McIntosh Owners - Tell Mc What You Want!

jeremyjustic

jeremyjustic

Analog
OK guys , it's obvious, between the new threads on Mac at CES and all of the anti-luxury image post/threads around here, we, the die hard McIntosh fans and owners do not particularly like the direction that the mothership is moving. Now it is easy to sit and complain, "they should have done this or that" but that doesn't really help McIntosh, likewise , it is easy to dismiss our concerns as just the ramblings of "keyboard jockeys who have never seen a new product " but that doesn't really help anything either. So, what to do?

so here is my Idea, I will post a few simple, straight forward questions. Lets each take the time to let McIntosh know, IN A POSITIVE, CONSTRUCTIVE WAY, how we feel. Lets try and not make this a big bitchfest, instead of a manifesto of mistakes try and focus on the future and proactive ways McIntosh could better connect with their core customers. We are in a unique position, Audiokarma is the countries biggest Audio forum, our voice is loud. Lets use this to help prop up the company we all so love instead of tearing it down.

here we go

1: what attracted you to the McIntosh name in the first place?
2:what do you find most satisfying about McIntosh ownership?
3:what would make you want to purchase new McIntosh equipment?
4: what new products would you like to see?

OK guys , with these four simple questions , we can each let McIntosh know why we are customers, why we stay customers and what can be done to keep us as customers. there you go , lets keep it clean and have fun.

a side note to McIntosh: this is done with the best intentions, I am a proud McIntosh owner and look forward to being one for a very long time.
 
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ok so me first:

1: I have an uncle who constantly spoke about the quality and class that McIntosh exudes. I grew up with the idea that if you wanted the best , you bought McIntosh, PERIOD!

2: I love the build quality and the sweet sound they produce. My vintage Mac pieces are first rate quality, built to last a lifetime. In the disposable world we live in, it is refreshing to have something of tangible quality. the fit, finish and styling are second to none. Even people who know nothing of audio gear see my set up and instinctively know that they are looking at first rate equipment. once they hear it , they will never forget it.

3: innovative , well thought out Design, classic timeless styling, rock solid warranty support. and last but not least, the sweet McIntosh sound!

4: I would like to see some lower powered solid state amplifiers (with meters!) 50-100wpc, I live in an apartment , I don't think I need 1kw monoblocks. I would love to see some mc30 reissues, without the gold or led's. how awesome would a nice new pair of mc30's be? also a turntable redesign at a lower price point would be great, with the resurgence of vinyl , now is the time!

ok guys , what do you think?
 
jeremyjustic said:
ok so me first:

3: innovative , well thought out Design, classic timeless styling.

ok guys , what do you think?
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One comment. No one knows what "timeless, classic" styling is until 15-20 years after it is designed. A 57 Chevy has "timeless, classic" styling but no one makes a car now that looks like it.
 
1. Good local dealership. Great Sound. After sale service.
2. The sound. Good service while on, and past, warranty.
3. All the above.
4. A 150 or so WPC SS stereo amp, no need for meters or much lights, would like it to weigh less than 70 pounds.
 
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jlovda said:
One comment. No one knows what "timeless, classic" styling is until 15-20 years after it is designed. A 57 Chevy has "timeless, classic" styling but no one makes a car now that looks like it.
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In the spirit of keeping this thread positive, thank you for your input, you make a good point.
 
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1: what attracted you to the McIntosh name in the first place?
The sound and the looks.

2:what do you find most satisfying about McIntosh ownership?
The sound, the build quality, and the looks, and the support.

3:what would make you want to purchase new McIntosh equipment?
Innovation, without outrageous prices, and the company sticking to core strengths.

4: what new products would you like to see?
A new stereo Tube power amp. How about a 200 watt stereo tube amp. ( probably would be huge to support all the KT88's.) How about a low power tube amp - like 30 watts or less. A new tube preamp without a DAC.
 
chuckworkb said:
4: what new products would you like to see?
A new tube preamp without a DAC.
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What's wrong with the C2300, C220, C500T or C1000T? None have a DAC built-in.

Like many, the timelessness of the vintage designs, the quality, the pride of ownership.

Am definitely NOT into the gee-whiz stuff that doesn't do anything for the timeless, tasteful design and quality of the sound and build. However, I do understand that at least 50% of today's market is not in the USA, and other buyers do not necessarily have the same tastes as we do.

A new set of MC30s that uses tube-based rectification is likely something I would consider purchasing if they were not gold, etc.
 
#1 My grandfather told me the McIntosh story and had met Mr Mac and Gordon personally. He had one of the very first Mcs- a 50W-1- played through an E-V Georgian. My grandfather was very serious about quality sound reproduction and without his influence, I probably wouldn't have developed an appreciation for it. Appreciation further cultivated here on AK.

#2 Quality construction, no frills, long term reliability, engineering integrity and excellent resale value, general appearance and of course, sonic purity.

#3 All of the above in addition to a warranty that extends to any owner within the original warranty period.

#4 Expansion of tube line; MC 30, 75, 225, 240, 275 go into regular production. Oh, and one single top quality receiver and make it look like MX 117. Start producing HQ horn speakers.
 
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1: what attracted you to the McIntosh name in the first place?

The looks were what first caught my eye. Then the sound and the build quality. The fact they are made in the USA sets them apart, perhaps now more than ever since almost nothing is anymore. I also liked the no nonsense approach to high-end audio they took though now I say that in the past tense.


2: what do you find most satisfying about McIntosh ownership?

The looks, sound and build quality all work together to make it satisfying to me.


3: what would make you want to purchase new McIntosh equipment?

More steak and less sizzle. Perhaps extending the warranty to 5 years.


4: what new products would you like to see?


  • Replacement for the MA6600 with an electronic crossover for better management of single or dual subwoofers (functionally something between the MXA60 and MEN220 in this regard) and given we are living in a digital age, maybe a built-in 24/192 DAC like the C48/C50 provided it works as advertised. No need to mess with anything else really. Love the fact you can make it a receiver by adding a tuner module. Oh, the ability to download firmware updates would be nice!

  • Replacement for the MS750 Music Server with 2TB hard drive, built-in 802.11n wireless and 24/192 compatible DAC.

  • Replacement for the XLS112 subwoofer with a power meter (small like that on MA6600 since space is at a premium) plus built-in electronic crossover and VFD like other McIntosh components. Controls on the front and switchable illumination.

  • New tube amp design with all connections on the back instead of the side. Sort of like a tube version of the old MC752/MC754 amps.

  • An all tube version of the MXA60 with non-slanted faceplate and utilizing the TM2 tuner model so it has HD radio.
 
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1: what attracted you to the McIntosh name in the first place?
- Robust build quality and enduring aesthetic; remove the badge and labels and you'd still know it's a Mac regardless of it's vintage. They prefer to slowly evolve their designs which results in a connectedness shared by owners of old gear and new. ..Boy, you certainly see that here at AK! :)
- They're an engineering driven firm that builds equipment for the audiophile who loves music more than gear. While purist audiophiles seek to avoid such things, all Mac preamps have balance controls, bass/treble controls, mono switches, etc. that help to make the best of ANY recorded music. No way to prove this, but I'd bet Mac owners tend to have larger music collections than the those who own the uber-purist brands.

2:what do you find most satisfying about McIntosh ownership?
I love the way it looks sitting on our family room credenza. ..My previous gear was never allowed to reside there.

3:what would make you want to purchase new
I waited 20 years to buy a Mac piece; I couldn't abide buying something that may have been mistreated by someone else.

4:what new products would you like to see?
hmm.. Maybe an optional remote that has a similar look and feel to the component itself? ..I realize smart remotes are all the rage, but in a simple 2-channel system like mine, I don't need a complicated remote. ..But a nice (non-plastic) Mac remote would be great.

And I'll add one other:

5:any concerns about the brand?
Yes.. don't jump into the cable fray! Unless McIntosh intends to offer credible evidence that their branded cables actually sound better, then they shouldn't go there. It's a betrayal of the brands ethos. ..Yes, I know there's easy money to be made, but it could end up being McIntosh's "jump the shark" moment (oh wait, that may have been the MAX60):).
 
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1: what attracted you to the McIntosh name in the first place?

Quality and Sound

2:what do you find most satisfying about McIntosh ownership?

The sound

3:what would make you want to purchase new McIntosh equipment?

Long-term designs, less over-the-top, with exceptions

4: what new products would you like to see?

MS-2000 with 2TB SSD, universal drive and Sabre ES-9018 DAC, fully-balanced, with AES/EBU output
C-52 with an interchangeable DAC slot, starting with an ES-9018, fully-balanced, with AES/EBU and USB allowing 24/192 input
MR-90 with AM/FM/XM/HD/internet streaming, AES/EBU output and an LCD scope!
MC-202 200 wpc quad-balanced amp. A miniature 452, matching the C-52
MC-602 Mk2, with all the current goodies, thermaltrack, etc.
MC-2152 2301 at half power, stereo on the 602 chassis.
 
Negotiableterms said:
C52 with an interchangeable DAC slot, starting with an ES-9018, fully-balanced, with AES/EBU and USB allowing 24/192 input.
MC202 200 wpc quad-balanced amp. A miniature 452, matching the C52.
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With new MC30s, these are something that would definitely get my attention. Would also want them to drop the meters from a C52 in order to go with the narrow chassis height.
 
I was only 15 when I got my system, so excuse my shallow way of thinking back then.

1)** I enjoyed the near ass kissing service from the dealers and reps.
**** Even at a young age I could identify the quality of the build
**** The stereo sounded better than any of my friends systems.
**** Girls loved the looks (making out in the glow of the 2105,mq101,c28).

2) The build quality of the older stuff is incredible. I can't comment on the new offerings, don't have any.


Steve
 
My only thing I'd like would be old style chassis reissues of things like the MC 250 and the 2100 for professional use and people who don't want fancy cabinets.
 
1. The sound and build quality. The fact it looks good and holds it's value didn't
hurt.
2. Same as 1.
3. Extra cash. If someone would like to sponsor me, I would be glad to buy
some new Mcintosh gear today.
4. I would like to see a phono stage with multiple inputs and selectable gain
settings (40-65dB) and loading settings (75-47,000 ohms).
 
hey thanks for participating guys! I think everyones suggestions are good ones!

I'd really like to see a mac phono stage as Capt. Chaos suggest. I have one of the rare McIntosh mcp-1 moving coil preamp and love it. very nice sweet sound!

I would also be all over a pair of new mc30 in their original case work, no gold needed!

thanks everyone for staying positive and taking the time to make thoughtful and constructive suggestions. hopefully mac will use this free market research and we can get some gear we are all excited about.
 
:lurk:

Please pardon the momentary intrusion. As a potential new McIntosh customer I find this thread to be very informative and very interesting. I only own one McIntosh item at this time. It is an old 240 or 250 (I don't recall at the moment) Solid State amp that is in need of a thorough cleaning and a recap before it is put to use. My mission is to move away from (most) vintage equipment to modern equipment. McIntosh as a brand is very high on my list and I think that it will be a very good fit for me. That is based on where they have been, not necessarily where they are going though. I don't think that any of the comments posted so far have caused me to rethink my desire to pursue McIntosh as the brand of choice but I do find that the overall tone of posts from existing owners and enthusiasts to be, at the very least, interesting. I thank you all for that. :thmbsp:

Carry on!
 
McIntosh is in a very tough position. Much of its market is now overseas, and those markets are very different from ours. They've had to head over-the-top in order to sell overseas, and to a lesser extent here. Many potential customers here are in the mood to downsize to more rational units, like 200 wpc amps instead of 2,000 wpc; integrated amps instead of multi-box separates. All that, while they try to hold costs down on new technology that they're don't already have history with.

I think what you're seeing is a weird combination of frustration and delight at how they're navigating through all that. One thing they haven't done is change the house sound, and that keeps bringing folks back, and will continue to do so.


EDIT: While I'm at it, I edited the title of this thread, as we don't want a gripe-fest about everything anyone doesn't like about Mc; rather, this thread is looking for positive suggestions.
 
Negotiableterms said:
McIntosh is in a very tough position. Much of its market is now overseas, and those markets are very different from ours. They've had to head over-the-top in order to sell overseas, and to a lesser extent here. Many potential customers here are in the mood to downsize to more rational units, like 200 wpc amps instead of 2,000 wpc; integrated amps instead of multi-box separates. All that, while they try to hold costs down on new technology that they're don't already have history with.

I think what you're seeing is a weird combination of frustration and delight at how they're navigating through all that. One thing they haven't done is change the house sound, and that keeps bringing folks back, and will continue to do so.
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The only thing that is constant in life is change. :yes:
 
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