McIntosh MHT300 20Hz-20kHz Frequency Response


Given that movies have content well below 20Hz, what do you guys think of a -0.5dB 20Hz frequency response? It's probably worse below 20Hz. Their preamps have similar specs. For premium pricing, it falls short of even cheap Chi-Fi, not to say Chi-Fi sounds better. It probably wouldn't be a deal breaker if you have money but for everyone else, it's hard to justify a premium price for sub-stellar specs.

bartsw

This would appear to me as just another passive aggressive way to bash McIntosh. If you don't like the specs don't buy it. My C52 preamp has delivered all the bottom end I could ever ask for whatever the specs. And I ask a lot.

@ghdprentice, you hate McIntosh, we all get it.  Why do you bash the company EVERY chance you get?   I really have no love for your favorite brand, Audio Research.  I find it a bit sterile but I keep my trap shut.  How about following my lead?  My C2500 preamp and MC302 amp gives me astounding bass, much better than I hear in any audio showroom.  You sir, are the definition of an audio snob, meaning if you don’t like or own it, then it can’t be any good.  

@stereo5 

I have been defending Mac in this thread. Have you read what I wrote?  No, I personally do not favor Mac. But I understand there are people that would. I have recommended Mac a number of times when people show a musical preference that would appreciate the Mac sound. 

How do you interpret this as bashing: "

MacIntosh is probably stating the specs within the audible audio spectrum, which is 20hz to 20khz. It undoubtedly produces output well below this when fed appropriate material. Your bottleneck will likely be your subwoofers not the Mac. 

It is unlikely you will notice a difference between the Mac and those other units in the bass. 

The Mac comes from decades of producing very high end products. I would put much more faith in the sonic qualities of the Mac over the other brands. Specs have very little to do with what processors sound like. I would read reviews from professional high end home theaters if you want to know what they sound like. "

@jmalen123 

This would appear to me as just another passive aggressive way to bash McIntosh. If you don’t like the specs don’t buy it.

This is about the MHT300, not amps or preamps. It is not just about specs. It’s about real life performance and $$,$$$ spent. Many of us paid $$,$$$ for capable subwoofers and speakers that can produce bass below 20Hz and we need front end gear that can support it or else we wasted $$,$$$ on speakers and subs that are not being used effectively below 20Hz. It’s similar to buying a weak amplifier that can’t drive a full range speaker.

You mentioned preamps twice. Me... only once. All my gear is rated at 20 to 20 as is most gear and my 3 SVS subwoofers will leave no-one wanting for bottom end. Just making the case that in my opinion certain numbers mean less than real world experiences. Thanks for sharing your view as I hope mine is also appreciated.