My experience with Mac is limited to a C2200 preamp and an MC2105 amp. While the C2200 was sweet sounding and practical, its build quality is no comparison to the MC2105; in this regard, build quality, they’re in two completely different leagues. The C2200’s meters had an issue that required servicing and in unplugging a pair of leads from the circuit board, the circuit board actually lifted from the frame, so flimsy is it. The MC2105, however, is built like a brick s....house, with a chrome plated, metal frame, rigid circuit boards and hd parts - mine was built in 1975 and still works flawlessly. So, at least in these two examples, there’s a significant difference in build quality between new and old.
I almost forgot my beautiful MR67 tuner (1967), it really is a work of technical art, unsurpassed in quality.
In general, build quality and sound quality are not commensurate, meaning: you can have a poorly built unit, of any brand, that sounds fantastic and/or, you can have an elaborately and well built unit that sounds bad. In other words, just because a unit sounds great doesn’t mean it is qualitatively built.
Build quality ultimately affects longevity!
Ultimately, the ideal is superb build and sound quality all in one!
I almost forgot my beautiful MR67 tuner (1967), it really is a work of technical art, unsurpassed in quality.
In general, build quality and sound quality are not commensurate, meaning: you can have a poorly built unit, of any brand, that sounds fantastic and/or, you can have an elaborately and well built unit that sounds bad. In other words, just because a unit sounds great doesn’t mean it is qualitatively built.
Build quality ultimately affects longevity!
Ultimately, the ideal is superb build and sound quality all in one!