An Audio Amateur's question about McIntosh Audio

I dont have an issue with McIntosh - more with the cult it's sales are built upon.  This thread proves it.  Someone speaks negatively about the brand and people are on them.  The reality is most stores that sell it dont have better brands to compare it to because if they did you'd buy something else.  They definately have their own sound.  I think there was a prestige from decades ago people are clinging to but there are much better sounding alternatives.

@cleeds 

Really? You think McIntosh buyers are actually "awestruck?"

I stated, "a following that is awestruck", but yeah, the glow of green tubes and blue meters are representative of the most iconic brand in American audio, McIntosh. Icons illicit awe, hence McIntosh strikes many old men with awe. 

Would you please explain how the industry ran "roughshod" over Mac?

After creating the best sounding tuners in the 1970’s, the company went through their worst years (the 80’s) because of the Japanese audio invasion - making Sony, Pioneer and Panasonic global household names - but also because the US was in a recession and McIntosh buyers were blowing their excess money up their noses.

Do you suspect some kind of conspiracy?

Ala current day China, Japan found ways to lower costs and develop great sound systems for less. Remember those rack systems? Some still sell for good money but the sound may be suspect. I suspect the global economy is here to stay. We are a capitalist country and nobody wants to change that, but it leaves us at the mercy of the markets. Maybe a conspiracy on Wall Street, or two..

As others have said, they have tended to have a "bottom up" sound signature. Don't know if voicing has changed in current iterations. Julian Hirsch giving a bad review? A rarity.

@sudnh 

"McIntosh gear has a colored sound and is lacking harmonic detail at its price point. 

there is a cult that loves McIntosh euphonic sound and doesn’t care about the missing musical detail."

Vacuum tube aficionados?

@greenngoldcheesehead 

"I dont have an issue with McIntosh - more with the cult it's sales are built upon.  This thread proves it.  Someone speaks negatively about the brand and people are on them."

Pioneer receivers from the 70s are crap!

goodlistening64

... McIntosh strikes many old men with awe ...

I've seen people who've been awestruck - in museums and art galleries, in local music clubs, or watching a talented close-up magician on a street corner. But I've never seen an audiophile look at Mac with awe. Perhaps you have, though.

... the company went through their worst years (the 80’s) because of the Japanese audio invasion - making Sony, Pioneer and Panasonic global household names ...

The Japanese audio "invasion" began in the '60s. Many of those companies are gone or shadows of their former selves. Mac is still here.

the US was in a recession and McIntosh buyers were blowing their excess money up their noses.

You have a fanciful imagination.