So what the Heck is this: McIntosh x Virgil Abloh – MA8950 Integrated Amplifier Concept
- Thread starter Hofvox
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Market research from BOSE? Likely trying to appeal to Kanye West’s followers.
twiiii
Lunatic Member
No matter what others might say I think it is UGGGGGLLLLYYYYY!!!!!!!
What happen to the days when "Black was Beautiful" But Mac had gone all black long before that with the C-28 and C-26, the MC 2505 and MC 2105. MI-3 and MPI-4. There was also the MQ 101. I believe the MR-73 was the first all black Tuner. The MX 112 or 113 was the first all black tuner Pre-amp. I guess a MA5100 was the first all black integrated unit, also. Wonder what else was first. What was the first all black loudspeaker? I don't have a clue. By the way I think all black speakers, unless hidden, are ugly.
I remember the first rally I went to in Phoenix where Altec introduced its black line of electronics. At least when they were painted forest green they stood out from all the others. Being black they looked like everyone else's black stuff. Its was an ugly flat or satin black. Not a pretty high gloss black like Mcintosh's black.
I still think Mac should have put the meter for a MC 830 on the side instead of on one end. That goes for the MA 252 and the 352 also.
What happen to the days when "Black was Beautiful" But Mac had gone all black long before that with the C-28 and C-26, the MC 2505 and MC 2105. MI-3 and MPI-4. There was also the MQ 101. I believe the MR-73 was the first all black Tuner. The MX 112 or 113 was the first all black tuner Pre-amp. I guess a MA5100 was the first all black integrated unit, also. Wonder what else was first. What was the first all black loudspeaker? I don't have a clue. By the way I think all black speakers, unless hidden, are ugly.
I remember the first rally I went to in Phoenix where Altec introduced its black line of electronics. At least when they were painted forest green they stood out from all the others. Being black they looked like everyone else's black stuff. Its was an ugly flat or satin black. Not a pretty high gloss black like Mcintosh's black.
I still think Mac should have put the meter for a MC 830 on the side instead of on one end. That goes for the MA 252 and the 352 also.
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McIntosh x Virgil Abloh Concept: Sound is Culture
A bold tribute to Virgil Abloh’s vision, the MA8950 Integrated Amplifier Concept reimagines McIntosh design through a cultural lens—one-of-one, and unmistakable.
www.mcintoshlabs.com
For me it’s not the single orange amplifier, I don’t like the color vs the clean and classic look of gloss black and chrome, but I can see where there is a demographic, a market probably un-tapped that would buy just for the bright “bold” colors.
I don’t see Virgil Abloh as anyone I’d single out to make a statement amplifier in his name, but I guess if they’re going after a market who would, ... this is a marketing move that will test those waters.
My bigger concern is that this is style over substance, which is a complete about-face of McIntosh’s direction to date. Even the name McIntosh Labs infers research, development, engineering where a bright orange product should be from a company more appropriately named McIntosh Studios or BoseIntosh, ... but I digress (with passion).
Cadillac famously decided that they would abandon their core buyers a few decades ago, to look for younger buyers, and ended up with neither. Marketing people (and I know a few) sometimes trip over their own wieners when they take over a company with an established premium reputation and customers. If McIntosh starts putting out product that strays from the conservative styling and engineering-first mindset to brash and (in my opinion) obnoxious products I’ll be buying from one of their capable competitors. Loyalty goes both ways IMO.
I don’t see Virgil Abloh as anyone I’d single out to make a statement amplifier in his name, but I guess if they’re going after a market who would, ... this is a marketing move that will test those waters.
My bigger concern is that this is style over substance, which is a complete about-face of McIntosh’s direction to date. Even the name McIntosh Labs infers research, development, engineering where a bright orange product should be from a company more appropriately named McIntosh Studios or BoseIntosh, ... but I digress (with passion).
Cadillac famously decided that they would abandon their core buyers a few decades ago, to look for younger buyers, and ended up with neither. Marketing people (and I know a few) sometimes trip over their own wieners when they take over a company with an established premium reputation and customers. If McIntosh starts putting out product that strays from the conservative styling and engineering-first mindset to brash and (in my opinion) obnoxious products I’ll be buying from one of their capable competitors. Loyalty goes both ways IMO.
Blue Shadow
Waiting for Vintage Gear from this century
The notice I saw said this was the solder used for the unit
Happy Halloween!
Happy Halloween!
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I see this as nothing more than a concept piece which the McIntosh team wanted to take on, not them choosing to go in a new direction with a new crowd. McIntosh had a close relationship with the man and apparently wished to honor him by using a current integrated amp and reimagining it through the lens of Virgil Abloh, using his signature orange.
But requests for additional units may prove otherwise, possibly creating (at the least) a niche market for the style but not an abandonment of their core market.
I'll keep my fingers crossed...
But requests for additional units may prove otherwise, possibly creating (at the least) a niche market for the style but not an abandonment of their core market.
I'll keep my fingers crossed...
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Collabs I'd love to see:
McIntosh x H.A.N.D Hifi (or a similar boutique speaker/amp company)
McIntosh x Pass (dream on..)
McIntosh x H.A.N.D Hifi (or a similar boutique speaker/amp company)
McIntosh x Pass (dream on..)
Customization like you can do on a car configurator would be cool. Bentley is a good example for instance.
Porsche used to have a “paint to sample” option, not sure if they still do.
Virgil Abloh was a designer who took an old school, high end accessory company that appealed primarily to OLD wealthy clientele and transformed it into a hip, forward thinking brand that now appeals to the same OLD, wealthy clientele, but also a new generation of YOUNG wealthy clientele that will keep the business IN business for a long time to come.
The quality of that brand remains along with their dedication to customer satisfaction. This is a very smart move by McIntosh to get brand recognition with a new generation who have money to spend. It will keep McIntosh in business serving older and younger clientele.
It doesn't matter if you like the color. It's a tribute. A one off. Maybe they will put it to market. Stop clutching your pearls and just listen to some music.
The quality of that brand remains along with their dedication to customer satisfaction. This is a very smart move by McIntosh to get brand recognition with a new generation who have money to spend. It will keep McIntosh in business serving older and younger clientele.
It doesn't matter if you like the color. It's a tribute. A one off. Maybe they will put it to market. Stop clutching your pearls and just listen to some music.
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Great summary, all around!
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grillebilly
Empty Head
I had to look him up too. Interesting, Mac wasn't the first
From Wiki:
In May 2019 Pioneer, maker of DJ consoles, announced its collaboration with Abloh in design of its transparent CDJ-2000NXS2 and DJM-900NXS2 models.[72] The consoles were displayed at Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art in the Figures of Speech Exhibition.
From Wiki:
In May 2019 Pioneer, maker of DJ consoles, announced its collaboration with Abloh in design of its transparent CDJ-2000NXS2 and DJM-900NXS2 models.[72] The consoles were displayed at Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art in the Figures of Speech Exhibition.
damacman
Resident Psycho
First sane response I've seen yet. Man, the **** folks say anymore ...
