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So what the Heck is this: McIntosh x Virgil Abloh – MA8950 Integrated Amplifier Concept

I get it, the thought that what worked for a clothing / wearables brand will work for a highly-engineered audio product, … but it usually doesn’t work that way.

If McIntosh buyers come to the brand for style instead of engineering it will change the way that McIntosh products are designed, that’s all I’m saying. I buy McIntosh for the quality Engineering, build quality, and performance.

Making an amplifier for a revered Engineer who died a couple of years ago would be a different statement, or for a well-respected Sound Engineer, or maybe a farewell Charlie version that has performance enhancements instead of just tarting it up with a bright color.
 
To me, personally, the traditional McIntosh livery of black / chrome / blue is an important part of what makes the product line desirable. I don't even care for the look of the gold chassis versions that come along once in awhile, TBH.

But, then again... you can get Wilson speakers in a multitude of colors. Or Fender guitars for that matter. So maybe providing color options would be something that would hold appeal for some buyers?

That said, as far as I can tell this is a one-off unit and I don't see any indication that it is going to be something offered for sale.
 
I kinda like it, I think a limited edition of a 100 or so would sell. I think having different colors would be a good idea , as a special order option, Look at J corder. there are people even painting old Pioneers different colors, and they don't all look bad. Vive la différence!
 
SaturationPt said:
I get it, the thought that what worked for a clothing / wearables brand will work for a highly-engineered audio product, … but it usually doesn’t work that way.

If McIntosh buyers come to the brand for style instead of engineering it will change the way that McIntosh products are designed, that’s all I’m saying. I buy McIntosh for the quality Engineering, build quality, and performance.

Making an amplifier for a revered Engineer who died a couple of years ago would be a different statement, or for a well-respected Sound Engineer, or maybe a farewell Charlie version that has performance enhancements instead of just tarting it up with a bright color.
Click to expand...
I think that McIntosh has emphasized aesthetic styling for 50+ years. It's one of the most recognized audio brands in the world by looks alone.
 
eiraved said:
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...View attachment 3606064
Click to expand...
It's got the meters, that's the bridge, maybe.
 
I never have issue with these brands making attempts to keep themselves relevant into the future. If this makes Mc more attractive to a new generation of buyers I'm all for it, because I want Mc to remain viable and in business into the future. Now if this became the new Mc color scheme across the board we might well be crashing the gates, but as an attempt to reach out to a certain potential group of buyers I'm all for it. Given they did this one I'm surprised there wasn't a Grateful Dead version.....

If someone on the forum wins one of these in a drawing and doesn't have the proper aesthetic to make it look good, send it here and I'll make it work :-)
 
I can’t imagine the pant pooping that must take place on auto forums when a car manufacturer makes a one off.

:yikes::yikes:
 
Audible Nectar said:
Yes, but I expected something more than just a wireless system, like why not a special edition MC2300?

I did buy the shirts though.....
Click to expand...
I said the same thing. That unit has zero connection to the Grateful Dead.

On the other hand, could you just imagine a GD inspired MC2300 with all of the best of yesterday and today in a limited run unit? Man ...
 
Last edited:
The orange isn't for me, but very cool that they worked with Virgil before he passed. Surprised how many people on here don't know him with how influential and prolific he was.
 
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