let me start by saying i am a big fan of the mc2000, mc275, and mc2102, although i have not heard them. my impression of them is they are unique, ingenius designs in tube audio.
now here is my attempt at Tireguy's original question based on my experiences with the mc1201, mc501, and ma6500:
1. the mcintosh sound is too safe, it tries to please the general public, not ultra picky audiophiles/enthusiasts. so my impression of mcintosh owners is they are somewhat lazy buyers. they didn't want to do the research and extensive auditioning to find what other brands can suit their taste better. i don't blame them as not all of us have the time to sort through thousands of reputable brands for great audio. they just took the easy way out by settling on a sound that has no major flaws, but not very special either.
2. on the other hand, common audiophiles love to try gear, love to do research, and are damn proud of their work. they are eager to show their good taste by choosing exotic, expensive, and less-known brands (to the general public). they also look for that special something that makes music come to life for them. not to say that mcintosh doesn't do that for all, but to me, it is harder to gear match to create liveliness with mcintosh gear.
once i was very excited going into auditioning the esoteric ux-1 with the mc1201, c2200, and mcintosh tower speakers, i came out so disappointed after hearing a fast, detailed, but boring sound. it could have been a lot of things (not enough burn-in, bad synergy...). but that experience kind of killed mcintosh for me.
the mc501, b&w signature 800, wadia 861, and c2200 setup was not impressive to me either.
but i must thank the ma6500 for helping me purchase the b&w signature 805.
my apologies if i offended anyone. please remember i am still a big fan of some mcintosh gear.
scottie
now here is my attempt at Tireguy's original question based on my experiences with the mc1201, mc501, and ma6500:
1. the mcintosh sound is too safe, it tries to please the general public, not ultra picky audiophiles/enthusiasts. so my impression of mcintosh owners is they are somewhat lazy buyers. they didn't want to do the research and extensive auditioning to find what other brands can suit their taste better. i don't blame them as not all of us have the time to sort through thousands of reputable brands for great audio. they just took the easy way out by settling on a sound that has no major flaws, but not very special either.
2. on the other hand, common audiophiles love to try gear, love to do research, and are damn proud of their work. they are eager to show their good taste by choosing exotic, expensive, and less-known brands (to the general public). they also look for that special something that makes music come to life for them. not to say that mcintosh doesn't do that for all, but to me, it is harder to gear match to create liveliness with mcintosh gear.
once i was very excited going into auditioning the esoteric ux-1 with the mc1201, c2200, and mcintosh tower speakers, i came out so disappointed after hearing a fast, detailed, but boring sound. it could have been a lot of things (not enough burn-in, bad synergy...). but that experience kind of killed mcintosh for me.
the mc501, b&w signature 800, wadia 861, and c2200 setup was not impressive to me either.
but i must thank the ma6500 for helping me purchase the b&w signature 805.
my apologies if i offended anyone. please remember i am still a big fan of some mcintosh gear.
scottie