Mcintosh MDA 1000, world class or ..?

Pro_sys_svc, doesn't the same holding company (DK I think) that owns Denon abd Marantz, also own McIntosh? You can bet Macs players and maybe other products are sourced from their sister companies. I don't have a problem with that (basically) but the problem I have is that Mac is still selling the illusion that everything they offer is ground-up McIntosh (and of course, ergo, the "best" in the world!)

It's so silly. Wadia, who I think everyone, even folks who own other high end digital like Meitner, etc., would agree produces among the finest digital playback equipment in the world. Yet Wadia makes no secret, and in fact advertises that they use the very best transport from TEAC/Esoteric. So what's the big deal with Mac? Maybe one day they'll come out of their bubble ;--)

And some Mac owners (not me!) rabidly defend this silly illusion -- often more stridently than the company itself. Now they're a REAL pain ;--)
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Hi, I just purchased the new Accustic Art Mk4 and it is awesome. Having said that I have always wanted to try the McIntosh gear, IE 501's and MDA 1000. I like the fact that the MDA 1000 has a built in preamp as well. I have a friend who will trade me his MDA for my AA Mk4 and I am tempted. The funny thing is I am almost sure that the AA will be MUCH better and I am still tempted to trade?????? I have yet to find anyone that has actually A/B the mac unit to others such as the DCS or Dodson or AA? Anybody out there compared the MDA to other world class units?
Thanks, Guy

Hi, Playtheblues, I think you yourself are the one in a very good position to do a comparison test between the Mda1000 vs AA Mk4. That would be very interesting indeed.