McIntosh: Here's My Opinion On This Iconic Brand!
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
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Please leave me your comments below 👇
I appreciated your viewpoint. I think we could all benefit from sharing that way of thinking. The hobby is absolutely subjective. Who do I think I am to believe my opinion is superior to another's? It would be in poor taste for me to hate on you because you review gear out of my budget. I would certainly appreciate experiencing the presentations you have assembled. I would guess the satisfaction is the same: Building the best sounding system the budget allows. If I had $1,000,000 to spend, I would take the same amount of time to research and build a system as it took me with my $1000 system. Now that I am done, I am very satisfied with not only the result, but the journey.
@@carlsitler9071 thank you
The reason people hate on Mcintosh so much is the resale market you might as well save your money and buy new for what people ask for mediocre gear to today's time and tech people are asking 3799 for a beater looking 2300 and you can go get a 302 or a 402 for a few hundred dollars cheaper how does that make sense mike does have a point McIntosh has kinda become poser audio
@pt265 the prices out there really don't fit with the device, it happens with audio, video, vintage, retro or PC, Reebok or Nike and more.
the initial price offered by the brand and its official information, is the base to consider other prices. the problem starts with stuff not available or old models that had success, example: Onkyo FR-X7A, the "sellers" offer it for a very high expensive price just because is a fancy and nice mini component that people would like and taking the name ONKYO and the origin JAPAN as a flag to justify the price between other possible features.
Something happened with Walkman ya know, it was forgotten, when it appears in a movie, the boom again and the "sellers" again offering it as the best value iconic piece for collectionists. I can offer a mexican money bill famous for the drawing art on it, asking $ 13 000.000 USD, the reality could be different in value and price ya know.
about your ears, of course there are differences between models and brands, higher is better, we know it. but there is a limit, when you don't notice the difference really, when the minimal difference with a high priced device is not noticeable, and just with the osciloscope you see with your eyes the difference of audio. that's the point when some people acclaims _this is better, this is really high fi, high end, this is the top of the audiophile_ when the reality is that differennces only appear visually on the osciloscope, very hard to hear them even if the human could. when you come back then you know there are difference in brands and quality, yes, like the sound bar LG, JBL, SONOS, and it happens with some brands of amplifiers or sophisticated systems. and finally, the devices don't fit with me, even if Rafael Nadal gives me a gift to choose an audio system, Cambridge, Marantz or MacIntosh aren't my choice, because I like other kind of music and styles, as Flashbeagle and Snoopy dancing!
@@carlsitler9071 _"Who do I think I am to believe my opinion is superior to another's?"_
it happens, and you could be right. you know there are people not just giving an opinion, they say trying to impose their statment when you know that's wrong.
There are points of view, opinions or concepts that should be rejected and said them. The ugly thing is people rejects that _because it means you are a hater._
time ago I shared how I connected my speakers in Serial Mode: *L* with 125 W 6Ω and 60W 4Ω, *R* with 125 W 6Ω and 60W 4Ω, ne person said that's no good, and the better way is for *L* the speakrs with 6Ω and for *R* the speakers with 4125 W 6Ω and 60W 4Ω.
It doesn't matter what some audiophiles think of McIntosh, they can't keep up with demand and will sell EVERY piece they make. The build quality is TOP NOTCH with McIntosh and that appeals to many people. I had a Mac C-26 Preamp built in the early 70's that I used EVERYDAY until I sold it in 2018 for what I paid originally.....PLUS they have proven they will be around for the long haul when boutique brands come and go with questionable support. The point is buy what you like and ENJOY THE MUSIC. Cheers !
Great perspective Jay. I replaced my Emotiva XPA2 with a MA352 a few months ago and let’s just say my pants still get tight every time I listen. Comparatively now I have silky smooth sound, much more detail, and no more harsh upper mid range. Not sure what the next step will be in amplification, but I’m happy for now.
I don't own a McIntosh but I love how honest you are. Some people have so much dislike for a product and it's only a hobby. People should learn to know that. Probably if mcinstosh had reached out to him and gave him their products to sell, he wouldn't make those comments.
Thank you
Love your attitude towards audio Jay, also I admire your willingness to be open to all different price points and more importantly you're willingness to be open about the subjectivity of the hobby.
Here’s the thing. When you get into the price range of McIntosh equipment, people buy what they like, for whatever reason they choose. Some people are brand loyal, some people buy based on build quality. Some people want made in the USA. At the end of the day, there is no wrong reason. Doesn’t matter if McIntosh is not the best sounding equipment. They are made in the USA, they are iconic, they do have an extremely good build quality, and they do represent a pride of ownership. They are not for everyone, but neither is a 911 Turbo S. Neither is a Bugatti. Neither is an Aston Martin, and so on.
You're right
@@drewyoung2102 great point.
McIntosh is like Rolex. It is iconic and it gives you a certain level of performance at a certain level of price. But just like Rolex as many watch collectors know, McIntosh is only the beginning for some or cult following for others. To each his own. Thank you Jay for your open mind and the hard work. Nice to see that your following keeps growing!
Agree. Beyond this point, it becomes F1: 1 million dollars for 1/1000 of a second
Like watches- people pay for aesthetics over performance sometimes.
@@drhands4679 Actually 1/100 ;-). I was in a Team at some point.
@@revo1336 True
Not the best but both of those brands keep their value for whatever reason.. ✌
I have had an MC275 for many years and feel no need to change. I doubt I will part with it. It always satisfies my musical needs. Are there better, probably, but I like the way this amplifier presents the music. Its truly a music lovers amp.
I love my McIntosh MC-312 Amp & C2700 Preamp! From the day I fired it up the sound was beyond everything else I have owned for the last 45 years!!!! Does it look great yes absolutely & no other manufacturer goes puts as much into the beauty & build quality!!! Is it expensive? Yes, but they build in house, all the machining, metal fabrication, glass, silk screening, transformers etc!! That is an expensive process & the prices are justified
I love my Mcintosh gear. Fell in love with the brand when I first heard it paired with some B&W 800 speakers several years ago and two weeks later bought their amp and ht processor. I’ve seen them paired with some extremely highend speakers and consider them as high end audiophile gear. Some of the so called audiophile gear that cost six figures are priced that way because the manufacturer can’t produce enough units to increase profit margins due to being a small companies, so they sell the few units at extremely high msrp to leverage again low production. They only need to sell a small number to keep the doors open.
Legit 👍 you touched upon a pet peeve of mine…the weekly “THE BEST” videos that all the wannabe hi-fi RUclips reviewers are constantly cranking out. It’s ridiculous useless content. What you and OCD are bringing to the table is the real deal. Great stuff brother.
Obviously every component brand cannot all be "the best"", Many reviewers simply say the equipment excels in various performance factors.
Also, it is a waste of time to review products that are "bad". That is why negative reviews are rare.
I purchased my McIntosh 8900 last year and love it , sure I might have got sound better for the price but I know I paid extra for the blue dials and the name and I think most McIntosh owners know that when they buy
I do like the look, but I really like the sound and would be willing to buy and ugly piece if liked the sound of it.
I love Macintosh products, I journey started with this brand. Upon till now, I still own my old Macintosh. Thanks Jay for the honest truth.
First time Mcintosh buyer and I have had 15 plus amps in the last 20 years I went with the Mcintosh mc1.25kw and it's the best I have had in my system till now. Both Sonus faber and Mcintosh have changed their voicing for the current times neither of them have rolled off top end or are warm. Both companies have evolved and their newer stuff is absolutely brilliant! The mc1.25kw are so dynamic, clean and smooth at the same time, I am done looking for another amp. I have them paired with a mcintosh c1100 and after having 3 Devialets expert pro's over the years these are equally quite, no noise, hiss etc. whatsoever.
I have C1100’s and MC1.25kw’s and I’d love for Jay to give them a listen rather than everyone go by their reputation or legacy. The newer stuff is top notch in my opinion. Amps and Pre-Amps anyway. For digital and other stuff not that great but I only use Mac Max Amps and Pre-amps then LampizatOr and Allnic.
Did you like the devialet experts? How do they compare to the mcintosh?
@@rvxonyx3531 I like the Devialet for a certain type of pin point accuracy but it cannot compare to the huge depth, scale, unlimited power and bass of the mc1.25kw and I can listen to them the whole day they are so smooth! With the McIntosh I have found the music!
@@jiyadas thank you very much, that helps a lot!
Hiss is normal on some CDs. You can’t undo that, dude .. lol .. it’s in the recording ..
Mac has a musical kiss that I crave. The newest stuff seems to be moving away from that, but maybe that is just the way things are going and I am a dying breed?
To me Mac has always been about my emotional connection with my music selections. Warmth sweetness, toe tapping sound...Elements that pure audiophiles are understandably much less excited about. Heck I have friends that have no idea what I like about Mac...Fair enough! They prefer equipment that better caters to a pure audiophiles wants and needs. Indeed I appreciate their systems as well! Seriously!
Not at all different to individual preferences in single malt Scotch....I like peaty flavors and you may despise those or may prefer a good Cognac. Its all good from where I sit!
I will say that some audiophiles get their shit wound way too tight sometimes....Just remember this is supposed to be fun and enjoyable!
cou;d you elaborate on what you mean by " the newest stuff seems to be moving away from" I have had vintage Mc and now have the newer stuf and the newer stuff is quieter and sounds leaps and bounds better than the older stuff does.
Thank you Jay, you are only judging the products, not the users. Great video.
I think the fact that it's McIntosh is sort of not the point, it's the generalizations. I didn't comment on OCD's channel and I don't own McIntosh gear but I would be a little pissed if I did. I think people buy audio gear for all kinds of reasons, but to level a blanket statement like that was unfair in my opinion. I'm sure some people buy it for the looks, but some people like the sound, and others may like it partly because they grew up listening to McIntosh. I'm sure some people buy Focal speakers because they look cool, and are a statement too. I also think the audio world is very subjective and it's almost impossible that something is going to be "the best" for everyone.
McIntosh is the Harley-Davidson of audio products
🎼🔊🇨🇦✌️😎
Exactly correct
That's the best explanation I've ever heard!
@@GlaciaDay …thanks 🍻
Perfect analogy.
Your music room just looks better than ever. The visual aspect - parallel to the musical one - has gone up to a delightful high.
Thanks
As a tube guy, i would trust McIntosh sounding great with all of their tube stuff any day, because it is so well built 😀
I've had my 501s pushing my Infinity Gama's for about 20-years now and the sound is beautiful, I could have bought Halcro's at the time for about four times the money but settled for the most bang for the buck. And I have worked the dog out of these amps and have never had a problem. And it helped to add some Acoustic Zen cables.
For me McIntosh and Parasound are top shelf. Besides the plastic knobs and buttons on MC they look great and sound even better.
Excellent video, just because of this video you earned my subscription.
It's an extremely mature and knowledgeable response. I have seen far to many channels try to grow just by bashing others and I hate that.
Hope you are successful in your journey in this hobby of Hifi audio!
And here I thought that you were all about the muscles. Joking aside, that was about the best response, opinion, take on McIntosh. I never thought of them leading the charge to better audio, or at least opening the doors to other companies, the world of fine audio. What a great perspective you have. How refreshing that was. Kudos!
Fell in love with MC equipment back in the early 60s....and maybe it's just me but it doesn't sound the same today. I eventually settled on a Decware zma amp.
Jay, I said it before, you are a gentleman par excellence!
Most people listen to music with their ears only. This will get them to the outer portals of musical heaven.
When listening intently for a while and you’re totally relaxed, and the soundstage and the physical illusions disappear, all that’s left is you and the music. The music then seem to envelop the room from every direction, envelop you and seep into every pore and then seem to emanate from without and within and transport to to that magical heaven.
Or you fall asleep while listening, and that one song awakens you, and you dare not move because you do not want to loose that mystical eclectic feeling. Your being is at one, part of the music. You sense that you have died and gone to that magical musical heaven.
Then the phone rings, your wife calls proclaiming that it’s 3am and you have to go to work. Dam, that feeling is over. Bitches Brew. Adele said” I don’t make music for the eyes, I make it for the ears”. McIntosh make music for the eyes, ears and soul. My Macs get me to that unearthly mystical state. I feel like I’m high on my own musical supply. That’s why I love Macs.
Lmao! This guy is one of the biggest clowns on RUclips. How many times can you find your “dream speaker” It’s like every other week? 😂
He made a big production about buying the Wilson’s at $350,000 and now it’s on to something else? I guess the first payment on his home equity line came due? Well, I doubt it. The guy lives in a dump of a house. Unfortunately, his audio equipment cost more than his home. Which, is not only irresponsible, but just plain stupid.
McIntosh is considered high end in other countries, at the same level as Gryphon, CH Precision, etc. if you look at audiophiles in Europe and Asia, McIntosh is used with Rockports and other > 100k speakers, and is the equal or better than 20-30k amps and preamps. The better McIntosh pieces are excellent and have a degree of musicality that many brands miss, and they are priced accordingly. I have been in high end audio for 30 years and have owned everything from Krell and Classe, to VTL and Cary. Currently using Shindo. McIntosh is definitely high end.
I will say, it is great to see at least two guys, like OCD Mike and Jay amongst few others, that seems to be more honest about HIFI. It is like Jay is saying, pretty much any reviewer is giving a great review without doing exact comparison to competing products. And like Jay is saying, you are the one by yourself that decides what's for you. I for instance I have a complete McIntosh rig although with a Rega P10 turntable, but and it is all great to look at and it is very musical, and the sound is warm and fat, and a I love that. I am having the time of my life! Still I will watch the guys for their straight opinions and take notice. So keep it up Jay, and also Mike :)
Hi Jay , I like what you are doing. As a Audio Lover, I sold my Mac Gear. we all claim to know audio and what sounds good but I have found most owners of the Mac systems I have heard did not have nice balanced sound settings. I mentioned to them It’s not wrong or bad to try a -4 treble setting, and flat Bass setting , to get a nice balance powerful sound, …All the Mac owners I have encountered have boosted tone settings with bright speakers and they don’t sound natural. It’s about the operator. I think they should understand the frequencies that are controlled by the settings in the entire system, and what frequencies the instruments live in, then adjust to compensate. I think it’s important and it’s why money can’t buy great sound. Knowledge is most important in a great sounding system no matter the cost.
Sold my McIntosh gear as well, firmware issues were driving me crazy, drag an 80 lb. Amp to the dealer for a $300 update that might or might not solve all the issues I was having wasn’t going to happen. Fun while it lasted. 😎
Hello Jay, the one thing that I wished you touched on is the balance manufacturers have between the absolute best components and the components that meet a market niche. Manufacturers have been doing this forever in audio, but it seems so prevalent today. You can change out 2 caps for high end-caps and noticeably improve sound on many mid and even some high end gear. Or you can upgrade more inside a unit. Manufacturers build to a price point. McIntosh is really solid gear, like you said, mid-high, but after tweaking the internals you can end up with some really great stuff. I'm not saying you have to, it's just easily possible and an option less expensive then buying new gear for most folks.
I love Macs because of their unique tasty rich sound which no other brand has. Not because I want to look like an audiophile or show off. I had plenty of other gear and ALWAYS came back to McIntosh, despite their insane pricing.
Great point. Also, who WANTS to look like an audiophile? There's essentially nothing cool about looking like an audiophile!
Its all about Taste...i never Liked Mcintosh Sound thats maybe my Luck...
The moron in the beginning of the video wouldn't recognize a benchmark if it hit him between the eyes.
there are different factors and reasons why you listen as the best choice McIntosh, and there are different reasons and factors that could show how different is the same device here, there, worse or better.
By audiofools view, McIntosh is very reasonably priced and holds their value better than any piece of gear on the market.
I fully agree Jay. The Audio Hobby is subjective, and jst like Art and Attractionm, beauty in Audio is in the ears of the beholder. Your clarity and honest factual delivery of facts, is so enjoyable. Thanks you.
Jay great video. I replaced my BAT VK3 preamp and Conrad Johnson Classic 60 with a MA-5200 and I haven't been happier. And to each his own right, there is no perfect system for everyone.
I am not a McIntosh customer, but I have a lot of respect for the brand. It has consistently remained in the industry for my entire life. Americans have adopted an attitude with everthing - they either love it or bash it. I have heard McIntosh hardware in systems which just sound OK and others where it sounds spectacular. As with any brand amp and speaker, the pairing is very important. A user’s sonic preferences are important as well. Speakers vary in design - their impedance, phase, sensitivity, etc., and amps vary with their damping factor, power output, class, circuit design, etc. These factors will all affect how a system sounds. The key is to determine your budget and listen to as many systems as you can before selecting the combination of components which sound best to you.
What sounds great to your ears will likely differ from the preferences of the next person’s. What is so enjoyable is that we as consumers have so many choices. You will have succeeded in putting a system together if it can play music and generate the emotional experience that you desire.
FANTASTIC video Jay....love your HONESTY and HUMILITY 😊👍
Macintosh is an audiophile quality in some of their models and I believe they are the best value for the money in hi fi world. I have to add they are the most reliable long life products in this market.
A belief ?
Jay seems like a very knowledgeable type of guy.
Great to listen to. 👍
Thanks Peter
I listen to mostly rock and heavy metal, live and studio cuts. I will say that till this day, I have not heard anything that can top the Mcintosh 2KW amps paired with the original XRT2K speakers.
My friend has a very large room and we can sit over 20 feet away with decibel levels well over 100 of pure sounding distortion free live house sound with killer slam (probably due to 6 12" drivers per side). This is truly amazing for a full range speaker and two amps with no extra amps or sub woofers.
For instance, I have never heard Led Zeppelin 2 sound this way. John Bonhams drum set sounded like it was in the room. Source for this was the Classic Records 45 version played on a Micro Seiki SX8000 using the C1000 Preamp and MP1100 phono preamp.
As Jay mentioned though, this is my taste and my opinion and obviously what I like.
On another note, OCD Mike should take acting classes and fill in for Penn Epner. They look like brothers! He mentioned looking like an Audiophile. Maybe he should take more pride in the way he looks and his presentation? I am sorry, presentation is very important to me especially when someone is giving me advice on gear that costs thousands. I just don't take him serious, never did never will.
I have been a Mac guy for 54 years and the earliest amp from that date is still being used in my system and I love it. My most recent Mac product is 38 years old and all are working reliably. I had a problem with my tuner that I sent to Mac in New York, and, unfortunately, they lost it! After a month of hunting they found it and apologized profusely. They repaired it and then some bringing it up to date, it was 20 years old at the time, but they were still making the same model. When I got it back I was uncertain that it was the same unit that I had sent them, but I checked the serial number and it was. Bottom line, they charged me nothing because of my inconvenience! Perhaps another brand might sound a smidgeon better, in someones thinking, and that is OK, but how many companies will do what Mac does to maintain their overall brand loyalty?
with all due respect - Mcintosh is high-fi and they do have different equipment for different speakers ; it is the Rolls Royce of Amps
We all believe our own opinions it’s what makes us happy and I’m
Sticking with that
Agreed
Hey Jay, I’m a huge fan of yours from Toronto ! I wanted to know how you decided when to stop upgrading .. like to be Honest, I feel like it’s a never ending loop of electronics and speakers ! While a lot people tell you when to start ! No one tells you when to stop ! Can you please make a video on that ?
Thanks,
Your sincere fan from Toronto, Canada
Rangan
Thank you. I'll make a note of this topic
Hello,
One of your best videos Jay. Thanks for being honest.
McIntosh used to be what you and Mikey are talking about, but they have upped there game in the last 5 years to be a true “HIGH END” brand!
Have said this all along that's why everyone has a different setup and reference setups there not all the same I have been into hi fi a long time and have lots of friends and we all have different setups to are own taste I have never rubbished any setup because it's all about what we like as individuals that's what makes this hobby fun and great I can listen to a album on my setup and hear a different sound at one of my friends and that's great well done jay 👍👍
At Florida exp 2020 the Mcintosh ma352 driving Martain logan speakers was the best sounding system at the expo. So if a guy trashes an amp that he doesn't sell, take it with a grain of salt.
I have tried so many brands and got so tired of trying for the next best sounding and always had to go back to Mcintosh especially in the amp department.
Well said. Honesty is always the most important, thanks Jay !
For real… not sure i care at all what anyone says about equipment i have (or don’t have).
I bought all my equipment, paid for it all with my own hard earned dollars, and i still sit down for usually an hour per day enjoying a musical presentation in my listening space.
That i can do this, i am fortunate.
What i am NOT fortunate enough to do is buy and sell gear every couple years and experiment with many different brands. That’s why i visit this channel to at least hear brands i would never hear otherwise. :)
In the end, though, putting on a side of “The Count and Dizz” for an hour in my listening space is a privilege and pleasure. Who can know this except for me? Today, i am content with what i have.
Bravo !!! It sounds like you and i live in the same world.
@@brankocernik8384 - keep on enjoying my friend.
McIntosh is great gear for doctors and lawyers. Always been this way since the 70”s. 😂
What a waste of time.
Why?
I'm late responding to your enlighted response to OCD Mike. Based on your input I pulled the trigger on my first McIntosh: the new MC830 monoblock amps.
This neutrality it's the best way for review ( and in life ) . My system it's not the best .. Some guys believing what he own is the best in world .. Not exist the best system , or perfect system , because positions of speakers , room , influences the sound a lot ( not mention cables ... it's a lot of thins can make huge difference in audio systems ) . Very good Jay ! BR
Jay, excellent presentation on this topic - I think the key issue you stated here is that McIntosh builds a pretty good product to a price point that has been generating exceptional sales results for them. Without a doubt, there are superior products out there, but at what price? Simply said, a customer may drool over a $40,000 Gryphon amp that he deems much superior to a $12,000 McIntosh amp, that he can afford - if he has the resources, he'll buy the Gryphon; so it really doesn't matter if the product is superior - if the product is beyond the affordability for the customer, he can't acquire it.
Perhaps a more effective video would be to identify the ten best amplifiers available, in your opinion (irrespective of brand), for audiophile customers with unrestricted financial resources.
Thank you Jay for your comment, it's all fair because this debate can also be held concerning the different technologies, I'm thinking for example of high efficiency loudspeakers and low efficiency .... It's all a matter of taste and money ...
Exactly exactly EXACTLY!!!! I have nothing more to add to what you said Jay...!!!
I don't care what people think about what i purchase. I purchase what I like. Personally the older McIntosh had too much color for me. The newer ones are a little cleaner while still having that gentle color that can take away harshness, reduce cymbal crash fatigue, etc and just provide a better sound. I love my MC152 and it and the Parasound JC5 which came in 2nd place are both great company's/
Amen Jay, that’s why I love your channel!
Thanks man
Mcintosh is a great Iconic American founded company just like Harley Davidson, They are beautiful, have a huge following but not the best out there.
I owned an Mc2300 in the past and wish I had kept it, I would have had it hot roded.
I appreciate you telling it like it is with no bull crap.
Your comment section is filled with many knowledgeable Audiophiles, great read.
I running a Mac into Wilson Sabrina X and it sounds amazing. I’ve listened to it next to the Dan D integrated and it was slightly better, but to say Mac isn’t Hifi is crazy. Ma12000 holds its value much better than anything in the price range. It’s without a doubt Hifi. I highly recommend trying a new DAC and having nearly flawless room treatment before passing ANY judgement.
I have a Mac amp and Klipsch let the hating begin while I enjoy another day of musical bliss
That being said, your stuff is badass!!
I am retired now. But had been for many years one of the biggest High End dealers in Europe. What I see is that certain things will NEVER change. And one of this things is, I call it : The generalizing.
This video is based on it .
Who would ever say that A Ferrari ist the best car ???
Try it out when you have a 3 child family.
Its a kind of useless in that case.
There is NO BRAND on the market which is "THE BEST".
It just depends what you wanna to achieve in your system !!
A Pre-Amp sounding fabulous in one system, sounds rather poorly in an other.
But this Generalizing will never end, since nothing is more simple minded than humans.
They seems to be in need to know that one brand is simply the best...
Mac7200 is 8k
Yamaha a-s3200 is 7,900
Which would most people pick?
i was auditioning McIntosh and it was a 4K + Integrated amp. I was shocked to hear slight hiss from tweeter. The dealer told me to 'not to hear' the hiss, I had to step up to 7K+ integrated amp. I am not stupid. I clicked few btn in Amazona and got me a Yamaha A-S3000SL for 4K. No hiss. Only Music.
And those blue lights…and don’t forget the stellar customer service, and how they even still service their vintage stuff
Good true talk and RUclips channel
I find that the majority of Mcintosh haters are those who can't afford the brand--- let alone any higher end system(not Mcintosh).
I disagree, if someone never got to test McIntosh in their home and experience it first hand how can they say it sucks or viceversa. I feel it’s more that people spend a lot of money on McIntosh and are expecting to get this jaw dropping perfect hi fidelity sound and when their jaws drop but not to the extent they thought, they’re left feeling ripped off because they were expecting a 100 and got a 85. People automatically get this perception that McIntosh is the pinnacle of the audio industry and heighten their expectations to only realize the sound falls kind of short of their expectations especially with all the hype behind McIntosh.
I've been into HiFi for 50 years. Worked in it for over 30, Bad reviews used to happen. In the UK, a well known magazine editor told me the product review outcome would be heavily influenced by advertising commitment.
"the product review outcome would be heavily influenced by advertising commitment"
I know it, I have 30 years in graphic arts and it includes marketing and advertising, people got to believe "this is the best" being a portable Nikon or a Pro Canon
You would have to read between the lines with Stereo Review, and that's even true with Audioholics. Ads put food on the table. Imagine if Car and Driver negatively reviewed Weather Tech floor mats that keep them alive.
I don't know how I missed this video but I have to say it is my favorite so far.
I agree with all your points here but pls let me add a spin on this. Having spent 15 years making rock records with in my studios. There were many top producers who would come through my studios. A lot of these guys loved this brand. I would never say these producers could not tell the difference in gear. They just loved this brand. In fact in one of my mix rooms in front of the console the mains which are the largest monitors in the room we ran Big Mac mono blocks. Another control room I was running big Cord amps. Sometimes we would do listen back session on my Magico speakers and believe me these guys had good ears. They just loved Mac gear.
Why can’t audiophiles just live and let live (that’s aimed at Mikey)? It’s equally not a crime for a company not to bother making hyper expensive equipment that will sell a handful of units a year. I auditioned my current speakers with McIntosh gear. One listen was with the MA5300 integrated amp. The entry level model. It was a very sweet sounding unit. I had higher aspirations, but it’s a great choice for someone who isn’t perpetually upgrading or for someone who is downsizing.
I agree with you Jay, if they wanted to make $200,000 dollar mono blocks they would have done it. I can see you trying the mc3500 or the mc901 one day. I'd watch the shit out of that video!
There is that possibility
When I play analog, 50's & early 60's, male vocals, of course a different pairing of speakers, I power up the Mc. Ears....it's your ears....your room....not someone's opinion. You may HATE IT, that is fine. When you leave I may relax to my system, or flip the switch to my second system. I RUN 2 SYSTEMS....THERES A REASON WHY.
I've never owned McIntosh gear, but I've heard them many, many times over the years, and in a variety of systems, and they always seem to manage to sound (IMHO) pretty darned OUTSTANDING!!! If you prefer a different brand other than McIntosh, well.....that's fine and dandy. That's your prerogative. But, if you're so twisted in your thinking that you actually believe that McIntosh gear is not High End, then you're probably smoking some kind of mind altering substance, just like our dear friend "Mikey" probably is ("LOL").
:)
Amazing!!! You have to have a channel also for THE WAR OR PHONES 📞 BECAUSE A LOT OF PEOPLE FIGHT WITH APPLE AND SAMSUNG AND ANDROID (and Chinese phones also ) , great video . I have a DENON amp but if I can afore for other brand than is more expensive I will change it but for now IM HAPPY THAT I HAVE 👍
The new rig looks sick!
Jay you are the Man
As with most products, I would assume "You get what you pay for" but with diminishing returns. For example, the $70 Aiyima A07 is a better value than a $450 BasX A2 but doesn't sound as good. But does the Emotiva sound 6.5 times better? No. Does a $5000 Macintosh sound better than a BasX? Yes. 12 times better? No.
My reference system is a VPI Prime TT, MacIntosh 7200 receiver in preamp mode, pair of 1963 MC-30s for amplification, and various other digital sources running through Klipschorns (1985 with upgraded drivers and crossovers from Bob Crites), and a pair of fast REL subs. I have the right room corners for the K-horns and this setup is magical. However, I also have an old Pioneer TT, MacIntosh MX 130 in 2channel mode through a Schitt Vidar amp and a great set of JBL L-100s. The MX 130 which was an earlier home theater preamp.... sounds fantastic as well. Love vintage gear. Love MacIntosh and Klipsch.
Cool
For every Real and Truthful judgement in any hifi things, at Least, YOU HAVE TO BE an ENGINEER and MUSICIAN, so you should have some necessary basics , WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT !! 🎉🎉🎉
The only opinion that matters is from you. If you love what you have then it's all that matters.
My father bought an Mcintosh Amplifier when he first moved to US. He is a diehard Audio Research fan to the end. I love Mac's by far though.
Well said Jay !
‘Nidfi’, ‘hi end’. ‘Entry level’. ‘Chifi’. ‘Hifi exotica’. These are all terms that are randomly sprinkled throw out the hifi industry, but mean different things to different people. What actually constitutes a product being labelled high end and who determines that that label should be applied to that product. What makes a component high end? It’s build quality? The amount of R&D that went into it’s development? It’s fit and finish? Quality of internal parts? Musical reproduction? Status or standing of brand name? The price?
I recently upgraded my speakers. They cost me £9000! The manufacturers website described them as mid range flagships. Every reviewer I’ve watched or read described them as high end. One highly respected magazine described them as ‘high end made easy’, whatever that means. Me, I don’t try to label then, I listen to them, or should I say, I listen to the music they faithfully reproduce.
If people like Ncintosh, be it for their iconic visuals, their musical reproduction, their symbolism of status, who are we to criticise their purchasing decision?
I think some folks forget there are layers to this hobby. McIntosh products are assessable to most people because of their semi affordable price point. Most audiophiles can get a nice sounding product at an affordable price. Yes, some folks can spend utterly thousands and thousands of dollars on McIntosh as well. But, when you start talking about brands like Marten, Gryphon, Avantgarde, Boulder 99.9% of people would not be able to afford their products. Yes, the products are incredible to hear. Knocks it way out of the park. But, unless I hit lottery or somehow come into a large sum of money, most us will just be able to dream. McIntosh gives us normal folks an opportunity to take a glimpse at the possibilities.
Can you imagine there was a time; perhaps before you were born, when The Absolute Sound REFUSED TO ACCEPT ADVERTISING for the very reason you have presented?!
Only shortly before Harry Pearson died did they change their policy.
In fact HP wrote about he received a letter from Sony that asked him to remove an unfavorable review; the title was Sony No Baloney; and of course instead of taking the review down HP exposed Sony for how they were trying to pressure intimidate him to change the review.
Yeaaa I have the luxury of having a friend who has a plus $300k McIntosh listening room. And I can tell you, McIntosh is that good. It is literally the best I have ever heard. Once you experience it everything you listen to sounds like garbage. You have to train your ears with the best before you can comment about sound. A lot of people have maxed out on Bose or Sonos and call themselves audiophiles on the fourms. I have learned that a lot of haters can’t afford it or have never experienced it. I can’t afford it but I have experienced it many many times over. Its the same with guitars players who can’t afford premium gear so they hate on everything that they can’t afford.
I love how no one here agrees with your assessment of Mc. You continue to search for the holy grail of music reproduction and somewhere you lost the ability to just be happy with a wonderful system. I also understand that you do this for money so enjoy your journey while the rest of us simply enjoy the music.
Most people don't want true hifi, they just want to brag. How American we all are becoming. MC sounds "rich", "creamy" and "powerful", but it's the brand name and the meters that sell
Thank you 🙏
Had two 2102 Amps bi-amped with Hovland 100 preamp in early 2000s……they wear incredible. Heard the Thor TPA amps and 1000 mkII pre-amps and sold the Mac stuff. Kept the Thors 17 years ….they were that good. Issue is …..when I sold them I got 4k and had to find a unique buyer. If I had the Macs. They would sell for 4k apiece. Love the value add with Macs and sound is honest value.
I’m running the MC901’s pushing the Von Schweikert ULTRA Line. I also have my Grandfathers MC2400 getting ready for the Pipesreams. I say there butter. That’s just me
Nice system
Hi Jay love your videos, those silver discs on top of your amps are they resonators? If so what brand are they and can you do a video on the benefits of them and how they work, cheers from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺
Well, I sort of agree with OCD Mikey... McIntosh is a great brand.. But it doesn't wow me sound wise.
Jay, you knowI’ve always had your back. You said that the 901’s sounded fantastic, or words to the equivalent. Don’t dis me now. Remember, when (if) they all grow up, they all want to be a McIntosh!
I like your talking seems honest and friendly,no hate only opinion
great
I like Mcintosh. High dynamic amplifier.
I grew up in Binghamton NY area (Mcintosh's home base). Back in the 70's and 80's I had friends that owned some of their products. "Audiophile" wasn't something that was even mentioned. We knew they made great sounding products and that's all we cared about. They were marketed to Middle-upper class people. The integrated products were slightly higher than Marantz (my families system) prices but not insane. Very functional and great sounding. somewhere is the 90's the whole Audiophile thing started to take off and Mcintosh just kept plugging away improving products focusing on what made them great (Autoformer tech, build quality etc..) They strike a great balance of value and performance. I think of "audiophiles" as tinkerers. Always look for that better sound and never satisfied. Mcintosh doesn't have to be considered "Audiophile" to be great. It just works, lasts a long time, looks and sounds great.
The only McIntosh product I have owned was a "new" McIntosh 1700 receiver back in the 1980's. It sounded good, but the glass fogged up after only a few months and never recovered. It was lightly used, but after a few short years the left channel completely failed. Needless to say, I haven't been a McIntosh fan since.
Why not?