What Does This Mean? Bose buys McIntosh!

[@cunawarit]

I believe Bose is aiming to build a strong brand portfolio, similar to what the Swatch Group has achieved. In this model, the brands operate as independent entities while collectively working toward the shared goal of benefiting the group. They also share engineering expertise and research capabilities. This approach could provide significant advantages to a brand like McIntosh, granting it access to engineering teams and intellectual property that smaller HiFi manufacturers typically lack. Such resources could elevate McIntosh's innovation and competitiveness in ways that would be challenging to achieve independently.

[@David_vdk]

seperate world , Bose and Mcintosh , bose is "wallmart stuff, ....

[@TechnoDad]

I truly hope that's the case

[@David_vdk]

@@TechnoDad its in europe the case . no matter how hard you try. you will need a lot to convince many self-proclaimed hi-end hi-fi equipment users of this brand, no matter if they make bose sound like a 100.000$ system , it will always be a supermarket brand for them

[@thehighend4545]

What the bean counters at Bose clearly don't understand is the audiophile culture. No one in their right mind would class these two together, only seeing it as an anchor around Mcintosh. Besides, the brand has been down the toilet for years now after the first sale and autoformers were removed. That literally was the house sound. Want pretty meters bc that's all that's left of the icon.

[@ilmoronero1959]

@@David_vdk If it is as you say then it is a wide demonstration that those who reason are superficial other than hinfi connoisseurs. Superficial audiophiles. They have prejudice. To say that a future Bose amplifier is not good will soon be like saying McIntosch is not good. No one will want to say it. They are proud

[@cato12]

People can hate on Bose all they want but I will say it again they can buy your favorite audio company and keep them going instead of going out of business

[@cunawarit]

Exactly. And people underestimate Bose's engineering expertise.

[@dlg5485]

Sales and market share are not a meaningful or reliable indication of manufacturing/sound quality. All it means is that the brand has successfully underbid their competitors in the OEM vehicle space, which is where the lion's share of profits in the audio business exist. It has nothing to do with quality.

[@cunawarit]

@@dlg5485 That goes without saying, of course they are not indicators. But innovations, patents, and engineering team sizes are.

[@TechnoDad]

Yeah...pretty much!

[@tomons8059]

​@@dlg5485Respectable car manufacturers don't go for crap sound systems. You're brainwashed by audiofools.

[@tedrubinstein2003]

I am concerned they don’t go through these companies that make great products and start stripping them down, going cheap, cutting corners, cutting back on service and reducing the quality. I was considering getting a Macintosh unit from that American company that’s been around forever. Now I’m concerned, they might hatchet them up instead of leaving them alone

[@Reggaebeatman]

😂of course they will, thats what always happens every single time.

[@jmp622]

What’s the real reason you’re not buying it? You know 💵

[@tedrubinstein2003]

@@jmp622 the reason I’m not buying it now is cause we’re heading south for the winter for three months and my system is already quite nice, but a Macintosh amp might put that extra smooth, defined beautiful cream on the sound

[@TechnoDad]

That's usually what happens...

[@tommoyer4697]

They are gonna make them cheap Double the price And tell people it's BOSE

[@Activation1111]

Sounds like Macintosh owners,, better hold onto their most recent and classic amplifiers. Because those great old and most recent amps will go up in value. Because there will be Macintosh before Bose,, and McIntosh after Bose. I would definitely want the Macintosh before Bose.

[@TechnoDad]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@tomons8059]

@@Activation1111 You are just confused.

[@electronash]

Bose buying McIntosh, is a bit like Fisher-Price buying SpaceX.

[@Zachary_Setzer]

Funny joke. Bose had more revenue in 2023 than the entire luxury audio industry. Fisher-Price is a subsidiary of Mattel, whose market capitalization is about 2.5% of SpaceX's. This is more like Nike buying Louboutin.

[@TechnoDad]

LOL!

[@djlalorocks]

Think they will kill the High audio, then sell mid-level for the high end price and rake in the money on using the prestige of the name. This would be lame if this would happen

[@tagtag-connected5263]

High end audio market is there and strong. McIntosh price will go up not down

[@TechnoDad]

Yeah, that would be lame.

[@Ls12347]

I hope the 901s came back🤞🏼

[@TechnoDad]

That would be cool!

[@Carl-bd1rf]

What you’re gunna see is McIntosh being made overseas and come in at a price point we mere mortals can afford!!

[@majadito1985]

Not if Trump's tariffs take effect.

[@Carl-bd1rf]

@@majadito1985 Yeah you might have a point there. Dang it shouldn’t had voted for him now I’ll never own a McIntosh!

[@majadito1985]

@@Carl-bd1rf I didn’t say that. All I said I doubt they’ll be more affordable if they’re made oversees.

[@Carl-bd1rf]

@@majadito1985 You didn’t say what?

[@majadito1985]

@ you won’t be able to ever own one.

[@techsamurai11]

Well, if the quality degrades, we’ll know immediately. McIntosh are the reference amps that most folks use so they know them like the back of their hands. As was the case with B&W for a while. Any change and they’ll know it instantly. McIntosh is definitely conceding ground on price to Advance Paris right now. They need a more affordable line.

[@jaycoleman8062]

MA-252 is $4500.00. Hybrid 100 watts.

[@TechnoDad]

I wonder if a 'lower end' McIntosh product would actually do well...

[@techsamurai11]

@@jaycoleman8062 I didn't even know about that model.

[@jaycoleman8062]

@techsamurai11 I've had mine a year and use their XR-50 speakers as well. It's a very nice combination.

[@jaycoleman8062]

@@TechnoDad If you are ever in Cape Coral, you can stop by for a listen.

[@spencergates5766]

I would love to see Bose step back into the HiFi space, make some more passive sets, make an integrated amplifier and/or AVR. I’ve loved their soundbars recently, this COULD be exciting!

[@cunawarit]

I completely agree. Bose excels in what it does best-soundbars, noise-canceling technology, and compact speakers-all of which are outstanding for their intended purposes. However, I’d love to see Bose venture into more traditional stereo equipment. Even a line of active stereo speakers would be an exciting addition! At the moment, they’re entirely absent from that space, which feels like a missed opportunity for a brand with their expertise.

[@rags015]

Bose used to make stereo speakers like the 161, 201, 301, etc.

[@cunawarit]

@@rags015 Yeah, of course. The 901s are iconic!

[@spencergates5766]

@ Yeah, so I would love to see them come back into the space.

[@TechnoDad]

I'd like to see that as well Spencer!

[@miishutka]

*Its like cheap hot dog street restaurant buying billionaires stake restaurant.*

[@TechnoDad]

LOL!!

[@tomons8059]

@@miishutka It's like billionaire stake restaurant without money because owner is FAKE billionaire.😅🤣

[@tomons8059]

This meant Bose is speaking softly but carried a BIG stick!😂

[@_Chev_Chelios]

Most audio is just a branding exercise anyway . That’s probably all this means. They mostly use the same parts inside already.

[@stephensams709]

Clarion bought McIntosh years ago and I don't recall anything changing about Mac products. I don't care for Bose per se, but they do have a lot of money and that could elevate McIntosh to create better and better products than they already do.

[@TechnoDad]

This is very true!

[@vikingcat794]

So much for McIntosh.

[@bikdav]

this worries me also.

[@geneallen9402]

And Sonus Faber… Smdh

[@TroyTriplett]

I remember going to the stereo stores looking a speakers for the home I didn't really think of BOSE that much they looked very plain kind of like old simple furniture, they had the 10" with the two satellite tweeters hooked to a good system and they played IGY by Donald Fagen and I was stunned some of the best speakers I ever heard for a price that is affordable, I would love to have heard a McIntosh Rack playing through some Bose speakers that would be awesome, man those BOSE speakers are no joke

[@tomons8059]

@@TroyTriplett I know they were that good because I heard those speakers too when I was at their demo shop in Bahrain. Some commenters here despise Bose but don't know what they're talking about. They're audiofools!😅🤣😂

[@anthonyperez_audiophile]

I'd love to see some Powered Bose 901s with McIntosh amplification and Sonus Faber technology.

[@TechnoDad]

That would be cool, huh?

[@chrischapin2936]

I would think we are more likely to see a conglomerate similar to Masimo where we have a portfolio of brands that still maintain there own brand identities….

[@TechnoDad]

Word.

[@richscott2483]

Lack of pertinent information. Does anyone have the Inside CEO seat/scoop at BOSE and why McIntosh decided to sell out? Could be reinventing the "wheel". Another video to promote and sell junk.

[@mrpmj00]

That's don't buy Bose for home stereo. I buy Bose for their noise cancelling technology which is the best for my 2 headphones and 2 cars source=Apple Music lossless quality

[@TechnoDad]

yup

[@MrCollective]

It's a very interesting move by Bose, but probably smart from both camps. Use the history and status that the McIntosh Group has with the buying power and market audience that Bose has to introduce more people to HiFi without trying to compete in a sector that basically looks down on your current products. The industry connections are key to this merger, I personally think.

[@shadowofpain8144]

I feel exactly the way I felt when I heard huffy bought schwinn.

[@peterbigblock]

McIntosh is a brand name that people associate with extremely high quality construction, excellent sound, and iconic aesthetic. My guess is Bose will milk that while cutting corners that aren’t apparent to buyers at first. They’ll also try to “leverage” the brand name to put it on more car audio and other junk. I think the McIntosh brand will become Bose-ified, not the other way around. It’s been successful for Bose to do that with their own once-iconic brand. Why would they not do it again? The downside is McIntosh will become more disposable junk over time. Makes no difference to me, I’m not playing in that league.

[@techsamurai11]

McIntosh noise canceling headphones - you heard it right here. Who knows? Maybe they can challenge B&W, Sennheiser, and Focal on sound.

[@TechnoDad]

Yeah, lets see the McIntosh ANCs and Sonus Faber ANCs as well!

[@bryanfarmer8685]

This is just the beginning of a lot of companies in audio getting bought out and trading partners. Some might not survive 2025.

[@ilmoronero1959]

I think it's a great move by Bose. Bose will give McIntosh its own headphones. And Bose will put its own brand on McIntosch amplifiers. I want to see now if they make fun of Bose. Great Hi Fi giant

[@electronash]

The McIntosh Dip.

[@TechnoDad]

HAH!

[@TroyTriplett]

Thanks for your reply for Bose to buy or merge with McIntosh shouldn't be a bad move at all I think in the Hi fi world there speakers just sounded too good ,and they can give some of the best names a nice battle in those stero rooms switching from on brand to the other that is so exciting

[@AldrianCG]

It means bose had some extra spare change. 😅

[@chrishamilton5960]

Bose made 3 Billion in 2022 and Mc group made 45 million so it’s not really a comparison.

[@TechnoDad]

@@chrishamilton5960 Wow! Really?

[@chrishamilton5960]

@@TechnoDad Yeah. Bose is huge in the car and aviation industry in addition to consumer headphone marketplace.

[@eddiemarano9998]

Given all these takeovers, should we buy or stay away from some of the sales on the most affected products. For example, just saw Pioneer (LX505/805), Denon and Onkyo AVRs pretty heavily discounted. In the case of the Pioneers, prices were 50% lower. While it sounds like an awesome deal, number wise, should we stay away if these products aren't going to exist any longer and what of customer service? Interested in what people have to say on this. Thanks

[@gbye007]

Well nothing that represents good value.

[@user-rg4xn3ib4c]

Now if this was Bowers & Wilkins these two companies may have a chance but Bose...nah. Forget the past, repeat! Kmart dept. stores bought out Pilot audio, DEEEESTROYED IT!

[@wayneque2101]

I hope you’re right.

[@ericrouse6745]

Well always when a huge commercial company like Bose who seem to make everything instead of just speakers like in the 901 days means it will just be mass production crap seen it before in the past I’m 61 so seen a little bit and I used to be way into stereos I even got a job installing them in my early days

[@TechnoDad]

I see! Thanks for your insight.

[@albertdenton]

Glad I got my Mac amps and cd player already they will now be vintage Macs

[@TechnoDad]

They may go up higher in value!

[@gabe6959]

off topic, but does anyone know what watch band he has on?

[@TechnoDad]

Lolo Club - loloclubbuy.com/products/mecha-leather-band-for-apple-watch

[@ernestm8884]

HEY HEY MAN......I was all in on the BOSE systems back in the 90'S. I had the whole 901 set up then as surround sound started up I added the 501 and 601 I'm a Polk/ Klipsch man at the moment.

[@TechnoDad]

Nice!

[@frodobaggins7252]

The problem I see is that Bose is a marketing company far more than a hifi company. They are really good at marketing mediocre, plastic sound systems. In their press release they sell Bose as being in the same league if not better than McIntosh and Sonus Faber. And to work for Bose you've got to be of that mindset. There is a reason that Bose demanded that their products could never be A/B'd against other equipment in hifi shops. If they go into this with the mindset that they are going to bring McIntosh and Sonus Faber "up" to Bose quality, both those companies are doomed. If on the other hand they only intend to own and market those companies and not interfere, it may be a good situation in the end.

[@GeniusHomeTheater]

I can’t see the good in that purchase for McIntosh. 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@AudioGuyBrian]

McIntosh bluetooth speakers and soundbars. Their complete line up for 2026. LOL.

[@GeniusHomeTheater]

@ oh boy, I’m definitely editing my comment. I meant to say *can’t….🤦🏾‍♂️

[@David_vdk]

@@AudioGuyBrian a soundbar whit tubeamp bult-in and blue VU-meters

[@TechnoDad]

@@David_vdk Yes!!!!

[@gjun72]

I can see how this will help Bose in multiple ways such as “trickle down “ benefits and improvement in their brand image. I am struggling to be optimistic that this will help MC and SF unless on the back end such as scaling production and distribution.

[@TechnoDad]

This is very true!

[@TheTrueVoiceOfReason]

Bonus Faberose, Macinbose, Bosentosh? Perhaps they'll use the "good enough" pieces to build the "Hi-End"? Or Mac/SF are now Lifestyle... Ugh.

[@TechnoDad]

LOL!

[@paulschneir1551]

Not sure what this means but similar deals have not worked out well. Quality likely to decline and if they can’t generate sales bump, do they look at selling off McIntosh?

[@eddwar8597]

May be the will changes in Bose stuff, or cheaper SF or Macintosh stuff. Or maybe nothing will happen and the three brand continue doing their own

[@chrishamilton5960]

It’s mainly for high end car audio to be honest. The home business will be left alone.

[@djlalorocks]

McIntosh use to be in Car Audio early 90s with Nachamichi

[@TechnoDad]

I didn't know that!

[@LouMontana-wc7nr]

I thank BOSE for saving McIntosh🇺🇲‼️

[@sebastianhasbun3846]

The vw audi comparison got a chuckle from me

[@TechnoDad]

Nice!

[@andyv9365]

I can’t I can’t no no no!

[@mikejones4830]

Karma that's what it means. People hated on them for way too long.

[@jimtincher7357]

In car stereo JBL blows Bose away.... I know as I have both.... I've been temped to replace the Bose drivers in my car with JBL's. Does Bose even make loudspeakers anymore for the home? I think Bose is just a holding company for other audio companies....

[@victorjohnson8374]

I think they’re going to try to compete with the mid level audio world. There’s a bigger market for that. Than higher end at this point.

[@thefather414]

Don't get your hopes up any time soon. Most mergers/purchases are due to accounting, not due to product. Usually the purchaser has debt and the purchasee does not. Then they save some money getting rid of redundancies. Then....maybe....several years later....they start messing around with product integration....but not always.

[@TechnoDad]

Oooohh...I didn't see that at all...I get it now.

[@Geerladenlad]

It would be foolish for Bose to come in and buy brands like McIntosh and Sonus Faber just to make cheap junk. That would ruin the cache and reputations that these two high-end companies bring to the table.

[@TechnoDad]

I'm curious to see what happens!

[@stevenkoski228]

The new Bose Soundwave radio will have 2” SF drivers😳, blue meters is anyone’s guess🤨.

[@stifoli]

I think it is a move to stay relevant next to focal-naim. They just released the super high-end luxury Diva Utopia…..and this could be the way they wanna go!

[@TechnoDad]

Maybe?

[@garryhammond3117]

Very speculative Channa. - In reality, probably nothing will happen, certainly not soon. - VERY interesting news though... Where is Bose getting all the money? - Cheers!

[@djbrianc]

Last I saw Bose had 3.1 billion dollars in revenue whereas McIntosh had 25 million dollars at the time. That’s where.

[@garryhammond3117]

@@djbrianc Wow, thanks - Very interesting! - I'm excited to see where it all goes...

[@cunawarit]

Bose is huge! A consistent 3 billion dollars in revenue in recent years and also in terms of engineering. A highend brand could massively benefit from Bose's engineering expertise, budgets, and intellectual property.

[@TechnoDad]

@@cunawarit That's a lot of dough!

[@john2914]

It means they got lucky. Home audio is not as mainstream as years ago. They were lucky to sell their business. Who cares what happens now?

[@TechnoDad]

I suppose

[@MichaelLHill-fd3kw]

I’m not surprised at all because if VW can buy BMW, RR Bentley and Mercedes why not and besides that Mac was the only amp Bose endorsed for the first 901s that isn’t a stretch and of course Mac and Klipsch Horns were also a item so watch out.

[@TechnoDad]

I didn't know that detail about Bose endorsing the Mac for the 901s...

[@MichaelLHill-fd3kw]

@ yeah but that was a long time ago around the 70s

[@techsamurai11]

The McIntosh Dragon soundbar for $39,999 😂😂😂. 2 massive subwoofers that dip to 40hz with a stated 0hz @+3db extension! They will measure them using the Richter scale.

[@TechnoDad]

LOL! The McDragon!

[@cpodurnell3701]

Maybe they can show Bose how to make a speaker.

[@TechnoDad]

HAhahaha!

[@KillerKojak]

WTF..... 🥴😵😵‍💫

[@user-rg4xn3ib4c]

Sorry. None of what you mentioned. Corporations! Everything we love soon circles the drain. Say goodbye to two well respected companies.

[@YOKOOL66]

WOW!! Maybe Bose will come out with a AVR or Amplifier??

[@TechnoDad]

That would be cool!

[@AudioGuyBrian]

Bose will make nothing but McIntosh Soundbars and Portable Speakers. Maybe a piece of McIntosh BPC once in a while with a blue meter on it. LOL.

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

So highs no lows it must be McIntosh

[@jmp622]

Hate on what cannot afford. Their true high end products are excellent. If you own them you would know and not troll comment.

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

@ it's a joke not a dick don't take it so hard.

[@David_vdk]

the mcintosh owner will feel betrayal , i hear maybe maybe maybe maybe maybe .... i'm so happy whit yamaha marantz technics and focal

[@bambam841ify]

Will they call it Bosentosh? 😁

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

Both brands are living off their legacy. They both suck now.

[@ridirefain6606]

I suspect we will see under whelming lifestyle products from McIntosh and Sonus Faber. I hope not, but Bose has never been about giving you products that offer full on high performance. Only overpriced inoffensive sounding dreg that one can hide in a living room.

[@spencergates5766]

The recent Bose soundbars are pretty top tier, right up there with Sonos. I personally hope Bose takes the opportunity to step back into HiFi, make some new passive speakers, and maybe some amplifiers as well.

[@ridirefain6606]

​@@spencergates5766 I do not have much experience with sound bars in general. so will take your word for it. However, I do have a modicum with full range towers and bookshelves. My experience with Bose speakers was they were overhyped. Back in the golden decades of Audio It was the speaker to own for a lot of folks. Thier reflective sound designs were fussy things to get right and even then, did not have the definition and clarity of many much cheaper offering from just about every other speaker maker out there. The later lifestyle system was small and innocuous stuff that had a high WAF but a total rip off as far as sonic capability. Gods I hated the sound of that bandpass woofer they used. I always found the Bose sound to be severely lacking. I personally have no interest is a Sonus Faber sound bar or speaker that has the same sonics.

[@DabblelyDiddly]

reminds me of samsung buying harman

[@TechnoDad]

I don't think much happened as far as JBL and Arcam ar concerned...

[@kahvac]

This can't be good for McIntosh quality !

[@David_vdk]

it can be good for the Bose quality !

[@kahvac]

@@David_vdk Not likely...

[@jefferysmith5921]

Hoping they do not buy Marantz...

[@NathanM3JetPilot]

Bosentosh or McInose. What could go wrong😂

[@TechnoDad]

LOLOLOL!

[@Economist96]

Death of McIntosh quality.

[@RoyPhair]

It means now Made in china

[@jvnb-y9e]

Bose is a woke company. Expect rainbow VU meters and McIntosh amps.

[@justonetime112]

VAG😂😂😂😂❤❤😂😂

[@KR2XD]

Ha ha ha ha ha... Vag!

[@TechnoDad]

LOL!!!

[@Mr.Haitian2U]

Trash

[@djbrianc]

I love the spacious sound of my 901’s ( yes they were 802’s as well). They have plenty of lows and highs on my system. Can rattle the walls at less than 50watts. I have currently series 6 but previously series 4. I am aware of their limited edition new 901. What is it with you so called audiophiles anyway? This hobby should be about the enjoyment of the music and less about brand snobbery. 😂

[@TechnoDad]

This is true! Enjoy what you have, who cares what anyone else thinks!

[@CarlVanDoren61]

McIntosh never impressed Look beyond the neon 😮

[@Nebo600]

They bought Sonos Faber too 🫢😮