Is McIntosh Any Good? Does the sound match the looks?

#mcintosh #audiophile #hifi

Instagram: @stevehuffofficial

I get asked this question often: "Is McIntosh Worth It"? I have owned a few McIntosh amps, DAC's and even a couple of their SACD players. These are my thoughts on the iconic brand that many love to trash.

Enjoy!

[mister_bojangles]

I own an MA352 integrated which has a tube-based preamp stage and solid-state power amp. Paired with Dynaudio Confidence 20 speakers, this setup gives the best sound I have ever had. There is buckets of finesse, sweet treble, controlled spin-on-dime bass and plump non-fatiguing midrange. This Mac amp knocks the crap out of all those hair-shirt British efforts ( Naim, Rega ) etc. Don't fret America; you can still build a hifi amp thats better than anyone else. Love from England

[clasvirhodes]

I cannot even imagine what the Moody Blues Nights in White Satin album sounds like on a McIntosh amp and Klipsch La Scala's. Must be pure heaven.

[stevezeidman]

I have 2 vintage McIntosh amps and preamps. 1 has autoformers (output transformers) and one is direct coupled. The autoformers amp produces what is known as the McIntosh sound. I hear clear sweet vocals and beautiful full and lush music like I never heard before. I have no clue where this dull bit comes from. I sure don’t hear it. The direct couple amp produces a very neutral sound. Very clear and plenty of detail. I have plenty of soundstage. I bought these for a fraction what modern high end components cost. I’m almost 70. I have been playing with hifi since the early 70s. I don’t pretend to say they’re great or the best. I’m just saying they’re beautiful and sound great to me.

[allanellis]

McIntosh may not be everyone's sonic preference but what brand is? Forget that they have outstanding beauty for a moment. Reality is they have been around forever, build quality is exceptional, resale value is very high and many, many audiophiles use McIntosh in their sound systems. Are they costly? Absolutely. I would assume that if they were so badly overpriced and their sonics undesirable the company would not have survived over 60 years while other company's products have long disappeared. So to say they are an overpriced boat anchor is ridiculous. Btw I do not own a McIntosh. Just sayin.

[normanham]

Love to hear your impressions of the Wharfedale Lintons. Any chance you’d review them?

[gertjanvanderkooij]

I bought the mac ma 7200 integrated, it is an awesome sounding amp

[hitechburg]

Hifi is like ice cream, some people like chocolate, some like vanilla, some like strawberry.

I love sound of tube MC's. Airy, sweet and punchy. Mids are so great that I never regret about switching.I'm not looking back at the boring solid state sound.

[jonnlennox]

hi
what you have stated about the "McIntosh sound" is very clear. As for the dissonant quality of the knobs, it is something that contrasts a lot with the solidity of Accuphase, so I take this opportunity to ask you, what do you think of this Japanese brand in terms of sound, if you have evaluated some integrated or powered ones?
Best regards

[ramsaybolton]

Those cheap plastic knobs are milled aluminum knobs made locally in Binghamton New York.

[edwardparks]

I have McIntosh first integrated solid state amp. The MA5100 and I love it and wouldn't think of getting anything else. It's not flashy, doesn't have meters. It just does what it's supposed to do. Nothing more, nothing less. I'm using Electovoice 12 TRXb 16 ohm speakers and love the combination. Just my humble opinion

[artkulak]

I've owned plenty of McIntosh on and off over the decades. Beautiful classy looks, built like a tank, but right now, McIntosh does not make anything that I need, or want regardless of price.

[brianlewis]

There is something about McIntosh products that at first glance that a lot of people are drawn to. Since I was a young ( many moons ago), I always dream of owning a McIntosh amp. Those blue lights on the meters and the green glow of their logo is very appealing. As I got older, that appeal for a McIntosh amp faded as time went by and I realize that there were better options out there. Now with Youtube, we are exposed other products thanks to reviewers such as yourself. Thanks..

[charlier]

I replaced my CJ Classic 60 and BAT VK3A with a MA-5200 and wow - without moving the speakers - center image firmed up and the everything just sounded better, more open, nice soundstage.

[robertdavid]

When's the last time you reviewed a McIntosh "tube" amp? Yes, I know they don't make them anymore but their 50th Anniversary amp, MC2000, was one of a kind.

[ronlevine]

Talk about damning with faint praise! Your review of the Mac is like a mobster giving someone a great big kiss on the iips. You know what he really means!

[TonyAguirreJazz]

Had a simular experience. Love the look and Cadillac presence however I bought Naim separates at the time and haven't looked back.

[henriksrensen]

Macintosh is nice sounding, but after a long search i have found the Gryphon Diablo 120 to have best value/performance.

[danmarjenka]

The problem with McIntosh components is how deep they are in size and how heavy they are. If they need to be shipped out for service, you have to build a wooden crate around them to protect them. You also need custom shelves to hold them.

[mrg]

I own and love my small McIntosh, but the plastic knobs could use and upgrade to something like Marantz of the 70's.