🔥Thanks to Keeps for supporting the channel! For more info: keeps.com/AndrewRobinson ✅ *GET THE MAC HERE: **bit.ly/3Gm2z86* ★ *QOTD: What’s the best McIntosh amp ever made? Is the brand deserving of its audiophile praise?* ★ *RULES: Please be respectful. NO OUTSIDE LINKS, URLs, email addresses, etc.*
I know McIntosh is well known for quality and their tube amps . I just ordered the ma252 , this will be my first Mac . Hopefully it’ll will match my Bowers and Wilkins 702 s2 .
Andrew , will you pair this amp with the 702 s2 signature? I know those are very difficult speaker and having the right amp to create synergy is a must.
MC3500 (original) - just because of its Woodstock heritage. The Mac Amp Jerry Garcia used (MC2300) and the Grateful Dead used for the Wall of Sound comes in a close second.
@@pierre-philippejulien6298 Not Andrew but this amp would likely a great pairing. As for the MA252, not sure that would be a good pairing based on the power/ohm performance.
Your comment made me laugh. I've been thinking that very thing. I'd prefer the MA7200 integrated amp myself as I do no radio listening outside of my car.
Yes ‼️ 🎶📺 currently using Bluesound NODE thru McIntosh MC162 for local KPOO KALW KALX. 7200 will be much better than iNet... Then M10v2 for Tidal etc. 📺🎸😜🙋
I really should watch this videos to the end. Did Kristi really suggest adding bluetooth to a $7500 McIntosh amplifier? That would be like Tesla adding a hole in the floor of their cars so you could drive them like Fred Flintstone
I think an interesting comparison to the 7200 would be the Hegel H390. 250 wpc of good clean power, inky black background, well dampened bass, killer DAC, etc.
I could care less about all the negative comments about McIntosh. I love my McIntosh system and, “ You’ll have tear it away from my cold dead hands.” Best money I’ve ever spent.
bias you will not hear the difference between a mac and cheaper good amp unless you are a dog. Spending money on things you physically can not hear is a waste.
@@ChickenPermissionOG Your opinion. It’s not a waste when one spends their hard earned money on something they wanted and enjoy on a daily basis.Besides I said I love my McIntosh system. Never made any claim as to what brand of amps sounds better or don’t.
I've been wanting one forever. Regardless of what people say sound is very subjective people that love Macintosh and the way they sound you're not going 2 Change on mind. I haven't heard a product better sounding at the price range the only things I've ever heard better is if you get into something like a very high amp like one of the old Mark Levinson or D'Agostino. I honestly don't hold this guy's opinions very highly anyway he also didn't like the way my Bowers and Wilkins sound either
@@mzondi1970 no clue who you even are. You want to was money on circuitry that you can not physically hear more power to you, but you know that old saying a fool and their money.
Personally I think bluetooth cheapens a product and HDMI is for AV use only. I have never expected nor wanted any of my two channel gear to have it. The HT bypass is a nice feature for those who want to integrate their 2 channel and multi channel systems without adding a bunch of extra circuitry to the McIntosh
Hi Andrew, as a proud owner of the MAC7200 I was happy and surprised to see your review of McIntosh equipment. Over the 40 years that been into audio equipment I’ve owned all types of high end (Audio Research, Bryston, Conrad Johnson, Krell, Meridian, Peachtree Audio, and several others) amplifiers. However, I can truly say that the MAC7200 is the best sounding Integrated Amplifier that I’ve ever owned. Like you I also own the Klipsch Forte IV and the MAC7200 takes their sound to another level. But it wasn’t until last night when I decided to hook up the MAC7200 to an older pair Martin Logan’s that I realized it’s a very special piece of audio equipment!!! Yes the MAC7200 is big/heavy and expensive but it’s worth every penny. Also, the less expensive MA5300 is great sounding Integrated Amplifier. Lastly, McIntosh is probably the only audio equipment that holds its value and in some cases appreciates over the years. Thanks again for you and Kristi’s great reviews. Anthony
I look at McIntosh audio equipment in the same light that I look at the Porsche 911. Aside from both being out of my price range, they are both what I want. Are there better for the money? Subjectively, yes. But, I know both the McIntosh and the Porsche 911 will be sublime because they are remarkable examples of their type and they are what I want.
McIntosh is one of those brands that the audio haters love to hate kind of like they love to hate Klipsch. Most of them have never heard a McIntosh product but they are certain it sucks just like they have never heard a Klipsch Heritage line product properly set up but are also certain it sucks. People who don't have a dog in the fight and are willing to give Mac's a listen almost always love the sound. For some reason since Hegel has become a well known name the audio haters love to boast of the Hegel amps they don't own and have never heard but are certain sound better than anything else on the market. Oh, you have an Audiolab amp? That's cute, my imaginary Hegel is better. What are you, like nine years old? It's the same sort of thing that happened when Andrew Jones became a household name. Suddenly people wanted to name drop Andrew Jones as if knowing his name made them somehow more astute and credible audiophiles. And, of course, their Elac speakers were obviously superior because, ahem, Andrew Jones designed them, don't you know. Here's the truth. McIntosh makes great products. Whether you will personally like the sound or not is anyone's guess. Listen and decide for yourself. Hegel makes good products. Whether you will personally like the sound or not is anyone's guess. Listen and decide for yourself. Klipsch makes good products. Whether you will personally like the sound or not is anyone's guess. Listen and decide for yourself. Andrew Jones is a good speaker designer but whether you will personally like the sound of his products is anyone's guess. Listen and decide for yourself. I hope you see where I'm going with this. If not there's a pretty well known guy in the audio review business who likes to say that the only person who has to like the sound of your system is you. Can't think of his name to drop right this moment but it'll come to me. And before you pretend that your system is obviously superior to someone else's, remember what the Dude had to say, "that's just, like, uh, your opinion, man."
I agree with everything you said. People hate just to hate. They think its below them. I just don’t understand. I love Klipsch and McIntosh just to thumb my nose at those people. Just like Ford and Chevy haters. It’s just silly. Both Klipsch and McIntosh have been around since the late FORTIES, AND STILL GOING!! If you choose to snub your nose at that longevity then so be it. It’s just silly really. People speak with having never heard. I don’t understand that thinking. Further more….. rather than just blindly dislike a company because it seems to be the cool thing to do, as if your in high school, put your money where you’re mouth is, buy the gear, try it out for more than eight hours then make an educated decision rather than just flapping your gums for the sake of doing so caus your sitting at a keyboard or the like.
Most people who dislike McIntosh really mean they cannot afford one. If you spend any real time with a McIntosh in your listening room it will not be leaving anytime soon. I have had 2 in mine for the past 15 years.
Yes McIntosh make great amps, but for half the price you can get the very capable, high damping factor, Hegel 390 which will certainly match the Mac for speaker driving ability. I thought that would be a telling comparison.
Also, regarding the QOTD, I am a Mac owner, and have also owned Sansui and two different NAD receiver/ integrated amps. The McIntosh Amps I’ve owned are the 70’s MC2100 - passed down to me from my Uncle, passed down from me to my son, and still “commanding woofers” like a mini substation. Next for me came the MC352. This was a late 90’s amp that was purchased NOS in 2010. It was more refined than the 2100, and it too was a sound revolution for my system. I’m now running an MC462 and it seemingly combines the best qualities of both predecessor amps. It has scary-articulate bass, fantastic clarity, and extremely present mids. No regrets - at age 60, this may be my last amp. Is it worth the money? Clearly, it is not at face value the champion of sound quality per dollar spent. Exaggerating the point, the first NAD I owned - the 3020 - purchased for $220 in 1980 probably can’t be beat for value. But going to the other end of the scale, the MC462 just takes your sound enjoyment to another level. Something to consider with McIntosh, that even elevates it above many other high-end brands, is resale value. If you buy Mac and later decide you don’t like it fir some reason, or more likely, want to move on up in the line, you will recover a much more substantial percentage of your initial investment than you will with most other brands. Also, it is built to last generations (this applies to McIntosh with the stainless steel bases - less so to units with black painted metal bases) and does in fact last generations - usefully.
I have a Macintosh Ma6100 amp bought in 1974 for 649.00. It is still in daily use today, handles high resolution music files with ease, and HAS NEVER BEEN SERVICED. YES, MACS ARE WORTH EVERY PENNY
I'm willing to bet that a large number of McIntosh naysayers here have never heard one. Also willing to bet that the vast majority have never owned one let alone A/B compared with the supposedly superior alternative.
Respect to Kristi but the McIntosh look should never change. Never. I own Buchardts A500 so obviously I am forward thinking but if I ever see McIntosh looking like a Uniti Atom I will cry real tears.
I've had a new 2017 C7 corvette in stickshift at 48, I'm 55 now. I got into hifi in the last 2 years (my music system is $12k), yet the McIntosh C49 doesn't sound any better than my Parasound 2100 preamp at 12x the price. Mac just looks nicer, but that's up to you to decide if $6k is worth it to you, it's NOT worth it for me. So I returned my McIntosh C49 and I got even better sound on other components and accessories. I would say that the McIntosh is more like a Porsche 911 which has a more prestigious badge than my Corvette but doesn't perform any better, just like McIntosh doesn't perform any better than my Parasound. ----- streaming = Apple Music lossless
The first time I heard a Macintosh system, I knew I would own one someday. Years later, my music room has two Mc275's, a C2700 and a MT5. (I recently sold my MR88. Great product, but I didn't use it much). The joy that this system gives me is hard to explain.
If I had money to burn I would give it a try…but 7 grand is a clear message to the blue collar working class imho…it says “you ain’t never gonna own one of these, mfs”…
don't worry, aside from the BS prestige factor you aren't missing anything, unless weak bass is a positive. None of the Mac stereo amps can match Krell, Bryston or Hypex for bass. Oh, we need hear the Mac mono amps? Nope, same sound on bigger scale.
@@herrtrigger7220It’s a positive for me, as I’ve gotten older I appreciate the bass-liteness of Grado or Audio-Technica headphones for instance. I’m not 16 anymore blaring Dr. Dre & pissing off the neighbors. Give me more treble and sparkly highs.
I can't vouch for the latest generation of McIntosh products. However, McIntosh established its reputation in the fifties and sixties with their "amplifier clinics". If, for example, you had a Mac amp that needed a new set of tubes and brought the amp to one of their clinics, they GAVE you a new set of tubes! Talk about customer support, WOW! (Their rationale, BTW, was that if you had guests over, they wanted to have them hear their amps at their best. That, along with their "Sherman tank-like construction" is why Mac equipment is so expensive and has such high resale value. And, yes, MADE IN USA🇺🇸
Plain and simple, I paid for the iconic meters. I was a deadhead in the 70s, following them around concert to concert. I loved that wall of amps. Vowed to own one some day. Two years ago I bought the MC462, a 400wpc stereo amp. Is it the best amp there is? No clue because I’ve not owned better. But I love listening to it and looking at it. Perhaps not in that order.
Great answer. I think there is almost a built in reasoning as to why some of these products fascinate us so much. I have a Galaga machine in my basement becsue I swore I would have my own one day becaue it was my favorite video game. Just for a few minutes every now and then I am back in 1982. I went on the road to see the Dead a time or two. It's even hard to explain what that was like to younger people and maybe to myself if I want to admit it
Just got a MC2105 at an estate sale, running it through the preamp puts on the T778(bought after seeing your review:). That McIntosh sound is the GOAT, especially with Dirac room correction! I’m a mac stan for life
The GRATFULL DEAD made MCINTOSCH legend. Their WALL OF SOUND powered by these monster amplifiers was truly epic. If you are interested in rock history, read up on ‘’THE WALL OF SOUND’’. I am personally incapable of putting into words how earth shattering that moment in history was.
I saw the Grateful Dead with their wall of sound at Freedom Hall in Louisville Kentucky 6/18/74. There are absolutely no words to describe that musical and sonic experience. Nothing, absolutely nothing, can ever match the sound that night.
My gear is the best and everyone else's gear sucks!!!! Give me a break. We all have different preferences and price points. As long as you like what you have then enjoy the music. I've owned many brands over the years and some were clearly not good, but that means not good for me. I loved my Kenwood integrated amp when I was a private in the Army but that's what I could afford then. I can definitely tell you that my current set up far exceeds the sound quality of the system I had as a private in the Army years ago. Listen on my friends and enjoy the music.
There are two different positions: a) "how do I get the best sound for the least money?" , and b) "I have money to burn, what is the nicest I can get for it?" If the answer is a) get a handwired tubeamp with autobias, if the answer is b) get Mcintosh gear
I have had the 7200 for a couple of years now and there is nothing else for me. It's a beast and drives a pair of thirty speakers without missing a beat!! I have wanted to own a Mac for 50 years and now have it! Hey Andrew let the hair go, bald is beautiful and saves on shampoo. Bald is a more advanced life form and yes the next iteration of the human race, we are just generations ahead!
I've owned various Mcintosh gear for 30 years and yes it is very expensive but I have no regrets. The big bold sound stage that's so lush is hard to beat. Tube or solid state the sound is there. It's not for everyone that's for sure. My current lineup. 2 MC 601 Mono Blocks. C1100 p which is a 2 box tube preamp. For digital the D1100 Dac preamp. It will be the last Dac I buy because I don't think digital can can get any. better. Streaming internet radio via Sonos the sound is amazing. My high end streamer Aurender N10 high Rez files sound as good as vinyl!
Great review I love my MAC7200, which is driving a pair of XR50 as my back speakers and the MAC7200 second output to a pair of MC611s driving a pair of XR100 for my primary speakers. Really enjoy McIntosh!
I been a Mac lover for 30-40 years. I finally got my dream set up 20 years ago after many different systems, I will never change a thing now except for new processors some day. Keep in mind it's a system and everything has to work together to get the most perfect sound. Also keep in mind one big thing, when the day comes to sell some of your Mac gear for whatever reason, you will be very happy at how much more it's worth than any other brand of the same size and age. Quality gear made in American is still worth a lot. MC-600 amp - MX-152 - Oppo 4K BRP 7ch. processor - Mac Academy 360's, and surrounds. Wire World cables and wires everywhere really made a big difference. All my neighbors listen to Steely Dan... Whether they want to or not.
when you read the comments here, you can tell who can't afford it and haven't even listened to them because of that fact. I don't want bragging rights, I don't care what anyone thinks of what I have.
McIntosh=Ferrari as they are both well respected prestigious brands with pretentious clients that brag about the emotional sensations of sound, responsiveness, and luxury. Surely there are more expensive boutique brands that few people know about like D'Agostino comparing to Bugatti and there are cheaper amps with better performance like Kristy said of the Music Fidelity at lower cost which may compare to Lamborghini. And then there are more accessible brands like Yamaha which may perform great by metrics but can never be a McIntosh just like a Chevy will never be a Ferrari, no matter how fast that new ZR1 is.
Let's face it. It's a quality brand for people who have money. Probably 75% love it and can afford it/justify it and 25% want bragging rights. All high end brands are like this. I wanted it when I was 14. At 58, I can easily afford it, but now think it is a vanity buy, as I cannot detect the difference other than "feel". Midwest practical in me would rather get really good at much less cost..... For anyone mature, pass no judgement, buy what you can afford and what makes YOU happy. If you can hear the difference, truly hear it, you are gifted. For the rest of us, buy what sounds good for the buck, spend the remaining on other hobbies.....
Agree. It’s more of a legacy status piece now and Gen Z etc couldn’t give a shit less about McIntosh. It’s like a Rolex. Classic time piece but a digital watch doesn’t need to be wound or rotated and keeps more accurate time than the Rolex. Same with McIntosh. There’s better for cheaper.
To Kristi, Mcintosh CANNOT be lighter and smaller because ALL Mcintosh Amps come with THREE ( x 3) huge transformers and at least 2 x large heatsink for each of the final stage output amplifier modules. The main transformer is for the AC to DC power conversion and the other two transformers are for Left and Right channels (AUTOFORMERS). The main AC/DC transformer guarantees sufficient if not surplus amperage draw from 6 or 12 transistors (depending on wattage) per channel. For instance, the MC602 comes with 2 x paralleled 12 transistors for a total of 24 transistors (push/pull - Class A/B) per channel and outputs 600 watt per channel (2~8 ohms) to accommodate higher amperage draw from 4~2 ohm speakers. That's a whopping 600 + 600 watts per channel at the final stage! The output power signal of one channel is then wired to the Autoformer which allows impedance matching of various impedance (2~8 Ohms) speakers with the amp. Unlike other amps, the output stays at 600 watt per channel disregarding the speaker impedance. I have been using Mcintosh amps since 1990's and it is a blessing that until today Mcintosh still persists in using proprietory thick wire gauge transformers and autoformers. If Mcintosh ever decides to give up on its Class A/B amplification and downgrade its heritage to Class D, that's the time when you will see smaller and lighter amps but until then we are blessed with its heritage. Just a quick note, I've completed the full modification on two of my Mcintosh amp (MC7300 and MC602) and got to tell you, disregarding the cost, the only parts that cannot be sourced and replaced are the main transformer and the L/R channel autoformer. Even Mcintosh and Audio Classics don't stock them any longer. The rest of the parts were purchased from Taiwan local vintage parts collectors including (Motorola/Toshiba/Sanyo) transistors that were made in the 90's. For all that said, the main AC transformer and L/R autoformers are the heart of Mcintosh, without these heavy duty transformers, Mcintosh is just another transistor amplifier manufacturer like Sony, Denon, Pioneer etc. (If you know how transistor amps works, you will understand what I'm talking about.)
I don't own any McIntosh equipment, but when my wife goes to the mall, I always go over to the Best Buy nearby to listen to whatever Mac they have with the B&W 803 D4 speakers. I like just about any music, but listening to Ella or Miles or even Lady Gaga is just about as good as anything as you can imagine. Once in a while, I'll even listen to some opera recording just to hear the violas and french horns ... I don't consider myself an "audiophile" because I really can't afford it, but I have always picked my speakers using a recording with a piano. It seems to me that a piano is just about the hardest music to replicate, and the closer to a piano sound a speaker can make, the better the speaker. And it always comes down to spending $20k+ for those B&W speakers, or staying married HAHA
Mr. Robinson is one of the best reviewers on YOU TUBE . His easy going style with a way of reporting the information one wants in a product. So glad I found the channel .. .
Thank you very much for this review. I have had hair loss since my late teens and always had the Mickey taken out of me for years. I so wish I had known about Keeps then, perhaps I would not have had a bad time in my 20s, but I eventually found a girl that liked thin hair and audio. Now I'm in to my 50s and things are so much worse, that massive shiny gap between my ears must cause reflections in the higher frequencies, so thanks again i will be in touch with keeps to see if they do a hi Res version as my DSP software is having serious problems. Oh, on a side note the rest of your review was also good and I would love a McIntosh
"Worth the cost?". No. The law of diminishing returns. It does retain its value on the used market tho because it also adheres to the law of " the more you pay, the more its worth".
It never occurred to me that some people wouldn't like the looks of these. The green lettering, blue meters, and chrome highlighted knobs are by far the most iconic look in audio. That look has been around almost as long as a Porsche 356/911.
I don’t recall ever seeing McIntosh products before I started watching these types of UA-cam videos, so I also have no nostalgia for the brand at all. I don’t know if they just weren’t a thing here in Europe? But as good as it may be technically, I don’t think I’ll ever like their design language at all. Most definitely not for me.
Well yeah, everybody wants their audio stuff to look pretty, but at some point it becomes "audio jewelry" and that's just damn silly. MAC always hit me like †hat. My first commnent audio for "dentists" is what the Mgr. of Graham Electronics in Glendale Mall, in Idpls. Ind called it in the early 70's, He had more respect for vintage Marantz gear.
Something I forgot to add way back, MAC used to have"clinics" where you bring your gear in and get it tested. The MAC engineers ware amazed at a 50 watt Kenwood integrated for 250.00 measured so great, as good as any MAC!!
I have the Mac 7200 and it is fantastic. I play vinyl on it with a VPI prime turntable through mid 80s Klipschorns with rebuilt crossovers. Vinyl + McIntosh + K Horns = Magical
I've had mac and got to say I've also had much much cheaper that sounded much better then mac.its all in the individuals hearing.mac to me is way over priced
Way to complicated for me personally. I have never been impressed by the sound of McIntosh. I have heard it outperformed by Harmon kardon and sansui not to mention some real high end amplifiers like boulder , pass audio, and so many others.
Agreed, their amps are quantity over quality in terms of power. They do generally have an impressive bottom end but lack refinement everywhere else. A very commercial sound. And I personally don't find the build quality very good at all either. Yes they're very heavy and built like a tank. But the details like the knops are plastic and feel cheap, and the knob feel is probably the worst on the market. And i hate the plastic remote. Though i have to say not everything they make is bad. We have the big MC1502 tube amp at the store i used to work and i was very impressed by it. Despite being a tube it had that thunderous low end yet the tubes brought life and refinement to the mix.
@@svenmuilwijk9952 so honestly I have not heard their tube stuff. But the solid state stuff has never impressed me the speaker cabinets looked like they were nice furniture but the other systems in that store I really liked music reference, audio research idk just a thought.
As a European I don't get the "It's American Made" thing. I don't care where it is made. As long as it is the best for the money I am able to spent. I have listened to several brands including McIntosh and I really liked the sound of it. But it is not something I can afford. The price of the Mac is around the total money I am able and willing to spend on my complete stereo setup. As far as I know and experienced I am thinking of buying a combination of Hegel amp and Kef speakers. Not American made at all but still good in my humble opinion. I would love to hear your thoughts on Hegel and Kef combo. I would like to see your opinion on for example Hegel, Kef, Avantgarde Acoustics and other non american brands. I watch this channel especially for the american brands reviews because It's harder for me to check them out irl. It would be nice to know how to compare them with other well known brands from across the globe.
There's a couple reasons why: 1. There's the belief that if it's American made, it's higher quality. There is some truth to that when you look at different product markets, but I think the #1 reason is it shows it not made in China who is typically known for cheap products and cutting corners to promote lower costs. 2. Support your own country's economy, "buy local". I'm sure this is the same in many countries around the world, but it's being pushed in America as we import almost everything. Our local businesses have been dying out over the past few decades because of Walmart and Amazon. It's bad. 3. Some people just think everything American is the best, so they just want to CUZ 'MURICA!!
Mac prices are probably sky high over seas as they are high even in the US. Some goes for Focal speakers in the USA, they are very expensive compared to French prices. Anyway I own a Mac MC462 and while good you are paying a lot do the style and looks but I was ok with that.
18:50 lol, "Even Ford has come out with an electric vehicle"..................... UPDATE 2024; Hertz is dumping 20,000 EV's 'cause no one rents 'em, Ford dealers are losing a fortune on carrying costs 'cause no one buys 'em and McIntosh is NOT getting $7,500 each minimum in tax payer subsidies. Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
I sell McIntosh products and own a couple of their pieces myself (MC207 and MHA100). I tell customers they are our best, however if you want 95% of the performance at a 3rd the price they can look at Rotel and Arcam's amps. They're ugly black/gray boxes but sound great.
Are you sure you’re selling McIntosh products? It seems to me you’re selling Rotel, Arcam, etc. As others have mentioned, McIntosh holds their value (and many time increases it), often has greater ‘flexibility’ (sometimes less), looks and sounds impressive. The items I’ve listed are known as ‘selling points,’ you should use them before adding, “Or you could settle for something not as handsome, or impressive, that sounds almost as good, that won’t last nearly as long, may not be supported in your country, but will save you a lot of money today. But if you and your customers are all about making a buck or saving a buck, I’ll see you both coming out of Walmart soon. I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be cruel, but I own a McIntosh product, and I was sold for all reasons I listed above.
@@jeremiahchamberlin4499 You're not coming across "cruel", you're coming across naive. I did say that you can get similar audio performance from those other units, and yeah, i sell all three. I too own 2 McIntosh products and like them very much but I get them at a significant discount that the average consumer doesn't. If you're buying Mac gear at full price you will not ever resell them for that same price or higher unless it's some limited edition or rare piece. If your goal is to build your sound system around performance for the dollar you'll get more run from one of the other brands. If your goal is to impress people with pretty blue meters and green "McIntosh" logos at 3 x the price then by all means buy the Mac. To say the Arcam/Rotel owner is a Walmart customer is like saying the guy that opted for the BMW instead of the Ferrari is cheap. Sorry if i offended you. At the end of the day these are stereo components, not members of your family.
McIntosh is worth EVERY penny. When I got my stuff about 15 years ago I was blown away at the difference I was hearing from my music. Never going back!
I have a McIntosh MA5300 which I'm using in a 10 x 10 den. I cannot justify to anyone WHY I sprang for this Amp....EXCEPT back in 1958 I wandered into one of those new stereo component salons (which were brand new at the time) and made the mistake of wandering into a demo room with a wall of blue meters. So a little over a year ago I took the dive. I think I decided to buy a McIntosh in 2021...in 1958. What I heard back then was a "gotta have" kind of experience. But McIntosh price tags are not about instant gratification...so it took me the intervening 60+ years to get up the courage to do it. I think my amp has most of the characteristics (to my ears) that Andrew describes...but mine has Bluetooth (which doesn't get used a lot)...phono capability (which does get used) and a DAC DA1. I have a lot of 24bit/96Khz recordings which I play from my other MacIntosh which is set up to put out that level of resolution. The front panel of the McIntosh shows me when the input is 96Khz. Is it worth it? Heqq, I don't know...but it was a 60 year life goal (bucket list item if you will) and I'm comfortable that that has been achieved and that I have the best, for me, there ever was. Oh, and I do like the McIntosh classic iconic LOOK.
Wow this was great. Growing up my dad would always talk about McIntosh amps and how beautiful they were as well as Dynaco amps. I believe their following is due to McIntosh’s ability to withstand the test of time. Their commitment to sound reproduction and build quality is second to none. I knew that Kristi would not like the Big Blue meters 😂😂😂. So with that being said Andrew, I don’t think that Kristi would have a McIntosh product in your living space no matter how great it sounds. Lol. Be well.
@cpa889900 First, I want to say "Welcome". It's always nice to see other women chime in and be a part of this hobby. Second, your "I clean" comment made me laugh so hard. I cannot heart it enough.
Say what you will. I own since the late 80's at 7270 and C29. Both units to this day are just fantastic. Not only that, I paid about $2400 for the amp and 1800 for the C29. The amp today is worth about $3500 and the C29 about 2100. In fact Mc will give you 75% of its value today based upon the original purchase price. Furthermore, 34 years later I can still get the unit serviced by Mc or one of its dealers. I doubt you can say that about an amp or pre-amp booth 34 years ago. There is considerable value in owning a MC
I have always said, "Those who cut down McIntosh, never owned McIntosh." Simple as that...look at its history, it even survived a Japan company ownership. Best amp? MC352, MC75 (later addition), I had a MC2255 and talk about endless power!!!! I had a set of B&W 801 series 2.....Best amp and speaker combo I ever had. There are so many!!! I guess there is no "best" amp.
Part of the McIntosh design is that their stuff works, from any era, looks like it goes together. I have zero problem with them keeping to their exterior design aesthetics. If you want something that looks more "modern" or "forward thinking" buy that other thing...you just aren't getting a McIntosh and 20-years from now, that other thing will probably be on the heap of outdated things while the McIntosh will continue to chug along being great.
Well, they have been building them in Binghampton, NY for a damn long time, but so has Audio Research, probably longer for MAC, they are legacy audio Co.s I don't know how "cutting edge" and a bit on the stodgy side. There all will be the latest greatest but most people do not realize how much groundwork was laid by Bell Labs in the 30's and as they say there's nothing new under the sun
Patrick Stewart would like a word with your advertiser. I've been in the Patrick Stewart camp (the bald one, not the sexy one) for over 30 years, so thanks for marking where the next chapter starts. If it helps you get into a new house, keep 'em coming! Thanks for this Mac review. I'll put it on my "if I win the lottery" list.
For me, a couple of things in favor of this amp over the others.. 1. Value retention. 2. Serviceability 3. Purely for Kristie.. you can actually get one. Lol
So appreciate the thoughtful reviews you guys do. I'm probably like a majority of folks out there that browse products at the level McIntosh, then look at the price tag and go "JFC...". Nice to live vicariously through you guys and see a great explanation, analysis, etc. Maybe when I win the lottery...
Just wanted to say I really appreciate this channel and all the information you put into each video. Helped me pick out my first turntable and a stereo setup for it. Knew nothing about the world of audio when I started watching. Thanks!
I recently demo'd a McIntosh MA12000 and an Accuphase E5000. Both are integrated amps and both are unique and gorgeous and both have their own sound signature and both sound awesome. To me the McIntosh MA12000 was more full, musical and extremely engaging. The Accuphase sounded a little too thin.
I have two units. An older MA6500 and a newer C2500 paired with primaluna monoblocks and both are exceptional. I’ve had BAT, simaudio, and PS audio and I prefer the McIntosh sound.
Great review the ending where you say you miss it and laugh reminds me of me asking my wife indirectly to please let me buy it and then just like Kristi, my wife is like “moving on.” 😂
Absolutely worth the money!!! After years of owning other very good amps & preamps, I went for McIntosh! C2700 preamp MC312 amp! Stunning sound! Incredible flexibility of inputs & outputs & external control inputs! DAC is fabulous as well!
Hi Andrew and Kristi; I just finished watching your review of the Mac 7200 and you posed the question about the best amp Mac ever produced. I sold Mcintosh for 25 years and brought home tons of it (both figurative and literal 🙂). I was a long time B&O seller too and have the same affinity for them you do, but I digress. In my opinion, the best amp they ever produced was the MC 2500. Though their tube amps sounded wonderful, there was nothing - and I mean NOTHING the 2500 couldn't drive - and do it effortlessly. Inefficient speakers? No worries, use the Mac, you'd torch the speakers before it broke a sweat. Low impedance? It had you covered as you could practically play a dead short. I think people miss the point of an heirloom quality piece of electronics. Their amps are the type you buy once, then move on with your life. When your life is done, rest assured your offspring will be enjoying it long after your gone. There is something to be said for that kind of longevity. When all is said and done, how much quieter can an amp or pre-amp be than dead silent between tracks? How much better can an amp be than effortless under any condition? those days are behind me now but I still feel a warm tingle every time I see blue meters. I do wish you two would reconsider the 7200 as a permanent reference. I'd love watching your reviews knowing it wasn't the amp - it was never the amp. You could always slap some doors on the cabinet, add a remote repeater, hand Kristi the remote - blue and green issues resolved 🙂
Beautiful sound and beautiful looks. Reminds me of a 2021 Lamborghini Countach. Yeah it’s sexy as hell and has that “IT” factor, but what are you really buying at $3 million dollars? I will stick with my Onkyo/Polk setup and continue to drive my Ford Mustang GT.
Not commenting on sound because I’ve never heard one, but I will comment on style😬 Their logo....well it’s practically gothic, I’m not a fan. Big blue VU meters.... ok, I love blue as a colour, but blue light especially at night with less than perfect eyesight can be problematic. Just too jarring....much prefer warm colour....which also helps keep your night vision. Mind you my old Sansui AU 417 has no meters at all, so operating that at night in subdued lighting ( my preferred listening environment ) is akin to being a Pinball Wizard.....it’s all done by touch! 😉 Happy Days 😁🙏
There will always be a segment of the population that does not want Bluetooth. No one in their right mind believes that any configuration of Bluetooth will sound as good as tradition forms of signal delivery. Not everyone who buys this McIntosh is rich and it will be a stretch for a lot of consumers, and so rather than cut corners McIntosh does not include the inferior BT. I think that this is a wise move on their part. A lot of manufacturers will throw the kitchen sink with their products. McIntosh has never done this, and this is in keeping with their tried and trued formula of success.
I think unlike most other non-all-in-one McIntosh products, this one will not hold its value so well. Anyone agree with me? This will never be a sought after collector’s piece.
I started selling McIntosh in the late 80's. When I first heard it, I knew I wanted to buy one and bought the 7280 receiver. THIRTY years after buying it, McIntosh ran a special and gave me full MSRP on a trade in. I now own the MA 7900 integrated amp which is spectacular. McIntosh does not pay publications to tout their products which is one of the reasons it gets panned by a few "audiophiles". I'll put any MAC amp up against anything within double it's price.
My father was a Mac guy, had a MC 225 tube amp that went bad, we living in NY drove it to the factory to get it repaired. It was sent back in a month, and it looked like a brand new amp. Everything was perfect. And the price was reasonable considering. The quality of the equipment is the best there is, and it’s American made. If I could afford it I would have Mac equipment.
Someday I would like to own a Mcintosh integrated amp and some killer speakers. Hopefully this bucket list will be completed before I pass away. I’m now 55
I’m 54 and just ordered my new Sonus Faber Sonetto 3’s yesterday. They’ll be here in a few weeks. I’ll hook them up to my Technics amp that I’ve enjoyed for the last 30 years and then set my sights on a Mac a few years down the road.
I was a field service engineer in the 1970's & did contract work for a Seattle electronics service organization, and never had a problem with the support McIntosh supplied!
Andrew, a point you nearly missed, and only because a camera pan clearly showed them, was the inclusion of autoformers used on the outputs of the power amp sections. Maybe because you didn’t want to get bogged down into an electrical engineering lesson but there are actually two McIntosh solid state power amp “sounds”: those Mac power amps using autoformers, and those that don’t, such as their entry level MAC5200. You perfectly described the sound of Mac solid state amps that use the autoformers and yeah, a Mac autoformer-equipped SS amp will sound great with any speaker which is a boon to us who may want to change speakers every year or two. You know, some enterprising loudspeaker company should begin to LEASE high end speakers. Just like you can lease a BMW or a Ford every 2-3 years, why not lease a pair of Magico’s or whatever brand for a couple years? And you can’t drive a Klipsch into a tree.
I have had many amplifiers (tube and SS) and 4 years ago I tested my first Mcintosh in my house and since then I became a mcintosh “audio” lover, I said “audio” because my opinion it is only based on the sound performance. I just love the balance of MC sound between warm, detailed, dinamics, grip, euphonics, soundstage, pace and rhythm! Sometimes It is not the best in some of these features, but overall it have it all in my personal preference mix of prefered sound. Also it is very kind with my less than perfect recordings which are sometimes very normal in most rock, classical, pop and jazz music. I don’t need an audio system able to show the best of perfectly recorder music that is produced only for audiophiles, I need something that can give me the best of the music I like, regardless of how good that music was produced.
I don’t see why you’d need or want WiFi or Bluetooth - it’s introducing unnecessary extra electric fields that will have to be shielded, or affect the sound, even if barely perceptively. Of course, a Macintosh is an order of magnitude out of my price range, but I just like the fact that it exists. Maybe someday.
🔥Thanks to Keeps for supporting the channel! For more info: keeps.com/AndrewRobinson
✅ *GET THE MAC HERE: **bit.ly/3Gm2z86*
★ *QOTD: What’s the best McIntosh amp ever made? Is the brand deserving of its audiophile praise?*
★ *RULES: Please be respectful. NO OUTSIDE LINKS, URLs, email addresses, etc.*
♥️💝💘👍💘💝♥️
🔊India🇮🇳Kerala🔊
I know McIntosh is well known for quality and their tube amps . I just ordered the ma252 , this will be my first Mac . Hopefully it’ll will match my Bowers and Wilkins 702 s2 .
Andrew , will you pair this amp with the 702 s2 signature? I know those are very difficult speaker and having the right amp to create synergy is a must.
MC3500 (original) - just because of its Woodstock heritage. The Mac Amp Jerry Garcia used (MC2300) and the Grateful Dead used for the Wall of Sound comes in a close second.
@@pierre-philippejulien6298 Not Andrew but this amp would likely a great pairing. As for the MA252, not sure that would be a good pairing based on the power/ohm performance.
Imagine buying this thing to LISTEN TO FM RADIO.
Your comment made me laugh. I've been thinking that very thing. I'd prefer the MA7200 integrated amp myself as I do no radio listening outside of my car.
Nice equipment out there now,just need some musicians making some music,get tired of listening to old music
Imagine buying this beast to listen to anything,oh mummy yes,yes,yes!
I almost cried when I heard FM radio!
Yes ‼️ 🎶📺 currently using Bluesound NODE thru McIntosh MC162 for local KPOO KALW KALX. 7200 will be much better than iNet... Then M10v2 for Tidal etc. 📺🎸😜🙋
I really should watch this videos to the end.
Did Kristi really suggest adding bluetooth to a $7500 McIntosh amplifier? That would be like Tesla adding a hole in the floor of their cars so you could drive them like Fred Flintstone
I think an interesting comparison to the 7200 would be the Hegel H390. 250 wpc of good clean power, inky black background, well dampened bass, killer DAC, etc.
Does it weigh 100 lbs though?!
@@xorbitman Ha! The H390 is a respectable 44 lbs.
Hi, ever look inside a Hegel? It is a living nightmare the way that everything is crammed in the box!!! Sounds good yes, quality not so much!
I'm wondering the same thing. I cant decide on the h390 or the 7200.
I could care less about all the negative comments about McIntosh. I love my McIntosh system and, “ You’ll have tear it away from my cold dead hands.” Best money I’ve ever spent.
bias you will not hear the difference between a mac and cheaper good amp unless you are a dog. Spending money on things you physically can not hear is a waste.
@@ChickenPermissionOG Your opinion. It’s not a waste when one spends their hard earned money on something they wanted and enjoy on a daily basis.Besides I said I love my McIntosh system. Never made any claim as to what brand of amps sounds better or don’t.
@@pf5658 never said they could spend their money on things they can not hear but go ahead and put more words in my mouth. Never said you did.
I've been wanting one forever. Regardless of what people say sound is very subjective people that love Macintosh and the way they sound you're not going 2 Change on mind. I haven't heard a product better sounding at the price range the only things I've ever heard better is if you get into something like a very high amp like one of the old Mark Levinson or D'Agostino. I honestly don't hold this guy's opinions very highly anyway he also didn't like the way my Bowers and Wilkins sound either
@@mzondi1970 no clue who you even are. You want to was money on circuitry that you can not physically hear more power to you, but you know that old saying a fool and their money.
Personally I think bluetooth cheapens a product and HDMI is for AV use only. I have never expected nor wanted any of my two channel gear to have it. The HT bypass is a nice feature for those who want to integrate their 2 channel and multi channel systems without adding a bunch of extra circuitry to the McIntosh
Audio snob...
@@xorbitman nah he has a point. Bluetooth is already outdated LE Bluetooth is out now & that shod take over shortly.
Hi Andrew, as a proud owner of the MAC7200 I was happy and surprised to see your review of McIntosh equipment. Over the 40 years that been into audio equipment I’ve owned all types of high end (Audio Research, Bryston, Conrad Johnson, Krell, Meridian, Peachtree Audio, and several others) amplifiers.
However, I can truly say that the MAC7200 is the best sounding Integrated Amplifier that I’ve ever owned. Like you I also own the Klipsch Forte IV and the MAC7200 takes their sound to another level. But it wasn’t until last night when I decided to hook up the MAC7200 to an older pair Martin Logan’s that I realized it’s a very special piece of audio equipment!!! Yes the MAC7200 is big/heavy and expensive but it’s worth every penny. Also, the less expensive MA5300 is great sounding Integrated Amplifier.
Lastly, McIntosh is probably the only audio equipment that holds its value and in some cases appreciates over the years. Thanks again for you and Kristi’s great reviews. Anthony
Not overrated, just overpriced.
Andrew = hair like Stalin. Great video, thanks. Makes me very curious to try in my home. Currently running Decware Zen UFO2 and Forte III and love it.
I look at McIntosh audio equipment in the same light that I look at the Porsche 911. Aside from both being out of my price range, they are both what I want. Are there better for the money? Subjectively, yes. But, I know both the McIntosh and the Porsche 911 will be sublime because they are remarkable examples of their type and they are what I want.
McIntosh is one of those brands that the audio haters love to hate kind of like they love to hate Klipsch. Most of them have never heard a McIntosh product but they are certain it sucks just like they have never heard a Klipsch Heritage line product properly set up but are also certain it sucks. People who don't have a dog in the fight and are willing to give Mac's a listen almost always love the sound. For some reason since Hegel has become a well known name the audio haters love to boast of the Hegel amps they don't own and have never heard but are certain sound better than anything else on the market. Oh, you have an Audiolab amp? That's cute, my imaginary Hegel is better. What are you, like nine years old? It's the same sort of thing that happened when Andrew Jones became a household name. Suddenly people wanted to name drop Andrew Jones as if knowing his name made them somehow more astute and credible audiophiles. And, of course, their Elac speakers were obviously superior because, ahem, Andrew Jones designed them, don't you know. Here's the truth. McIntosh makes great products. Whether you will personally like the sound or not is anyone's guess. Listen and decide for yourself. Hegel makes good products. Whether you will personally like the sound or not is anyone's guess. Listen and decide for yourself. Klipsch makes good products. Whether you will personally like the sound or not is anyone's guess. Listen and decide for yourself. Andrew Jones is a good speaker designer but whether you will personally like the sound of his products is anyone's guess. Listen and decide for yourself. I hope you see where I'm going with this. If not there's a pretty well known guy in the audio review business who likes to say that the only person who has to like the sound of your system is you. Can't think of his name to drop right this moment but it'll come to me. And before you pretend that your system is obviously superior to someone else's, remember what the Dude had to say, "that's just, like, uh, your opinion, man."
I agree with everything you said. People hate just to hate. They think its below them. I just don’t understand. I love Klipsch and McIntosh just to thumb my nose at those people. Just like Ford and Chevy haters. It’s just silly. Both Klipsch and McIntosh have been around since the late FORTIES, AND STILL GOING!! If you choose to snub your nose at that longevity then so be it. It’s just silly really. People speak with having never heard. I don’t understand that thinking.
Further more….. rather than just blindly dislike a company because it seems to be the cool thing to do, as if your in high school, put your money where you’re mouth is, buy the gear, try it out for more than eight hours then make an educated decision rather than just flapping your gums for the sake of doing so caus your sitting at a keyboard or the like.
"Oh, you have an Audiolab amp? That's cute, my imaginary Hegel is better." -- comment gold 😂
Most people who dislike McIntosh really mean they cannot afford one. If you spend any real time with a McIntosh in your listening room it will not be leaving anytime soon. I have had 2 in mine for the past 15 years.
I hope McIntosh never redesign the looks of their amps.
Yes McIntosh make great amps, but for half the price you can get the very capable, high damping factor, Hegel 390 which will certainly match the Mac for speaker driving ability. I thought that would be a telling comparison.
Also, regarding the QOTD, I am a Mac owner, and have also owned Sansui and two different NAD receiver/ integrated amps. The McIntosh Amps I’ve owned are the 70’s MC2100 - passed down to me from my Uncle, passed down from me to my son, and still “commanding woofers” like a mini substation. Next for me came the MC352. This was a late 90’s amp that was purchased NOS in 2010. It was more refined than the 2100, and it too was a sound revolution for my system. I’m now running an MC462 and it seemingly combines the best qualities of both predecessor amps. It has scary-articulate bass, fantastic clarity, and extremely present mids. No regrets - at age 60, this may be my last amp. Is it worth the money? Clearly, it is not at face value the champion of sound quality per dollar spent. Exaggerating the point, the first NAD I owned - the 3020 - purchased for $220 in 1980 probably can’t be beat for value. But going to the other end of the scale, the MC462 just takes your sound enjoyment to another level. Something to consider with McIntosh, that even elevates it above many other high-end brands, is resale value. If you buy Mac and later decide you don’t like it fir some reason, or more likely, want to move on up in the line, you will recover a much more substantial percentage of your initial investment than you will with most other brands. Also, it is built to last generations (this applies to McIntosh with the stainless steel bases - less so to units with black painted metal bases) and does in fact last generations - usefully.
Exactly!! Amen brother!
I have a Macintosh Ma6100 amp bought in 1974 for 649.00. It is still in daily use today, handles high resolution music files with ease, and HAS NEVER BEEN SERVICED. YES, MACS ARE WORTH EVERY PENNY
So is 1978 my grandmother $99 stereo from Sears.
You dond judge Chevy for what they make in 70's.
Oh really? An amp you bought in 1974 handles Hi-Res music files? That's interesting.....
@@electrolytics easily. I hook up my astell&kern kann alpha to it and it's pure joy.
How can the original capacitors last so long?
I'm willing to bet that a large number of McIntosh naysayers here have never heard one. Also willing to bet that the vast majority have never owned one let alone A/B compared with the supposedly superior alternative.
Granted I only heard one very expensive Mac system but it was awful. Never want one, never have one.....even if given to me.
@@trallfraz okay
You are correct sir. I have a Mac 2200 that was purchased 40 years ago and will power a football stadium with sound.
Respect to Kristi but the McIntosh look should never change. Never. I own Buchardts A500 so obviously I am forward thinking but if I ever see McIntosh looking like a Uniti Atom I will cry real tears.
I've had a new 2017 C7 corvette in stickshift at 48, I'm 55 now.
I got into hifi in the last 2 years (my music system is $12k), yet the McIntosh C49 doesn't sound any better than my Parasound 2100 preamp at 12x the price. Mac just looks nicer, but that's up to you to decide if $6k is worth it to you, it's NOT worth it for me. So I returned my McIntosh C49 and I got even better sound on other components and accessories.
I would say that the McIntosh is more like a Porsche 911 which has a more prestigious badge than my Corvette but doesn't perform any better, just like McIntosh doesn't perform any better than my Parasound.
-----
streaming = Apple Music lossless
The first time I heard a Macintosh system, I knew I would own one someday. Years later, my music room has two Mc275's, a C2700 and a MT5. (I recently sold my MR88. Great product, but I didn't use it much). The joy that this system gives me is hard to explain.
If I had money to burn I would give it a try…but 7 grand is a clear message to the blue collar working class imho…it says “you ain’t never gonna own one of these, mfs”…
don't worry, aside from the BS prestige factor you aren't missing anything, unless weak bass is a positive. None of the Mac stereo amps can match Krell, Bryston or Hypex for bass. Oh, we need hear the Mac mono amps? Nope, same sound on bigger scale.
Thank you…👏🏻⭐️
@@herrtrigger7220 More than likely your less than stellar speakers. My Mac Amps have a metric ton of bass, I would say its a strong point.
@@herrtrigger7220It’s a positive for me, as I’ve gotten older I appreciate the bass-liteness of Grado or Audio-Technica headphones for instance. I’m not 16 anymore blaring Dr. Dre & pissing off the neighbors. Give me more treble and sparkly highs.
I can't vouch for the latest generation of McIntosh products. However, McIntosh established its reputation in the fifties and sixties with their "amplifier clinics". If, for example, you had a Mac amp that needed a new set of tubes and brought the amp to one of their clinics, they GAVE you a new set of tubes! Talk about customer support, WOW! (Their rationale, BTW, was that if you had guests over, they wanted to have them hear their amps at their best. That, along with their "Sherman tank-like construction" is why Mac equipment is so expensive and has such high resale value.
And, yes, MADE IN USA🇺🇸
Plain and simple, I paid for the iconic meters. I was a deadhead in the 70s, following them around concert to concert. I loved that wall of amps. Vowed to own one some day. Two years ago I bought the MC462, a 400wpc stereo amp. Is it the best amp there is? No clue because I’ve not owned better. But I love listening to it and looking at it. Perhaps not in that order.
Great answer. I think there is almost a built in reasoning as to why some of these products fascinate us so much. I have a Galaga machine in my basement becsue I swore I would have my own one day becaue it was my favorite video game. Just for a few minutes every now and then I am back in 1982. I went on the road to see the Dead a time or two. It's even hard to explain what that was like to younger people and maybe to myself if I want to admit it
Honest answer.
Just got a MC2105 at an estate sale, running it through the preamp puts on the T778(bought after seeing your review:). That McIntosh sound is the GOAT, especially with Dirac room correction! I’m a mac stan for life
The GRATFULL DEAD made MCINTOSCH legend. Their WALL OF SOUND powered by these monster amplifiers was truly epic. If you are interested in rock history, read up on ‘’THE WALL OF SOUND’’. I am personally incapable of putting into words how earth shattering that moment in history was.
I saw the Grateful Dead with their wall of sound at Freedom Hall in Louisville Kentucky 6/18/74. There are absolutely no words to describe that musical and sonic experience. Nothing, absolutely nothing, can ever match the sound that night.
I would be interested in you reviewing Luxman L-509X it's around the same price.
My gear is the best and everyone else's gear sucks!!!! Give me a break. We all have different preferences and price points. As long as you like what you have then enjoy the music. I've owned many brands over the years and some were clearly not good, but that means not good for me. I loved my Kenwood integrated amp when I was a private in the Army but that's what I could afford then. I can definitely tell you that my current set up far exceeds the sound quality of the system I had as a private in the Army years ago. Listen on my friends and enjoy the music.
McIntosh is absolutely worth it!!!
Expensive yes!!! What you get is engineering at the highest of levels! Style is amazing & built in house USA!
Just discovered your channel. Very nice production value. Very approachable manner of explaining the tech to someone like me.
There are two different positions:
a) "how do I get the best sound for the least money?" , and
b) "I have money to burn, what is the nicest I can get for it?"
If the answer is
a) get a handwired tubeamp with autobias, if the answer is
b) get Mcintosh gear
Ricardo Montleban tells you about rich Corinthian leather. THD? Noise floor? IM distortion? Damping Factor? Power consumption, even?
I have had the 7200 for a couple of years now and there is nothing else for me. It's a beast and drives a pair of thirty speakers without missing a beat!! I have wanted to own a Mac for 50 years and now have it! Hey Andrew let the hair go, bald is beautiful and saves on shampoo. Bald is a more advanced life form and yes the next iteration of the human race, we are just generations ahead!
I've owned various Mcintosh gear for 30 years and yes it is very expensive but I have no regrets. The big bold sound stage that's so lush is hard to beat. Tube or solid state the sound is there. It's not for everyone that's for sure. My current lineup. 2 MC 601 Mono Blocks. C1100 p which is a 2 box tube preamp. For digital the D1100 Dac preamp. It will be the last Dac I buy because I don't think digital can can get any. better. Streaming internet radio via Sonos the sound is amazing. My high end streamer Aurender N10 high Rez files sound as good as vinyl!
Great review I love my MAC7200, which is driving a pair of XR50 as my back speakers and the MAC7200 second output to a pair of MC611s driving a pair of XR100 for my primary speakers. Really enjoy McIntosh!
I been a Mac lover for 30-40 years. I finally got my dream set up 20 years ago after many different systems, I will never change a thing now except for new processors some day. Keep in mind it's a system and everything has to work together to get the most perfect sound. Also keep in mind one big thing, when the day comes to sell some of your Mac gear for whatever reason, you will be very happy at how much more it's worth than any other brand of the same size and age. Quality gear made in American is still worth a lot.
MC-600 amp - MX-152 - Oppo 4K BRP 7ch. processor - Mac Academy 360's, and surrounds. Wire World cables and wires everywhere really made a big difference.
All my neighbors listen to Steely Dan... Whether they want to or not.
My grandfather bought a used McIntosh system in either the late 60’s or early 70’s. That baby works like a charm and hasn’t been sent in ever.
when you read the comments here, you can tell who can't afford it and haven't even listened to them because of that fact. I don't want bragging rights, I don't care what anyone thinks of what I have.
$7500 is quite a hurdle for us 'norms' to pay for a two-channel anything.
That's a Hundred dollars a pound.
Would love to see your review of the Hegel H390 and compared to the other amps mentioned here
Yes - Really hoping you will do a review on the Hegel 390!!!
I LOVE my Hegel 390! Would be super curious to see how Andrew and Kristi think it stands up to these.
Thanks for the review! McIntosh equipment has and will never be in my budget so I couldn't say what is my favorite piece of gear from that company.
McIntosh=Ferrari as they are both well respected prestigious brands with pretentious clients that brag about the emotional sensations of sound, responsiveness, and luxury. Surely there are more expensive boutique brands that few people know about like D'Agostino comparing to Bugatti and there are cheaper amps with better performance like Kristy said of the Music Fidelity at lower cost which may compare to Lamborghini. And then there are more accessible brands like Yamaha which may perform great by metrics but can never be a McIntosh just like a Chevy will never be a Ferrari, no matter how fast that new ZR1 is.
Let's face it. It's a quality brand for people who have money. Probably 75% love it and can afford it/justify it and 25% want bragging rights. All high end brands are like this. I wanted it when I was 14. At 58, I can easily afford it, but now think it is a vanity buy, as I cannot detect the difference other than "feel". Midwest practical in me would rather get really good at much less cost..... For anyone mature, pass no judgement, buy what you can afford and what makes YOU happy. If you can hear the difference, truly hear it, you are gifted. For the rest of us, buy what sounds good for the buck, spend the remaining on other hobbies.....
Agree. It’s more of a legacy status piece now and Gen Z etc couldn’t give a shit less about McIntosh. It’s like a Rolex. Classic time piece but a digital watch doesn’t need to be wound or rotated and keeps more accurate time than the Rolex. Same with McIntosh. There’s better for cheaper.
There is a lot better gear out there for less money.
To Kristi, Mcintosh CANNOT be lighter and smaller because ALL Mcintosh Amps come with THREE ( x 3) huge transformers and at least 2 x large heatsink for each of the final stage output amplifier modules. The main transformer is for the AC to DC power conversion and the other two transformers are for Left and Right channels (AUTOFORMERS). The main AC/DC transformer guarantees sufficient if not surplus amperage draw from 6 or 12 transistors (depending on wattage) per channel. For instance, the MC602 comes with 2 x paralleled 12 transistors for a total of 24 transistors (push/pull - Class A/B) per channel and outputs 600 watt per channel (2~8 ohms) to accommodate higher amperage draw from 4~2 ohm speakers. That's a whopping 600 + 600 watts per channel at the final stage! The output power signal of one channel is then wired to the Autoformer which allows impedance matching of various impedance (2~8 Ohms) speakers with the amp. Unlike other amps, the output stays at 600 watt per channel disregarding the speaker impedance.
I have been using Mcintosh amps since 1990's and it is a blessing that until today Mcintosh still persists in using proprietory thick wire gauge transformers and autoformers. If Mcintosh ever decides to give up on its Class A/B amplification and downgrade its heritage to Class D, that's the time when you will see smaller and lighter amps but until then we are blessed with its heritage.
Just a quick note, I've completed the full modification on two of my Mcintosh amp (MC7300 and MC602) and got to tell you, disregarding the cost, the only parts that cannot be sourced and replaced are the main transformer and the L/R channel autoformer. Even Mcintosh and Audio Classics don't stock them any longer. The rest of the parts were purchased from Taiwan local vintage parts collectors including (Motorola/Toshiba/Sanyo) transistors that were made in the 90's. For all that said, the main AC transformer and L/R autoformers are the heart of Mcintosh, without these heavy duty transformers, Mcintosh is just another transistor amplifier manufacturer like Sony, Denon, Pioneer etc. (If you know how transistor amps works, you will understand what I'm talking about.)
I don't own any McIntosh equipment, but when my wife goes to the mall, I always go over to the Best Buy nearby to listen to whatever Mac they have with the B&W 803 D4 speakers. I like just about any music, but listening to Ella or Miles or even Lady Gaga is just about as good as anything as you can imagine. Once in a while, I'll even listen to some opera recording just to hear the violas and french horns ... I don't consider myself an "audiophile" because I really can't afford it, but I have always picked my speakers using a recording with a piano. It seems to me that a piano is just about the hardest music to replicate, and the closer to a piano sound a speaker can make, the better the speaker. And it always comes down to spending $20k+ for those B&W speakers, or staying married HAHA
Which McIntosh would you choose ? MA 8900 or MAC 7200 ? Thanks !!!
Mr. Robinson is one of the best reviewers on YOU TUBE . His easy going style with a way of reporting the information one wants in a product. So glad I found the channel .. .
Thank you so much Tim. We're glad you found us too!
Thank you very much for this review. I have had hair loss since my late teens and always had the Mickey taken out of me for years. I so wish I had known about Keeps then, perhaps I would not have had a bad time in my 20s, but I eventually found a girl that liked thin hair and audio.
Now I'm in to my 50s and things are so much worse, that massive shiny gap between my ears must cause reflections in the higher frequencies, so thanks again i will be in touch with keeps to see if they do a hi Res version as my DSP software is having serious problems.
Oh, on a side note the rest of your review was also good and I would love a McIntosh
"Worth the cost?". No. The law of diminishing returns. It does retain its value on the used market tho because it also adheres to the law of " the more you pay, the more its worth".
It never occurred to me that some people wouldn't like the looks of these. The green lettering, blue meters, and chrome highlighted knobs are by far the most iconic look in audio. That look has been around almost as long as a Porsche 356/911.
The best looking Amps on the market...let's not try to understand women. :-)
I don’t recall ever seeing McIntosh products before I started watching these types of UA-cam videos, so I also have no nostalgia for the brand at all. I don’t know if they just weren’t a thing here in Europe? But as good as it may be technically, I don’t think I’ll ever like their design language at all. Most definitely not for me.
Well yeah, everybody wants their audio stuff to look pretty, but at some point it becomes "audio jewelry" and that's just damn silly. MAC always hit me like †hat. My first commnent audio for "dentists" is what the Mgr. of Graham Electronics in Glendale Mall, in Idpls. Ind called it in the early 70's, He had more respect for vintage Marantz gear.
Something I forgot to add way back, MAC used to have"clinics" where you bring your gear in and get it tested. The MAC engineers ware amazed at a 50 watt Kenwood integrated for 250.00 measured so great, as good as any MAC!!
I have the Mac 7200 and it is fantastic. I play vinyl on it with a VPI prime turntable through mid 80s Klipschorns with rebuilt crossovers. Vinyl + McIntosh + K Horns = Magical
I've had mac and got to say I've also had much much cheaper that sounded much better then mac.its all in the individuals hearing.mac to me is way over priced
And the names of those products?
High end American craftsmanship vs Asian mass production will always show the American as being overpriced.
@@LarsonChristopher Simaudio is made in Canada and costs less.
@@LarsonChristopher At these prices we're looking at Japanese hand made gear like Accuphase etc. not exactly mass market/mass production.
Way to complicated for me personally. I have never been impressed by the sound of McIntosh. I have heard it outperformed by Harmon kardon and sansui not to mention some real high end amplifiers like boulder , pass audio, and so many others.
Agreed, their amps are quantity over quality in terms of power. They do generally have an impressive bottom end but lack refinement everywhere else. A very commercial sound. And I personally don't find the build quality very good at all either. Yes they're very heavy and built like a tank. But the details like the knops are plastic and feel cheap, and the knob feel is probably the worst on the market. And i hate the plastic remote.
Though i have to say not everything they make is bad. We have the big MC1502 tube amp at the store i used to work and i was very impressed by it. Despite being a tube it had that thunderous low end yet the tubes brought life and refinement to the mix.
@@svenmuilwijk9952 so honestly I have not heard their tube stuff. But the solid state stuff has never impressed me the speaker cabinets looked like they were nice furniture but the other systems in that store I really liked music reference, audio research idk just a thought.
Not one of the cheapest, but one of the best out there.... you get what you pay for.
As a European I don't get the "It's American Made" thing. I don't care where it is made. As long as it is the best for the money I am able to spent. I have listened to several brands including McIntosh and I really liked the sound of it. But it is not something I can afford. The price of the Mac is around the total money I am able and willing to spend on my complete stereo setup. As far as I know and experienced I am thinking of buying a combination of Hegel amp and Kef speakers. Not American made at all but still good in my humble opinion. I would love to hear your thoughts on Hegel and Kef combo.
I would like to see your opinion on for example Hegel, Kef, Avantgarde Acoustics and other non american brands. I watch this channel especially for the american brands reviews because It's harder for me to check them out irl. It would be nice to know how to compare them with other well known brands from across the globe.
There's a couple reasons why:
1. There's the belief that if it's American made, it's higher quality. There is some truth to that when you look at different product markets, but I think the #1 reason is it shows it not made in China who is typically known for cheap products and cutting corners to promote lower costs.
2. Support your own country's economy, "buy local". I'm sure this is the same in many countries around the world, but it's being pushed in America as we import almost everything. Our local businesses have been dying out over the past few decades because of Walmart and Amazon. It's bad.
3. Some people just think everything American is the best, so they just want to CUZ 'MURICA!!
Mac prices are probably sky high over seas as they are high even in the US. Some goes for Focal speakers in the USA, they are very expensive compared to French prices.
Anyway I own a Mac MC462 and while good you are paying a lot do the style and looks but I was ok with that.
18:50 lol, "Even Ford has come out with an electric vehicle".....................
UPDATE 2024; Hertz is dumping 20,000 EV's 'cause no one rents 'em, Ford dealers are losing a fortune on carrying costs 'cause no one buys 'em and McIntosh is NOT getting $7,500 each minimum in tax payer subsidies.
Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
ROFL............
Plus the Fed Govt. isn't installing millions of new outlets in our houses just so we can plug (the McIntosh) it in!
I sell McIntosh products and own a couple of their pieces myself (MC207 and MHA100). I tell customers they are our best, however if you want 95% of the performance at a 3rd the price they can look at Rotel and Arcam's amps. They're ugly black/gray boxes but sound great.
95% is a bit of a stretch, but overall I agree
Are you sure you’re selling McIntosh products? It seems to me you’re selling Rotel, Arcam, etc. As others have mentioned, McIntosh holds their value (and many time increases it), often has greater ‘flexibility’ (sometimes less), looks and sounds impressive. The items I’ve listed are known as ‘selling points,’ you should use them before adding, “Or you could settle for something not as handsome, or impressive, that sounds almost as good, that won’t last nearly as long, may not be supported in your country, but will save you a lot of money today. But if you and your customers are all about making a buck or saving a buck, I’ll see you both coming out of Walmart soon. I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be cruel, but I own a McIntosh product, and I was sold for all reasons I listed above.
@@jeremiahchamberlin4499 You're not coming across "cruel", you're coming across naive. I did say that you can get similar audio performance from those other units, and yeah, i sell all three. I too own 2 McIntosh products and like them very much but I get them at a significant discount that the average consumer doesn't. If you're buying Mac gear at full price you will not ever resell them for that same price or higher unless it's some limited edition or rare piece. If your goal is to build your sound system around performance for the dollar you'll get more run from one of the other brands. If your goal is to impress people with pretty blue meters and green "McIntosh" logos at 3 x the price then by all means buy the Mac. To say the Arcam/Rotel owner is a Walmart customer is like saying the guy that opted for the BMW instead of the Ferrari is cheap. Sorry if i offended you. At the end of the day these are stereo components, not members of your family.
With very few exceptions, McIntosh holds it's value better than any other name!
McIntosh is worth EVERY penny. When I got my stuff about 15 years ago I was blown away at the difference I was hearing from my music. Never going back!
Agree. Got 2 mono block 611’s and a 5 channel 255 amp for my setup. Looking to get more. Happy 60th birthday gift from me to me. Lol. My best. Dan
I have a McIntosh MA5300 which I'm using in a 10 x 10 den. I cannot justify to anyone WHY I sprang for this Amp....EXCEPT back in 1958 I wandered into one of those new stereo component salons (which were brand new at the time) and made the mistake of wandering into a demo room with a wall of blue meters. So a little over a year ago I took the dive. I think I decided to buy a McIntosh in 2021...in 1958. What I heard back then was a "gotta have" kind of experience. But McIntosh price tags are not about instant gratification...so it took me the intervening 60+ years to get up the courage to do it. I think my amp has most of the characteristics (to my ears) that Andrew describes...but mine has Bluetooth (which doesn't get used a lot)...phono capability (which does get used) and a DAC DA1. I have a lot of 24bit/96Khz recordings which I play from my other MacIntosh which is set up to put out that level of resolution. The front panel of the McIntosh shows me when the input is 96Khz. Is it worth it? Heqq, I don't know...but it was a 60 year life goal (bucket list item if you will) and I'm comfortable that that has been achieved and that I have the best, for me, there ever was. Oh, and I do like the McIntosh classic iconic LOOK.
Congratulations James. Taking a notch off that bucket list always feels good. Best regards
Wow this was great. Growing up my dad would always talk about McIntosh amps and how beautiful they were as well as Dynaco amps. I believe their following is due to McIntosh’s ability to withstand the test of time. Their commitment to sound reproduction and build quality is second to none. I knew that Kristi would not like the Big Blue meters 😂😂😂. So with that being said Andrew, I don’t think that Kristi would have a McIntosh product in your living space no matter how great it sounds. Lol. Be well.
Haha. I said the same thing. Oh no here comes the comments on the physical appearance. I love my meters!
The price isn't the problem, it's the weight. I am a female and I need to be able to lift my equipment on my own.
Why, once you set it up why are you moving it around
@@MyNorthAmetican40 I clean
@cpa889900 First, I want to say "Welcome". It's always nice to see other women chime in and be a part of this hobby. Second, your "I clean" comment made me laugh so hard. I cannot heart it enough.
There were audiophiles in mad max lol, let equipment accumulate dust :)
Say what you will. I own since the late 80's at 7270 and C29. Both units to this day are just fantastic. Not only that, I paid about $2400 for the amp and 1800 for the C29. The amp today is worth about $3500 and the C29 about 2100. In fact Mc will give you 75% of its value today based upon the original purchase price. Furthermore, 34 years later I can still get the unit serviced by Mc or one of its dealers. I doubt you can say that about an amp or pre-amp booth 34 years ago. There is considerable value in owning a MC
I have always said, "Those who cut down McIntosh, never owned McIntosh." Simple as that...look at its history, it even survived a Japan company ownership. Best amp? MC352, MC75 (later addition), I had a MC2255 and talk about endless power!!!! I had a set of B&W 801 series 2.....Best amp and speaker combo I ever had. There are so many!!! I guess there is no "best" amp.
Part of the McIntosh design is that their stuff works, from any era, looks like it goes together. I have zero problem with them keeping to their exterior design aesthetics. If you want something that looks more "modern" or "forward thinking" buy that other thing...you just aren't getting a McIntosh and 20-years from now, that other thing will probably be on the heap of outdated things while the McIntosh will continue to chug along being great.
Well, they have been building them in Binghampton, NY for a damn long time, but so has Audio Research, probably longer for MAC, they are legacy audio Co.s I don't know how "cutting edge" and a bit on the stodgy side. There all will be the latest greatest but most people do not realize how much groundwork was laid by Bell Labs in the 30's and as they say there's nothing new under the sun
I think it really has to do with execution !
McIntosh is the Grand Puba of them all..... They don't need to change for anyone.
My first system in the mid-70s was a Mc105? with a pair of Klipsch Cornwalls. Still miss that system!
just got the cornwalll 4's. they are amazing
Maybe a 2105? I have a ma 2275 tube integrated that is used with 1974 Cornwalls. Magical sound. Absolutely magical.
Patrick Stewart would like a word with your advertiser. I've been in the Patrick Stewart camp (the bald one, not the sexy one) for over 30 years, so thanks for marking where the next chapter starts. If it helps you get into a new house, keep 'em coming!
Thanks for this Mac review. I'll put it on my "if I win the lottery" list.
❤️
For me, a couple of things in favor of this amp over the others..
1. Value retention.
2. Serviceability
3. Purely for Kristie.. you can actually get one. Lol
So appreciate the thoughtful reviews you guys do. I'm probably like a majority of folks out there that browse products at the level McIntosh, then look at the price tag and go "JFC...". Nice to live vicariously through you guys and see a great explanation, analysis, etc. Maybe when I win the lottery...
Our pleasure!
Just wanted to say I really appreciate this channel and all the information you put into each video. Helped me pick out my first turntable and a stereo setup for it. Knew nothing about the world of audio when I started watching. Thanks!
Thank you, Caleb. Your comment really means the world to us.
I recently demo'd a McIntosh MA12000 and an Accuphase E5000. Both are integrated amps and both are unique and gorgeous and both have their own sound signature and both sound awesome. To me the McIntosh MA12000 was more full, musical and extremely engaging. The Accuphase sounded a little too thin.
I have two units. An older MA6500 and a newer C2500 paired with primaluna monoblocks and both are exceptional. I’ve had BAT, simaudio, and PS audio and I prefer the McIntosh sound.
Buying an amp of this caliber and using it to stream music over Bluetooth would be a complete waste. Quality electronics are heavy.
Great review the ending where you say you miss it and laugh reminds me of me asking my wife indirectly to please let me buy it and then just like Kristi, my wife is like “moving on.” 😂
HAHAH
If you have the money it's worth the money.
Ain't that true about a lot of things! :)
$7,500.00! I just suffered cardiac arrest.
Well, that amp will last you a lifetime. Then your kids and grandkids can enjoy it. It's all a matter of perspective.
a listen will bring you back to life!
Not over rated. Over priced
I came for hifi I got hair care. Oh dear
Absolutely worth the money!!! After years of owning other very good amps & preamps, I went for McIntosh! C2700 preamp MC312 amp! Stunning sound! Incredible flexibility of inputs & outputs & external control inputs! DAC is fabulous as well!
Another great review that make me dream on having one of this.
Nothing like McIntosh ..
Can you please do a review on Hegel integrated amp? Like to see what you think, thank you 🙏
Yes H590
Impressive. Would love to see Luxman and Accuphase reviews as well!
I prefere the sound of Accuphase as class A power amp. But Imho, McIntosh is definitely worth it.
You should go with separates . Mc462 with the c2700
Hi Andrew and Kristi;
I just finished watching your review of the Mac 7200 and you posed the question about the best amp Mac ever produced. I sold Mcintosh for 25 years and brought home tons of it (both figurative and literal 🙂). I was a long time B&O seller too and have the same affinity for them you do, but I digress. In my opinion, the best amp they ever produced was the MC 2500. Though their tube amps sounded wonderful, there was nothing - and I mean NOTHING the 2500 couldn't drive - and do it effortlessly. Inefficient speakers? No worries, use the Mac, you'd torch the speakers before it broke a sweat. Low impedance? It had you covered as you could practically play a dead short. I think people miss the point of an heirloom quality piece of electronics. Their amps are the type you buy once, then move on with your life. When your life is done, rest assured your offspring will be enjoying it long after your gone. There is something to be said for that kind of longevity. When all is said and done, how much quieter can an amp or pre-amp be than dead silent between tracks? How much better can an amp be than effortless under any condition? those days are behind me now but I still feel a warm tingle every time I see blue meters. I do wish you two would reconsider the 7200 as a permanent reference. I'd love watching your reviews knowing it wasn't the amp - it was never the amp. You could always slap some doors on the cabinet, add a remote repeater, hand Kristi the remote - blue and green issues resolved 🙂
Hair loss or stereo performance… this video has it all !
God forbid they do an ad to pay the bills!
Beautiful sound and beautiful looks. Reminds me of a 2021 Lamborghini Countach. Yeah it’s sexy as hell and has that “IT” factor, but what are you really buying at $3 million dollars?
I will stick with my Onkyo/Polk setup and continue to drive my Ford Mustang GT.
Not commenting on sound because I’ve never heard one, but I will comment on style😬
Their logo....well it’s practically gothic, I’m not a fan.
Big blue VU meters.... ok, I love blue as a colour, but blue light especially at night with less than perfect eyesight can be problematic. Just too jarring....much prefer warm colour....which also helps keep your night vision.
Mind you my old Sansui AU 417 has no meters at all, so operating that at night in subdued lighting ( my preferred listening environment ) is akin to being a Pinball Wizard.....it’s all done by touch! 😉
Happy Days 😁🙏
There will always be a segment of the population that does not want Bluetooth. No one in their right mind believes that any configuration of Bluetooth will sound as good as tradition forms of signal delivery. Not everyone who buys this McIntosh is rich and it will be a stretch for a lot of consumers, and so rather than cut corners McIntosh does not include the inferior BT. I think that this is a wise move on their part. A lot of manufacturers will throw the kitchen sink with their products. McIntosh has never done this, and this is in keeping with their tried and trued formula of success.
Last summer I bought a pair of Martin Logan ESL's (the ones you reviewed way back) and a McIntosh MA 5300. Awesome! A system I never thought I'd own.
what kind of room
BAD ASS ROOM!
I think unlike most other non-all-in-one McIntosh products, this one will not hold its value so well. Anyone agree with me? This will never be a sought after collector’s piece.
I started selling McIntosh in the late 80's. When I first heard it, I knew I wanted to buy one and bought the 7280 receiver. THIRTY years after buying it, McIntosh ran a special and gave me full MSRP on a trade in. I now own the MA 7900 integrated amp which is spectacular. McIntosh does not pay publications to tout their products which is one of the reasons it gets panned by a few "audiophiles". I'll put any MAC amp up against anything within double it's price.
My father was a Mac guy, had a MC 225 tube amp that went bad, we living in NY drove it to the factory to get it repaired. It was sent back in a month, and it looked like a brand new amp. Everything was perfect. And the price was reasonable considering. The quality of the equipment is the best there is, and it’s American made. If I could afford it I would have Mac equipment.
Someday I would like to own a Mcintosh integrated amp and some killer speakers. Hopefully this bucket list will be completed before I pass away. I’m now 55
Never give up. Just got my Macintosh amps for my 60th birthday. Best thing I could of done. Should of done it sooner. My best Dan
I’m 54 and just ordered my new Sonus Faber Sonetto 3’s yesterday. They’ll be here in a few weeks. I’ll hook them up to my Technics amp that I’ve enjoyed for the last 30 years and then set my sights on a Mac a few years down the road.
@@danieldelgado8153 Thanks Dan, enjoy my friend ✌️😎👍
Gm dang first one love hanging with you guys Sunday morning ..
Happy Sunday, WC.
We love hanging out with you too!
Yeah but ... a good DAC with balanced outputs ... with the NAD C298 with Eigentakt stages ...
people buy Mcintosh to buy once. you never have to worry about it breaking down.
Good thing because their service leaves something to be desired.
@@Landoverse I for one have never had a problem when I have a question. they answer it pretty quickly.
I was a field service engineer in the 1970's & did contract work for a Seattle electronics service organization, and never had a problem with the support McIntosh supplied!
Andrew, a point you nearly missed, and only because a camera pan clearly showed them, was the inclusion of autoformers used on the outputs of the power amp sections. Maybe because you didn’t want to get bogged down into an electrical engineering lesson but there are actually two McIntosh solid state power amp “sounds”: those Mac power amps using autoformers, and those that don’t, such as their entry level MAC5200.
You perfectly described the sound of Mac solid state amps that use the autoformers and yeah, a Mac autoformer-equipped SS amp will sound great with any speaker which is a boon to us who may want to change speakers every year or two. You know, some enterprising loudspeaker company should begin to LEASE high end speakers. Just like you can lease a BMW or a Ford every 2-3 years, why not lease a pair of Magico’s or whatever brand for a couple years? And you can’t drive a Klipsch into a tree.
Awesome idea !!!
I have had many amplifiers (tube and SS) and 4 years ago I tested my first Mcintosh in my house and since then I became a mcintosh “audio” lover, I said “audio” because my opinion it is only based on the sound performance. I just love the balance of MC sound between warm, detailed, dinamics, grip, euphonics, soundstage, pace and rhythm! Sometimes It is not the best in some of these features, but overall it have it all in my personal preference mix of prefered sound. Also it is very kind with my less than perfect recordings which are sometimes very normal in most rock, classical, pop and jazz music. I don’t need an audio system able to show the best of perfectly recorder music that is produced only for audiophiles, I need something that can give me the best of the music I like, regardless of how good that music was produced.
I don’t see why you’d need or want WiFi or Bluetooth - it’s introducing unnecessary extra electric fields that will have to be shielded, or affect the sound, even if barely perceptively. Of course, a Macintosh is an order of magnitude out of my price range, but I just like the fact that it exists. Maybe someday.
Well I have a Bluesound and I finally got a Macintosh I cannot complain about the sound at all it is the best I’ve ever Heard
Over-rated? Maybe.Overpriced?
Without a doubt.