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Disappointing On Mcintosh......help

 3 Months ago  I went to NYC and stopped by the WOM  and auditioned several MCintosh gear...........and left a bit disappointed or not impressed...then I told myself   " lets give a second shot"  and went today to a  HIFI store and again Good room accoustics10K speakers , MC Preamp , MC Amplifier........ and again  the same disappointment I felt 3 month earlier.

Is that the "warm" sound people reffer to about Mcintosh?  
The sound is ample, base is powerfull  but the the sound is simply  not to clear, the hights are not too "crisp"  It sounds like the treble is set at 3 and needs to be adjusted at 9 or 10.
It seems like  the sound is  coming through a thin layer of paper ...that is the way I describe that sound.  

Then 20 minutes later I auditioned a Parasound A21+ and a JC5 and the sound was more clear and the highs were crispier

Whats your take on my experience?  or That is the MC "warm sound? 
128x128cydrone
audioquest4life
722 posts
 
was the McIntosh a tube system? If so, your listening to two different topologies, tube and solid state. no wonder you heard two different sounds. With tubes, you change the sound character by swapping out tubes. At the end of the day, get what sounds best to you. I went from transistor to tubes years ago after listening to various types of amps. 
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,370 posts
 
In the old days I lusted for Mac......now that I've heard their sound, I bypass.
d2girls's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
d2girls
1,029 posts
 
This thread is interesting. Are people full of crap  or something? Mac amps are as neutrel as can be, they don’t color the sound at all. You hear just the music. It’s literally mcintoshes tagline and philosophy.

I think anyone who thinks mcintosh sounds warm, veiled, is having sighted listening bias their opinion completely. maybe the blue meters are offensive to them...
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,815 posts
 
For those needing support for older Mac gear I strongly suggest Randy Vikan - his business is Elite Audio Tech in Key Center, WA

he masterfully keeps my 1961 and 1965 MC gear pristine, making spec and sounding great :-) super attention to detail !!!
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,261 posts
 
@d2girls...…………………..

There are two kinds of people in this world, those that love McIntosh, and those that can’t afford it. I used that back in the 70’s when we sold McIntosh. I would say it if the customer was on the fence and got them every time.

Seriously, McIntosh is great equipment.  The people that don't like it may have not gotten a very good audition with mismatched components.  Audio stores used lots of tricks back in the day, like putting a particular set of speakers out of phase on purpose so we could sell other brands with more profit margin.  Don't worry what the others think. you can't go wrong with that brand.  I love all my Mac gear and anyone who tells me my system isn't resolving enough only has to come over and listen.  You will have to pick your jaw off the floor though before you leave.
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