BRUTALLY Honest about McIntosh: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

[@teddine7366]

I live in upstate NY and went on their factory tour. If anybody comes through NY I highly recommend making an appointment to go on their tour. It was an amazing experience seeing their factory floor and everything being hand made. And the listening rooms are awesome. Just make sure to make an appointment first.

[@khunopie9159]

This is why Adrian is my favorite and the BEST employee at Audioexcellence: He is noy only knowledgeable, but he is humble and truthful.

[@adrianlow2114]

Thank you

[@dksculpture]

I thought Adrian was the owner of the business. 🤔

[@danmarjenka6361]

Another thing worth mentioning is how deep and heavy McIntosh components are. You have to build custom sized and heavy duty shelving to display them, especially once you get cables coming out the back of them.

[@adrianlow2114]

Yes! The insanity of accommodating them makes one love even more! lol

[@KarlHargreaves]

good point, wasn't prepared for how big and heavy my power amp was when it arrived

[@michaelmyers7416]

This is what audiophiles need. Superb job. Great recommendation for your company too.

[@adrianlow2114]

Thanks

[@jb.2986]

That's one of your best vids yet Adrian. I've seen your vids before but now I'm a subscriber. Your comments are right on my friend. It took us years (over 30) to work up to a McIntosh system that met our needs as we (our fam) slowly upgraded and sold equipment over the years. We now have a system that meets our five goals and is used almost every day. 1. Powerful-need I say more. 2. Easy for any family member to use (especially one button to turn the system ON & one press to turn it Off) 3. Accurate- especially for our tastes as you mentioned...not too revealing but a nice warm tube sound, 4. Technologically able to handle audio thru the ages...from analog vinyl, cassette and reel to reel,...to the digital age of CD's, SACD's, Blu-ray Pure Audio, and DVD Audio....to the current age of streaming, hi resolution audio and most importantly spatial audio with Auro 3D, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X. For our kids it can handle six different gaming systems...Wii, Wii Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox one, Apple TV, and a Vive Virtual Reality system all with either a TV or 120" big screen. 5. Aesthetic. To us those blue meters with green McIntosh gothic logos on black face plates are gorgeous. Our three beefs with McIntosh....the power cords on the back need to have a firmer seat or something where they click into the amp. Another really minor complaint is the trigger system needs to have sufficient power to power on the piece of equipment AND those big blue meters. With a bit of switching around the triggers you can make it work but at that price it should always just work as you daisy chain those triggers to multiple (we have 9) McIntosh pieces. Finally my biggest beef with McIntosh....a storage light box that costs as much as a trip across the country.>>.twice! c'mon. Now they're just gouging customers. No wonder there are "Mac" haters out there. (oh and yes, not a fan of McIntosh speakers) Thanks again for the great review and keep up the great work.

[@adrianlow2114]

9 MACs!!! Wow! I am envious. The stack must look STUNNING!

[@ralphfurley123]

Thank you for the “brutally honest” review of McIntosh! Very much appreciated! Looking forward to more from this series! Love this channel! ☮️🖖🏽

[@adrianlow2114]

Thanks

[@kabes-us]

Really appreciate the video and the channel. My Mc journey has been a bit bumpy regarding QC. Brand new amps covered in dust and fingerprints and screws that were not tightened down amongst other things. Really hoping that they fix the quality control on the assembly line so I can fall back in love again.

[@adrianlow2114]

That's a shame. I forgot to mention that during the lockdown, I did notice a lower standard of clean products, ie a bit more dusty. No issues since

[@raphaelmeillat8527]

Love that new series of yours Adrian, great idea! One thing I feel you missed as an ugly is Craftsmanship! Not the look but the fit and finish, the knob feel, etc. At equal costs, comparing anything like say Luxman vs Mcintosh, it's like night and day! Always some wobbling and plastic feeling with Mcintosh, so far from the nice overall look. Very surprised you didn't mention it. Thoughts?

[@adrianlow2114]

Interesting feedback. I haven't noticed any wobbling (or any significant). The pots don't have the same silkiness as, for example, Penny and Giles, but then they don't cost as much. I have noticed on some service pieces that the knob covers are sometimes rubbing against the faceplate.

[@RUfromthe40s]

well mcintosh i don´t see it as having good sound just nice christmas lights(i know they can be turned off),. only it´s old tube amplifier sounds ok but luxman always surprised me ,most of it in the 70´s for it´s quality

[@RUfromthe40s]

yes it´s not a expensive brand, there are much more expensive, like i have a burmester system , my last crazyness when i made 70 years old also bought a two seat maseratti V8 70´s design

[@DrMasonStorm]

Thank you so much Adrian! One of my very favorite videos that you have ever done 😊✅

[@adrianlow2114]

Thank you

[@Winterfell1066]

This is a very spot on review of McIntosh. I love McIntosh. But yes, they aren't perfect. Have a newer Mc 7200 that is fantastic sounding to my ears. I use it integrated and sometimes as a preamp when I use my pair of Mc 30s. When paired with K-horns it is magical. However, a negative you listed was old home theatre preamps. I have a McIntosh MX130 from the mid 90s that I got for less than $1000. It has gone up in price by 600-700 dollars on eBay and Reverb since then. I run it 2 channel mode. exclusively. It also has an excellent tuner. This is my budget system. I use it with a Fluance RT85 turntable with Orfofon Blue Cartridge, I use a budget XTZ A2 300 Edge amp that sounds excellent and play it through nice vintage JBL L100s. The MX-130 sounds absolutely great in 2-channel mode. My budget system per se, but just about my favorite. Older Mc Gear like the MX 130 is gaining value on the online resale market, but can usually be found locally for a steal. McIntosh is solid, Iconic, not perfect, but oh so sweet gear.

[@davidcheung6748]

Very informative. I owned one pre Amp and one cd player for more than 20 years and still enjoy them❤

[@herbs2750]

Hi Adrian.. Excellent presentation. You tell it like it is and that's why both you and Audio Excellence are so well respected by your clients. Thanks to very helpful input by you and Vilip, over the course of several months, my ears are happily entertained by a McIntosh C53 preamp (purchased mint used from Audio Excellence through Vilip), and a 462 amp purchased as a dealer demo here in the states. It's all played through a pair of Magnepan 7.i's. I'm a happy old codger, and love, love love, the McIntosh-Magnepan combination. I see no bad, only good. Thanks, Herb S

[@adrianlow2114]

Congrats!!

[@andreas7278]

Your videos are truly amazing, just recently stumbled across your channel. Please keep that high quality content coming.

[@pswitzeny]

This is a great new series!! I hope these continue!

[@waynert3548]

FYI. The silk screen letters on newer Mac's also comes off if you use wet cloths. Seems dry microfiber is one of the few ways to safely clean these units.

[@BeeJay1948]

Damp anything (would never dream of it) on such gorgeous audio equipment should be avoided at all times.

[@digggerrjones7345]

That was a very nicely done comprehensive overview of McIntosh electronics! Regarding their loudspeakers, over the decades I have seen them in stores, but have *never* heard them! Since we're being brutally honest, I think that you should continue to do these videos solo, as Lewis is milquetoast and Mike's on too much Adderall in my opinion.

[@1999zrx1100]

Have to agree on all topics, unfortunately you didn’t mention the Firmware issue some amps have had, my last MA6600 had all sorts of issues that some would say a Firmware update would solve then others said it wouldn’t, at least $400 to update and 4-6 weeks in the shop was enough for me to throw in the towel on my McIntosh experience. I switched over to a Luxman 590 AXII and haven’t missed the McIntosh at all. Great Video 🙏👏

[@ivanfilatov7913]

How does Luxman sound vs McIntosh?

[@adrianlow2114]

I haven't had this experience

[@1999zrx1100]

The Luxman is only 30 watts Class A that apparently goes up to 80 watts AB so I notice it doesn’t have the punch the 200 watt McIntosh had. I use to get listening fatigue with the McIntosh where I don’t notice any of that with the Luxman, I’m in my late 60’s and listen to a little of everything Jazz Blues Rock. Lot of late night low volume primarily vinyl, I’m running Harbeth speakers as well. At a certain level I find the difference in sound from one piece of gear to the next is so subtle. You can drive yourself nuts cutting hairs, buy what looks good to you with a great reputation and you’ll be smiling for years. 😎

[@barrypatterson1154]

Great video. I have a MC312 amp with a Conrad Johnson preamp and they sound fantastic together. McIntosh amps may not have the detail of brands like Gryphon and Boulder but look at the price difference. Also the more powerful slam of those amps is somewhat better. For me I like the Mac better because Gryphon and Boulder are too harsh as are most other solid state amps.

[@haridaspillay]

Great informative video. Thanks Adrian. I would love to hear your take on PS Audio products. Cheers!

[@timmotel5804]

Good Day. Excellent video. I recently found you and I am subscribed. Looking forward to what comes next. Thank You & Very Best Regards.

[@revelationsoundstudio]

I had an Adom 555 amp for over 25 years. It was time to replace them and after listening to several amps, I went with the McIntosh MC152 amp. I immediately found a fuller, bigger sound that had extra bass. It alsp appeared to have more headroom even though the specs say the amp had a little less wattage. I love the sound and the meters on the amp. It helps shave off some top harshness on some recordings. Wonderful character.

[@vegaslimoguy2376]

I still own Adcom. For the price point, they cant be touched. They are up and running again, they are getting pricey.

[@gregjun5011]

Thank you for another video that is informative and balanced. I do want to add an ugly no one else mentioned: Quite many divisive and polarized arguments whether in person or online between McIntosh haters and McIntosh lovers. I get frustrated and embarrassed when I am exposed to many of these dialogues.

[@cudabeenios1]

As a kid in high school in the mid 80's, for lunch we used to go to the Audio Shop? in Ottawa corner of Bank and Alta vista. The sales guy used to treat us to demo's with McIntosh stuff. I remember being blown away with these huge speakers, I think 24 tweeters tall was one of the cabinets. Still a dream to get ahold of this stuff, but I'm working on it!

[@robvandendolder3157]

Thank you Adrian. Really great video especially for us humble McIntosh owners. Your in depth experience and knowledge of this product is always educational, informative and helpful when we made a decision to upgrade our 611s to 1.25 to run our SF IlCremoneses😎👍 You are very honest with your reviews. Cheers

[@adrianlow2114]

Thanks, and congrats!

[@michaeldue1704]

Agreed. Adrian speaks from the heart and that’s why I like watching his videos!

[@DJWerkz]

Fantastic start to this series. Really appreciate this honest and open analysis. Never liked this brand myself, the sound or the look but your first hand overview is refreshing. Look forward to future episodes 😊

[@adrianlow2114]

Thanks

[@bryantaylor2946]

One thing I can say about McIntosh, the products do get better - if you've not heard a McIntosh integrated amp in 20 years, the current models are much different and I feel much better sounding. Every 3 or 4 years McIntosh does a complete revision of part of their lineup - one year the integrated amps are changed, the next year the pre-amps are modified, then the following year it's the power amps which are revised. It is a brand which does change and features are improved along with the sound quality. This is not your father's McIntosh today!

[@davidjames9143]

I agree, your review of the C8 preamp helped me decide to make the purchase. I’ve paired it with a pair of MC830 monoblocks and I’m very pleased.

[@adrianlow2114]

Congrats!

[@kimbye1]

Oh wow! an honest audio dealer. What a breath of fresh air. This is the way to do it! full transparency might loose you some customer right away, but you'll gain a lot of customers in the long run.

[@jmccarty3]

I bought McIntosh's first integrated amp, the MA230, back in the '60s. It was a misconception--a tube preamp/solid state amp combination, like what they do now, would have been better--but it was a huge jump in quality for me back then, and the McIntosh clinics kept it running nicely throughout its useful life.

[@T0nyGTSt]

ironically people not liking McIntosh speakers but liking Sonus Faber is probably absolutely fine for the parent company of both of these companies!

[@Michael-xz1nk]

Love the idea behind the series. Good, bad and ugly on short order. Please do Naim.

[@rachmaninov0]

Great Video! Fore those interested. On the Mcintosh speakers - we have the XRT2K paired with the MC2kW amps and listen to a lot of EDM (I cannot stress how good they are for EDM and live music), Rock and some Metal. After trying many high end speakers in our very large room with an 18 foot ceiling, they have exceeded everyone's expectations that have heard them. We even tried the XRT2.1K which unfortunately falls short IOP. One reason is due to the lack of 6 - 12" woofers per side. Another note, the MC2KW amps are very powerful and have damaged other speakers we have tried. The XRT2K will actually put the MC2kW into power guard. Mainly because they were designed to handle tri-amped MC2kw's. Yes, we listen at very high levels but also have the room for it. This is our opinion of course, but just wanted to share with anyone interested. Thanks!

[@adrianlow2114]

Great feedback! Happy that you've found the speakers of your dreams. And I agree, the big McIntosh speakers will fill a huge room better than almost any other!

[@JG-gg9wk]

Yes, appreciate this. Maybe do the same with Audio Note it's on my radar. Love to hear your honest take

[@albiepalbie5040]

I wish other dealers would give the full picture of the pieces of equipment - not just expensive but again the insight of expensive equipment most of us will be ever lucky to hear - from their great practical experience

[@charlesmackay2737]

Thanks for the video. After years of various electronics , I settled on McIntosh much for the reasons you cited. Looking forward to your next Brutally Honest.

[@christianmaloof399]

I was really excited to hear your honest take on such a long time juggernaut. I have wanted to hear some of the newer big tube amps in my reference system but the size and weight have kept the experiment at bay. I have one McIntosh item I bought for a fun background type system and I love it! BTW heard the new ML1 speaker yesterday. I don't care for the aesthetic but I was really impressed with the tor tapping, enjoyable sound!

[@HuggyBearHikes]

Of course who could forget the Grateful Dead's infamous Wall of Sound. 586 JBL speakers and 54 Electro-Voice tweeters, powered by 48 600-watt McIntosh MC-2300 amplifiers generating a total of 28,800 watts of continuous power. Of course it sounded super clean and was a awesome engineering fear during that time. Unfortunately the whole setup weighed too much, took to many trucks to haul it and it became to expensive to continue use. The Mc2300 still remained a favorite of Jerry Garcia as he would run his guitar to a Fender amp strictly as a preamp out to the Mc2300 as he loved the clean sound it produces.

[@ladronsiman1471]

HOLD ON .. wait til i get some pop corn and a soda ..I don't want to miss a word!

[@TheKent2288]

Thanks Adrian! More of this please. There is never going to be a perfect product so the cons are just as important to know about as the pros.

[@adrianlow2114]

Thanks

[@capwkidd]

Why does a haze cover the entire screen sometimes? Definitely when the text come on, but other times always, like some sort of overlay is clouding the picture….

[@tomhalbouty3653]

I appreciate your comments and reviews. I would like to suggest that perhaps McIntosh Surround processors such as the MX136 can be excellent stereo preamps. Additionally collectors of older gear can benefit from the many inputs and switching included in these processors. For someone who has rebuilt and calibrated many open reel decks (Revox, Crown, etc) the older McIntosh surround processors can provide lots of input switching for all of these older devices. It's my view that the second hand buyer gets a real bargain when they buy a high quality surround processor and then uses it for traditional stereo. Thanks again for your thoughtful review.

[@aceofspades6667]

Loving this series also liking the channel with you solo on it!

[@stevethetoolman2435]

We’ll done. Thank you for your honest information!

[@danielpepin4238]

Thank you for your review. I bought a used 2120 and C504 in 1980 which were probably made when The Good The Bad and The Ugly came out... Still own them and are still sounding fine after some maintenance. I can't find another piece of electronic in my home that worked for so long. The 2120 at 75 lbs or so is definitely harder to move than it was 40 years ago though but it could be me.

[@petersymes8467]

This is the kind of review we need to hear...an honest product review. I have owned McIntosh a couple of times in the 80s and enjoyed the look and sound. I would like to hear your thoughts on Wilson and Sonus Faber.

[@adrianlow2114]

Coming

[@willbalkovec2631]

@@adrianlow2114 Agreed these have been great, appreciate the Sonus Faber video as well. Could we add Hegel to the video wish list?

[@macawjacob]

I love this series, looking forward to more. Thanks.

[@josenebrus8183]

Thanks for sharing this with us Adrian 💯👌💥 keep going, love it 👊👊👊

[@adrianlow2114]

Thanks!

[@miamimcintosh]

Can’t afford a McIntosh system yet but looking forward to one day owning one.

[@edyue1]

I dabbled in hi-fi back in the early 80s and have not been back since, this was very informative and thanks for catching me back up. Although my priorities have changed and I will not be back in it’s interesting information. Thanks Adrian

[@adrianlow2114]

My pleasure

[@Runco990]

I have the "Cheap" Mac, a MAC4100. I really wanted at least ONE piece on my budget. I love that receiver! Simple, easy to service, reliable AND all the inputs I need. And in my case, the silver 4100 works so well with my other gear. Yeah, it's not "classic" Mac, but I could afford it. Proud to have it!

[@michaelmityok1001]

Not much red meat here on McIntosh, but that is not hard to predict, because McIntosh worked hard and long to fashion its "blue-meter-cult". It has become a blue chip manufacturer with gear that has high resale value and reasonable pricing comparatively speaking to other higher end manufacturers. I think Adrian here nails it when he also adds that McIntosh factory support is also an important consideration for buyers. As a Gryphon owner I can attest to the fact that I can't expect the same resale value which is a big downside to owning anything else but McIntosh - luckily for me I don't NEED to reply on resale value as the main determining factor, but I can sympathize with those who do.

[@Justin-yk3ox]

True story on boxes, regardless of the brand. You are essentially shipping an empty box of air from the manufacturer, and that adds to a lot of the cost. Keep your boxes folks!

[@mikeg2491]

Definitely keep your boxes but they are sturdy af, I cringe hearing fedex or ups dropping some boxes of stuff I get outside my front door.

[@etk4188]

As a Mcintosh owner, I agree 100%!

[@BA-ng7vt]

Wonderful video. Honest comments. Many thanks. You failed to consider audio research brand that outperforms McIntosh in several domains (transparency, tone, rythme, etc.). Paired with Wilson audio or Magnepan speakers , audio research products (reference series) currently provide an amazing sound. They have been working together for a very long time (several decades).

[@user-ex9zm7bg3x]

I just attempted to buy a brand new MCD350 CD player. The first one they sent had something rattling around inside it. The second one they sent had bubbles in the paint, stains on the aluminum side panels and was dusty. I didn't give them a third chance. They're not what they're cracked up to be.

[@danmarjenka6361]

It's like owning a Harley Davidson......it's painful.

[@davidstein9129]

Thanks for posting this informative & timely video.

[@emhdesign1]

I enjoyed the honesty about McIntosh brands overall. I would like to know about individual products within the line and how they rank against each other. Which amplifiers for example are good versus others that not so good.

[@richardlinks8575]

A great presentation! One thing missing about McIntosh is that we never hear anything about who actually designs their products. I find many of their components garish and when it comes to their tube amplifiers, why incorporate the “bling” of illuminating tubes using LEDs? Where did that come from?

[@Fluterra]

First and Last time I bought McIntosh was in 2022. Brand new 4 channel amp from a dealer (not this dealer because they wouldn’t give a discount- I’ve spent close a $1M on my system - I never pay retail 😂). Anyway, amp had a defective channel. Went back to Binghamton. Worksheet said boards were “replaced” and the unit was cleaned. Not only was it not cleaned (fingerprints on meters) but many screws were loose! Like sticking out more than 2cm! Worst part was they just swapped the channels, so the defective channel was still there, just moved around. What a JOKE! No companies are perfect; but when they don’t fix the issue the 2nd time, I’m OUT. Maybe the vintage stuff is great but the McIntosh of today is a joke.

[@anukrw]

This is fabulous.. Could you please do one on Legacy Audio? Much appreciated

[@stevean77]

I don't actually know anything about Macintosh products but being a production company they did pioneer the live sound world. That's what was powering the wall of sound rig

[@snomofilms]

Just got a pair of MC601s a few weeks ago and my gosh do they sound amazing.

[@adrianlow2114]

Congrats!!

[@snomofilms]

@@adrianlow2114 thanks Adrian! I started off with a MA352 that your videos inspired me to purchase, and after a year or so with that I decided to make the jump to the 601s. Still using the 352 as a preamp, but eventually I’ll pick up a 1100 or 12000 pre. Thanks for all the great content!

[@adrianlow2114]

@@snomofilmsMy pleasure!!!

[@Scan_Speak]

My issue is size. I prefer smaller audio setups. Great video!. I subscribed.

[@adrianlow2114]

Thanks

[@PBlaik]

My wife keeps asking why I'm keeping all these damn boxes 😆

[@adrianlow2114]

lol

[@user-ex9zm7bg3x]

If the dude you're buying equipment from has the boxes, at least you know you're dealing with a stereo guy

[@louisperlman8030]

Over at SkyFi audio, they’ve mentioned how hard it to ship Mac products and keeping the glass front panels from breaking in transit.

[@NateEll]

It’s not hard- you just need a proper shipping box and McIntosh can supply the proper box for even quite old gear.

[@Michael-xz1nk]

A friend has repaired dozens of Mac broken glass over the years for his clients. No thanks brand for me.

[@NateEll]

@@Michael-xz1nk literally every single instance of broken McIntosh glass that occurs in transit is caused by improper shipping- it’s entirely preventable.

[@Michael-xz1nk]

My friend has fixed a lot of broken / cracked Mac glass that had nothing to do with shipping….honest. I have seen it with my own eyes over the years. I’ll never understand (nor will I understand what some people do to their equipment. The cosmetic shape is unbelievable. And then there are those who do mods, which is a whole other story. My friend has been repairing high end audio for 50+ years. He could write a book!

[@geraldgreene5563]

Great information and great points , especially the point about digital.. bang on

[@titntin5178]

Nice piece, and a good watch, thank you! Whilst I'd like to try out some Amplification, I imagine I might want something that resolves a little more from the descriptions I've heard from trusted reviewers. I also don't actually need UV meters on every box in the system and find its ugly - sorry. I am however, drawn to the other elements of their design, so maybe I'd get on with a good integrated...

[@angkaras4215]

Nice video i agree with you , i use a MA9000 and i choose this model between 5 or 6 amplifiers in this price level and higher but not one of them it has so many connections and so enjoy for every day listening for many hours , so i matched with MBL speakers and i m very happy, thank you for your video.

[@adrianlow2114]

Congrats on your system!

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

i appreciate your characterization of the McIntosh sound, which i've not heard before

[@itzhakazoulay1271]

I own MC 152 power Amp and D100 digital preamplifier and love it. I am very furious that McIntosh no longer makes mid level prices products if you want now to buy new preamplifier it start at 7K USD .crazy.

[@craigblackwood2165]

Since you mentioned PSAUDIO might as well do a (BRUTALLY HONEST) episode with them.

[@adrianlow2114]

coming

[@craigblackwood2165]

I had expected it but was just hoping you would put it high on the list. Thanks. @@adrianlow2114

[@blipco5]

Same with Parasound.

[@williamhicks2763]

I am very much on the fence between a PS Audio or McIntosh preamp. I saw a video the other day that was saying to have PS Audio take a look at their equipment now cost around $700, or $950 with shipping. That could really hurt if you are unlucky with a particular piece of equipment. I haven’t had time yet to ask my local dealer what the repair process is like for McIntosh.

[@williamhicks2763]

I am very much on the fence between a PS Audio or McIntosh preamp. I saw a video the other day that was saying to have PS Audio take a look at their equipment now cost around $700, or $950 with shipping. That could really hurt if you are unlucky with a particular piece of equipment. I haven’t had time yet to ask my local dealer what the repair process is like for McIntosh.

[@davorcoha7806]

Great story. Accuphase, Esoteric, Michi?? Who is next?

[@MichaelWeening]

Nice to meet you at Audiofest. My view is their biggest “ugly” is the lack of technology innovation. They are slow. The MX180 is way behind on the tech stack and the MX123 is also behind (although a bit less so). I mean my goodness … Tidal Connect being a good example. Incredible sound, but really lacking on the tech innovation stack. That was my one disappointment moving from NAD whose tech is impressive thanks to BluOS.

[@99thDimension]

In the 90's a guy I knew traded his McIntosh receiver for a Nikko rack system the former owner of the Nikko was happy to finally own a McIntosh. IMHO pro gear today mixers amps are the best value for a music lover hands down.

[@Wised1000]

Im lucky to own a MC462 with a C53. They are the perfect match for my B&W 803D3 in addition to a pair of DB1 subs. The ensemble sounds spectacular at any listening level. I'm amused at the "issue" of weight given that Mac amps happily compete with amps that weigh 4 times as much😂. Expensive, of course, but given the performance, and again, the competition fairly reasonably priced. And yes Im a blue meter fan❤

[@Michael-xz1nk]

Never been a Mac fan. Electronics are land yachts but great analysis.

[@djb113]

Thank you! Would love to see a video on PS Audio

[@t8500shx]

Like your Honesty 👍🏽. How doing this for Sonus Faber?

[@adrianlow2114]

coming

[@brentcollins9727]

Whoa whoa WHOA!!!! That montage at :35 is killer!!!!!!!

[@invisibles362]

Brys Bryston as a very good resell value, they sound amazing, and there built like a tank..amazing support.

[@sergekuptsov]

Thank you for your video! By the way, when you made an unboxing video of McIntosh MHA200, you said that you might will make a review of it. Will you do it?

[@Laguna2013]

I visited their factory in Binghamton a few years ago. I was down away from the hand made nature of their products (didn't see speaker production). I also recall something to the effect of you could send in any product of theirs no matter the age or condition for a refurb at a modest cost. Do these recollections align with your sense of reality?

[@rca6576]

I love McIntosh gear but, it's usually out of my price range for the functionality I need. Having said that it's hard to find amps (tubes in the mix) that play as nicely with the speakers I love which are the large Tannoy legacy Ardens and Sonus Faber. I am punching above my financial weight however, one can trade up and buy used. Do they repair these in Binghamton? Because I live closer to Binghamton than Toronto or as close.

[@darylfortney8081]

You’re paying for the over the top packaging and fit and finish of the chassis and other materials and components that go into the Mc…

[@Gamez4eveR]

Dunno about their other offerings, but at least the MC462 is as transparent as an amp needs to be.

[@Simon-oq6ds]

What’s the fuss about Macs? I never thought they were all that great to begin with (primarily amps, not talking about preamps nor speakers since I do not have enough time with those components). The amps sounded unclear like they had a certain “sound” to them, similar to tube amps. They did pair well with horn tweeter speakers or metal domes, as they seem to mitigate sibilants in a lot of digital recordings but I’ve always wanted accurate sound first and foremost.

[@stereoniche]

Being a vintage collector, while I very much like the sound of Mac gear, I am not as much a fan of the look. I completely agree about their speakers, I prefer to review other speakers manufacturers.

[@1JRW1]

Nice video. I would appreciate if you can do one video dedicated to tube amps mantnance and costs.

[@colanitower]

To my taste, the contrast between the beauty of the Sonus faber speaker left on screen and the ugliness of the McIntosh gear on the right couldn't be greater

[@williamtaylor5193]

I think a lot of the criticism of McIntosh is related to its ubiquity. It's hard to argue with the overall performance, build quality, resale value and pride of ownership. Like Mercedes, they may have changed some materials to reduce cost over the years, but not at the expense of the overall brand experience.

[@sc51153826]

This is the Adrian I know, thank you for your honesty😍😍😍

[@adrianlow2114]

Thanks

[@ridirefain6606]

I'M a fan of Mac components for 2-channel. However, I have to agree. I do not care for the HT line (I feel they are overpriced, limited, and behind the times.) their speakers are just OK.

[@mliu472]

Thank you. What do you prefer for an integrated amp? The 352 or 8950? Also which of these would hold its value more? Thanks again!

[@adrianlow2114]

I think I covered the basic sonic differences. Too soon to know about resale values as they are still being made.

[@Carrera6rennsport]

back in the '80s we had two competing stores in my town. One carried McIntosh/B&W/Luxman/klipsch the other Levinson/ARC/Magnepan/Martin Logan, etc. They had two completely different clientele, the hardcore guys never stepped into the McIntosh store and vice-versa. I'm stil biased against McIntosh to this day, except for their vintage tube gear like Marantz which holds lots of nostalgia for audiophiles born in the '40s/'50s..

[@Winterfell1066]

How great to have had stores like that.. whichever you preferred.

[@teslatalk42069]

Great Format!!!! Love Mc

[@Maxxq123]

You are absolutely correct. Not good speakers at all. Face plate problems all round

[@et9300]

one bad thing on Mac is not a easy way to find out the position of the unit by its model number. The model number system is confusing

[@davidjames9143]

Do you plan on a video review of the McIntosh ML1 Loudspeaker MKII when you get them in?

[@adrianlow2114]

yes

[@johnruppert5630]

Excellent video and I couldn’t agree more with your entire assessment of McIntosh👍

[@adrianlow2114]

Thank you

[@01sapphireGTS]

Great post ~