ev666il

Well, being "high end" is not really a matter of being to ev666il's liking LOL I just don't like the brand's signature sound, and therefore think there's better stuff out there at that price point. That being said, if there were but one way to listen to music, we'd all end up with the same gear, wouldn't we?

Yep, build quality is a whole other story....

Originally Posted by speedking

There are certainly a lot of opinions about gear that centers around "sound"..even with the mass market AVR's...the sound of Onkyo and Denon are miles apart..IMO...very different...but when you are talking about build quality...MAC is right there at the top with the leaders..it's not just an Image dictated by price..their equipment is built to last..

Originally Posted by speedking

but when you are talking about build quality...MAC is right there at the top with the leaders..it's not just an Image dictated by price..their equipment is built to last..

True. Then again, all manufacturers in the "high end" tier offer good build quality, as that's the least I'd expect when spending thousands of bucks on audio equipment. Charging so much for a poorly built machine would be tantamount to robbery, so I sorta take build quality for granted past a certain threshold.

My Krell amps are built like tanks, you could stand on them, bullet proof for sure.
I just prefer the sound of McIntosh over Krell and I own both. But of course both are my favorite.
Pass labs I guess are my favorite but they are a little out of reach..

Originally Posted by Hi Resolution

I just prefer the sound of McIntosh over Krell and I own both.

Blasphemy! This is MADNESS! ... Where's a 300 emoticon when you need one?!? LOL

Originally Posted by ev666il

Blasphemy! This is MADNESS! ... Where's a 300 emoticon when you need one?!? LOL




Lol

I'm curious, though: how can both McIntosh and Krell be your favorite? They have nothing in common, and I would go as far as to say their respective signature sound juxtapose with equal and opposite strength

Originally Posted by ev666il

I would, for one. Never been a fan of McIntosh's stuff...

It's not really my cuppa, either, but they are undeniably a top brand of high-end gear. Sheer longevity would put them on the list, if nothing else, and the build quality is amazing.