Why McIntosh

[MORTIS]

Gary: I've been into high-end home audio for over 40 years, such brands as Marantz, Phase Linear, Dayton Wright, Harman Kardon, Infinity, to name a few, and I've enjoyed them all immensely.
I've owned McIntosh for less years than a lot of folks here; about 6 years but during those years I've had a number of Mc components and nothing has satisfied me quite as well as McIntosh for sound, flexibility, and reliability. Every Mc piece I have owned was bought used and not one of them has given me the slightest problem; always worked flawlessly. And when I sold any piece, I recouped back what I paid and often more. So yes, owning McIntosh is like money in the bank, and if you end up selling it all and moving on, you'll likely have enjoyed it for essentially free.
And yes, the Mc integrated amps retain the same resale value as their separates.

[jdandy]

Gary.......Inching your way up is expensive. You end up spend and not recovering a boat load of cash before you eventually arrive at your desired destination. So is going for the gusto right out of the chute, but ultimately is is less expensive in the long run. This audio hobby is expensive and it is rare that components will allow you to break even or make a profit when sold. McIntosh has the better reputation for this happening with certain components but certainly not all. Essentially, audio components are not investments that grow in value, they are liabilities that shrink in value. Knowing this in advance doesn't take the sting out of any loss.

Your interest in an integrated amplifier opens several possibilities. Do you want an all analog integrated amplifier, a solid state or tube integrated, one with an internal DAC, one with tuner capabilities, one with high power?

The McIntosh MA7000 integrated amplifier is a superb product. Finding one on the used market is not easy because owners love them and rarely part with them, but if you can find one it will certainly please you in my opinion.

[cleeds]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Gary....... ... Essentially, audio components are not investments that grow in value, they are liabilities that shrink in value.

I agree with this completely - audio components are depreciating assests. Yes, some purchased new can be sold for more than the purchase price, but that's the rare exception. If you want to evaluate the exceptions, you also have to consider the time value of money, and what you would have earned had you actually invested the money in CDs, or bonds, or stocks.

I have made a few dollars on a handful of audio components, but that was just luck. My real investments tend to appreciate over time.

As to the subject at hand, I've always liked McIntosh gear - but not all of it. I'm not a fan of its SS amplifiers, for example. For preamplifiers, I prefer Audio Research.

Unlike many here, I really like McIntosh source components. I bought an MR-80 tuner new years ago and still use it. It's the oldest component in my main system. I had a McIntosh MVP-871 spinner and r-e-a-l-l-y liked it, so I traded it for an MVP-881 - which I think is a terrific unit. I think the MPC-1500 is way, way underrated, at least in my system.

One thing I especially like about all McIntosh gear: Serviceability. Nobody thinks it's odd to own a decades-old McIntosh component and seek service. Many competitors abandon legend products, but not Mac or ARC.

Of course, this all comes down to preference and for whatever reason, there are those who just can't or won't warm up to McIntosh gear. That doesn't matter to me - I don't seek validation from others for my purchases.

[Stahle]

Why McIntosh? For me, it not only has to do with the quality of equipment, but their customer service. Unlike some of the other posts elsewhere in this forum, I have had incredible customer service. I mentioned an account in another thread regarding the service performed on my MA6450 by McIntosh. As noted in my post, they went way above and beyond my expectations or really anyone's expectations when doing so. That made me a customer for life. Also, it goes way back to spending time as a kid in the stereo store with my Dad. When I play my system, it always makes me think of him, so yes, there is a bit of nostalgia that has steered me towards McIntosh.

Regarding Dan's comment, I agree with him in that this is an expensive hobby and it is rare to come out ahead after a sale. I've bought and sold nearly a dozen McIntosh pieces over the years and while some gear was sold for roughly what I paid, most was sold at a loss. Had I kept my MC352 which I purchased new, that one would probably have appreciated, but this is also likely due to the fact that new McIntosh equipment prices were skyrocketing right around that time and they don't seem to be going up as fast as they used to. This doesn't help the current used market for sellers. I also think that for many of the new products that include DAC's, we're not going to see the rate or returns we might have seen in the past because everyone seems to want the latest digital technology. Also, the current integrated amps and the two channel receiver have all been out for quite some time and as soon as they are replaced with ones with upgraded DACs, I doubt these will hold their values like the ones did in the past that did not include DACs. It's really too bad the DACs are not a card or something that can be upgraded.

[onehole150]

On Ebay there is a MA5200 at $3500; any thoughts? I'm using a moon neo IA at 100wts/channel. The Ma5200 looks interesting as I currently use Tidal via a optic cable and it looks like I could do the same with the 5200.

[djwhog]

My McIntosh amps and preamps I love! Dead quiet and sound amazing. Have owned a lot of other gear and the circuits in the McIntosh are very well built and noise free + I love there sound and the looks and of course never had a failure since early 90s on anything McIntosh!

[jdandy]

Gary.......I have not auditioned the MA5200 but it certainly appears to be a good integrated amplifier/DAC combo package. New retail is $4500, so $3500 is a decent discount for a current model pre-owned component. Looks like the eBay seller has good feedback and has been a seller on eBay for 19 years. This could be a good way to go.

On the other hand, with shipping you'll have approximately $3600 in the deal and no warranty from McIntosh. For $900 more you could order a brand new MA5200 from Crutchfield or MusicDirect, shipped free with the full 3 year McIntosh warranty as the original owner. Both Crutchfield and MusicDirect offer a 60 day return policy. Something to consider.

[Grasshopper]

I had an MA5200 and was very impressed. For giggles I brought it to a friend's house and we powered his B&W 800 D2's with it. It handled those high current beasts way better than I had expected.

He promptly talked me out of it, and he now has it dedicated to some nice Revels in a 2nd system.

The MA5200 is awesome with its integrated DAC, great with USB or optical.

Originally Posted by onehole150

On Ebay there is a MA5200 at $3500; any thoughts? I'm using a moon neo IA at 100wts/channel. The Ma5200 looks interesting as I currently use Tidal via a optic cable and it looks like I could do the same with the 5200.

[62caddy]

I would recommend an holding out for an MA7000.

It's far more powerful therefore less likely to need to be upgraded, does not run on firmware and has a 5 band EQ.

The difference in cost will not be missed over what should be a very long service life.

[nicoff]

I don't know of ANY Hi-Fi manufacturer that is known as a top manufacturer in ALL categories of audio. Some manufacturers make great analog/TT gear, others make great amps/preamps, yet others make great electronics.
McIntosh has built a reputation building great amps/preamps. For decades their achievement in that area have been amazing.

On the other hand, the audio world is changing and nowadays there is more electronics/digital gear in our rooms.
I would feel very comfortable with McIntosh amps/preamps. But having read of the experiences of so many folks with electronic/digital McIntosh gear I would likely opt for other brands in that area.

McIntosh reminds me of Harley Davidson. An Icon without a doubt. A bike with an unforgettable sound that leaks oil from time to time and certainly not the most state-of-the art in terms of electronics. An icon nonetheless with a cult following.