McIntosh, your experience?

You’re going to get a variety of answers here, some of them from people who have never owned a Mac, some from others who have limited experience that led to a strong prejudice.

My two suggestions: First, consider that for McIntosh to have thrived in the audio business for more than 70 years, the company must be doing something right.

Second, if you want to gauge the experience others have had with Mac, go to a site where you’ll find lots of ’em. Audio Aficionado is one of the best but one note of caution - that site doesn’t tolerate some of the trash talk that’s become common here. But that means the responses you get at AA will be more likely to be responsive to your inquiry.

twoleftears

If you have an audio company where all the original principals retired, others have come and gone, and which has changed hands and become part of some multinational conglomerate...is it the same company?

No, it isn’t the same company.

"No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man." (Heralitus)

But you can evaluate a company for its adherence to design principles, innovation, use of institutional knowledge, customer service, and so on. By those metrics, McIntosh remains true to its roots. Whether that satisfies you is another matter entirely.

Many storied companies have flourished long after its founders have passed, e.g. Leica, Mercedes-Benz, Rolex, Tiffany.