Do you Think the McIntosh Brand Is Cheapened By Getting Into Car Stereo?

[PHC1]

In fact McIntosh made some truly drool worthy car audio components back in the day. Both sonically and drop dead gorgeous styling for the era. https://youtu.be/i-opVDKF-YU

[PHC1]

Who would be against a gorgeous amp like this in their car? https://youtu.be/K1uKowNETlA

[PeterMusic]

My guess/hope is that this is similar to Porsche's entry into SUVs. Horrifying to certain purists, but a great source of profitability to increase scale, improve overall economics, and generate funds that can be invested to improve all products.

Also, if you wanna rationalize dropping large coin on hifi because it "holds its value", OK. Whatever works for you. But let's get real, we're buying this stuff because we love great sound. Love ain't cheap, stereos aren't investments.

[Logan Nolag]

Originally Posted by PHC1

McIntosh has offered car stereos in the past. In fact the best example was the Ford GT circa 2005/6. I bet many wish they had a McIntosh car stereo and that Ford GT, it is worth quite a bit more money now...

The different branches of McIntosh are a plus IMHO. The more diverse they are, the more chances of long term survival as a company.

They were also in some Subaru's around that time as well.

People seem to forget that McIntosh was owned by Clarion in the 90s. Clarion is a car audio company. This is not the first time McIntosh has made car stereos.

This reminds me of all the people moaning about how you can buy McIntosh as Best Buy. Those same people don't seem to know that you used to be able to buy McIntosh at Radio Shack.

I think the only thing that will kill McIntosh is if they stop making excellent equipment in the US. The moment the majority of their stuff is made overseas and they start using plastic then they are done.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Logan Nolag

They were also in some Subaru's around that time as well.

People seem to forget that McIntosh was owned by Clarion in the 90s. Clarion is a car audio company. This is not the first time McIntosh has made car stereos.

This reminds me of all the people moaning about how you can buy McIntosh as Best Buy. Those same people don't seem to know that you used to be able to buy McIntosh at Radio Shack.

I think the only thing that will kill McIntosh is if they stop making excellent equipment in the US. The moment the majority of their stuff is made overseas and they start using plastic then they are done.

Yep, that would do it.

[Charles]

It takes capital to successfully run a business. If the car stereo is successful it could provide an excellent profit for the company. This translates into better technology and lower prices for their high end equipment. Also Mac has tremendous expertise in this field. If I were buying an expensive vehicle and saw that it had a Mac sound system it would be a definite plus in my decision to purchase.

Best

Charles

[cleeds]

Originally Posted by Logan Nolag

... you used to be able to buy McIntosh at Radio Shack ...

Really? Where? I never saw Mac in any US Radio Shack.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by cleeds

Really? Where? I never saw Mac in any US Radio Shack.

https://www.audioaficionado.org/showthread.php?t=4034

[dixon007]

Could be good. B&W and Dirac are involved with a hi-end audio option with Volvo and its excellent. Depends how it is implemented.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by cleeds

Really? Where? I never saw Mac in any US Radio Shack.

I don't ever remember seeing it in Best Buy either, come to think about it. Now folks will post 50 pics of Mac at Best Buys, I suppose. But this sort of thing doesn't concern me nor would any foray into China. I have always admired Asian manufacturing and technology. If it weren't for Japan, think where cars would be today. Japan excellence forced American car manufacturers to produce the safe defect free vehicles they should have produced all along. I remember when the Lexus first came out the Germans could not figure out how Toyota could create such a luxury car. The Lexus brand forced Mercedes to a new level of excellence.

Mac has been around a long time.