New PS2K Powered Subwoofer

[Charles]

Originally Posted by PeterMusic

I have to admit that I do not understand their speaker offering. Are they really in the same league as Wilson, Magico, Rockport...? My sense is that there are a small number of people who buy out of brand loyalty and/or a purchase decision that is not based primarily on sonics.

I hope others will chime in if they have purchased Mc speakers after comparisons to other major brands. Thanks

Peter, there was a young man with money who purchased a pair of 1.1's and then if memory serves me correctly, 2.1's. He had a beautiful home theater system. I think a lot of folks have home theater systems based off Mac speakers. That's why it baffled (no pun intended) me that Mac stopped making subwoofers.

Mac's history making speakers is far older and more storied than any of the manufacturers you mentioned. None off these have a dedicated anechoic chamber for testing their speakers. Also Mac is spending hundreds of thousand of dollars on a dedicated sound room in Manhattan showcasing all their gear. Go to Roger Russell's website to read about all the research Mac has done regarding speaker design. I suspect that an all Mac reference system built around a 2.1K/PSK combo per channel using a MC3500, 901, or a MC2KW would be competitive with any of the top speakers of these manufactures. There's not going to be anybody that can do anymore than speculate about head to head comparisons, IMO.

Best

Charles

p.s. stay tuned for the little brother of the PS2K, probably named the PS1K, that will be ideal for the 1.1K. With the advent of these subwoofers Mac has significantly raised the bar.

[Antonmb]

FWIW, I've heard the XRT2.1 and the XR100 in McIntosh rooms at audio shows several times, and although they sounded very good, in my opinion they were not on the same level as statement speakers from Wilson and a few others (von Schweikert, Alsyvox, Sonus faber, Tidal) heard at both the same shows and at dealers. They're great speakers and if you're a Mac fan and want a whole-Mac system you'd be very satisfied, but Mac is not a speaker designer on a level with the top brands who do nothing but. This is of course just my experience, but I've always come away with the feeling that all those drivers detracted from a sense of coherence and the same level of tonal balance as others. They certainly produce great music and a real sense of scale in a big room, but there's a reason that others usually take home the "best of show" honors.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Antonmb

FWIW, I've heard the XRT2.1 and the XR100 in McIntosh rooms at audio shows several times, and although they sounded very good, in my opinion they were not on the same level as statement speakers from Wilson and a few others (von Schweikert, Alsyvox, Sonus faber, Tidal) heard at both the same shows and at dealers. They're great speakers and if you're a Mac fan and want a whole-Mac system you'd be very satisfied, but Mac is not a speaker designer on a level with the top brands who do nothing but. This is of course just my experience, but I've always come away with the feeling that all those drivers detracted from a sense of coherence and the same level of tonal balance as others. They certainly produce great music and a real sense of scale in a big room, but there's a reason that others usually take home the "best of show" honors.

Tony, when I read the coverage of the shows I do it out of curiosity only. Even speaker reviews from seasoned reviewers who have listened to the speaker for months before coming to a definitive conclusion must be taken with reservations. But I agree with you. I don't think Mac speakers are on par yet with the Wilsons, SF's, Magico's, or Rockport of the world. However, there are numerous super expensive European speakers that are IMO worse than Mac in this regard. I think Mac makes very good speakers, especially for home theater applications. I think that if I were doing a reference home theater system that I would, being a Mac aficionado, use the 2.1K/PS2K together with an all Mac accompanying gear. I would also have it setup for an excellent secondary 2-channel system. I would prefer an Aida, Alexx V, Rockport Lyra, or Magico M6 over the 2.1K for a 2-channel system. I don't have an interest in home theater. I'm a 2-channel aficionado that watches an occasional movie, but many folks are really into home theater.

Best

Charles

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by Charles

Tony, when I read the coverage of the shows I do it out of curiosity only. Even speaker reviews from seasoned reviewers who have listened to the speaker for months before coming to a definitive conclusion must be taken with reservations. But I agree with you. I don't think Mac speakers are on par yet with the Wilsons, SF's, Magico's, or Rockport of the world. However, there are numerous super expensive European speakers that are IMO worse than Mac in this regard. I think Mac makes very good speakers, especially for home theater applications. I think that if I were doing a reference home theater system that I would, being a Mac aficionado, use the 2.1K/PS2K together with an all Mac accompanying gear. I would also have it setup for an excellent secondary 2-channel system. I would prefer an Aida, Alexx V, Rockport Lyra, or Magico M6 over the 2.1K for a 2-channel system. I don't have an interest in home theater. I'm a 2-channel aficionado that watches an occasional movie, but many folks are really into home theater.

Best

Charles

As an owner of two maxed out Mac theater’s, I almost never listen to 2-Channel music there. I think that sums it up IMO.

[Porsche993TT]

never been impressed with Mc speakers, they play loud and are OK for movies but not serious listening IMO but whatever floats ones boat

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Porsche993TT

never been impressed with Mc speakers, they play loud and are OK for movies but not serious listening IMO but whatever floats ones boat

Many folks on AA own Mac speakers and love their Mac speakers in 2-channel systems. The XRT1K is particularly popular. Your opinion of Mac speakers is predictable as you rarely have anything positive to say concerning McIntosh.

I think Ivan's creed: Is it true? It it really necessary? Is it kind? is something that you might consider. I know that in the past I have been guilty of unnecessary off the cuff comments.

I think Tony's and Ivan's comments are accurate to a point. But I will say that I think a lack of coherence is a problem inherent with all line source speakers. However, these speakers provide a larger sweet spot and less secondary reflections of the sound. I know that Ivan prefers Cantons to Wilsons but I believe that he is the minority. So, in the end it's a matter of personal taste.

Best

Charles

[Antonmb]

Originally Posted by Charles

Tony, when I read the coverage of the shows I do it out of curiosity only. Even speaker reviews from seasoned reviewers who have listened to the speaker for months before coming to a definitive conclusion must be taken with reservations. But I agree with you. I don't think Mac speakers are on par yet with the Wilsons, SF's, Magico's, or Rockport of the world. However, there are numerous super expensive European speakers that are IMO worse than Mac in this regard. I think Mac makes very good speakers, especially for home theater applications. I think that if I were doing a reference home theater system that I would, being a Mac aficionado, use the 2.1K/PS2K together with an all Mac accompanying gear. I would also have it setup for an excellent secondary 2-channel system. I would prefer an Aida, Alexx V, Rockport Lyra, or Magico M6 over the 2.1K for a 2-channel system. I don't have an interest in home theater. I'm a 2-channel aficionado that watches an occasional movie, but many folks are really into home theater.

Best

Charles

Charles, don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking Mac or Mac fans - they're wonderful products with a great history. I simply meant that, in my opinion and in my experience only, their speakers, as good as they are, are not in the very top echelon for two-channel. I can't comment on multi-channel/home theater systems.

[McMan]

McIntosh is one of the best line array speakers you can purchase today. If you love line array speakers, it’s a great way to go. The McIntosh Group also owns Sonus Faber, so if you want a different flavor, they also have that covered. I would love to own a pair of Mc Line Arry speakers, and, as Ivan mentioned, taking out reflections off the ceiling and floors sounds attractive to me, and who does love a large sweet spot?

I really like and appreciate Mc High-end speakers and new subwoofer. Kuddos to Mc employees who put in countless hours to make this happen. So, we can enjoy this wonderful hobby.

[Masterlu]

[audiogear]

A pair of these will cause folks to reconsider their earthquake insurance policy.