Results 1 to 6 of 6
-
June 17, 2019, 07:23 AM #1
- Join Date
- May 2016
- Posts
- 574
Modern Mcintosh Gear - How's it sound?
I know Mcintosh owners are quite a passionate and loyal group. A question to those owners or anyone who has heard the current product lineup.
My last experience was a C50 pre into the 601 Monoblocks. Speakers were the previous gen D2 Diamond speakers.
Although smooth and pleasing to listen to but, I found that the brand wasn't the last word in resolution.
I was curious if the new amps are indeed an improvement over the Mcintosh sound of the past.
-
June 17, 2019, 08:44 AM #2
- Join Date
- Feb 2019
- Location
- Southeast Iowa
- Posts
- 992
Re: Modern Mcitntosh Gear - How's it sound?
Not sure about comparisons to the older McIntosh stuff but I listened to some new McIntosh gear a couple months ago and it sounded superb to my ears. Haven't heard it yet but the new MA 9000 integrated looks very interesting and is certainly on my radar to check out. The reviews on Mac components are usually highly positive and the review I read on the new MA 9000 was no exception. IMHO, you can be pretty assured you're getting top notch stuff when you purchase McIntosh components. It just boils down to what sounds your ears prefer.
-
June 17, 2019, 01:46 PM #3
- Join Date
- Jun 2017
- Location
- Kansas
- Posts
- 176
Re: Modern Mcitntosh Gear - How's it sound?
As with many things, "it depends". I really didn't like the recent 1.2KW amps paired with B&W 802D3's. The smaller 601, however was one of the better pairings I heard with that speaker during my auditions. I believe both the 1.2 and 601 have been redesigned/upgraded within the last year or two, but I have heard neither. Mac and B&W remain a classic pairing, it seems.
Jeff
Main System
Streamer/Server: Aurender N100H; Disc Player: Oppo UDP-205; DAC: Topping D90SE; Preamp: Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE Stage 2; Power Amp: ATI AT542NC; Speakers: Focal Sopra No. 3; Cables: Wireworld, Kimber, Cullin; Power: Ansuz Mainz8 X-TC, PS Audio Dectet, Furutech outlets
Basement Media Room
Streamer/Server: Aurender N100SC; Disc Player: Panasonic DB-UP9000; Surround Pre/Pro: Monoprice Monolith HTP-1; Power Amps: Apollon NC1200SL (custom 3-channel w/Sparkos SS2590 op amps), Apollon AS3600 6-channel; Speakers: Focal Kanta No. 3, Kanta Center, 300 ICW8 (x6); Subwoofer: Rythmik F18SE (x2); Cables: Wireworld, BlueJeans; Power: Torus RM20, Furman Elite 20PFi; Room Correction: Dirac Live w/ Bass Control; Video: Sony 77" A9G OLED
-
June 17, 2019, 09:54 PM #4
- Join Date
- Nov 2013
- Location
- St. Louis, MO, USA
- Posts
- 3,069
Re: Modern Mcitntosh Gear - How's it sound?
IMO, Mac today sound a lot like that of yester year. The components may vary as to extended highs versus some rolled off but the overall character remains the same to me.
Some differences in modern Mac like the monster power monoblocks, a wide variety of integrated amps. Simularities, they still offer tube units and the look..
Mac was never about the resolution, they had a sound, some like it, some didn't. I suspect Mac owners find it like a comfortable pair of their favorite jeans. And, nothing wrong with thatAurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
-
June 18, 2019, 08:02 AM #5
- Join Date
- May 2017
- Location
- Hudson Valley, NY
- Posts
- 154
Re: Modern Mcitntosh Gear - How's it sound?
I like it, but then again, I call myself "McIntosh Blind." Various amps in the current offering do have slightly different "voicing."
I once heard a Bryston system against a McIntosh system. Both were good but a little different. Honestly could have been happy with either. The Bryston components in my system have paired well with the McIntosh.
As always, it's all in the listen and the dealership plays a role in this as well.AKA J2Ordan
McIntosh/Legacy/VPI/Bricasti/DIYCabling
-
June 18, 2019, 10:20 AM #6
Re: Modern Mcitntosh Gear - How's it sound?
I would say compared to some TOTL offerings from other companies I’ve heard like CH Precision, D’Agostino, Soluution, etc that McIntosh gear isn’t the most resolving out there. The MC 275 is somewhat anachronistic in that it definitely has a sound of its own. The other McIntosh stuff I have is pretty neutral - the MC 2301’s and the C 1100 don’t sound like tube-based amplifiers at all.
I happen to find super resolving gear fatiguing over extended listening sessions so I placed my bets on gear I find enjoyable to listen to for the long haul.Tom
Audio:
Amati Futura Mains
Amati Homage VOX Center,
Proac Response 1sc Rears,
Three MC2301's for L,C,R
MC 602 for the rears
C 1100, MX 151, MCD 1100, MR 77
Nottingham Dais with Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation
SurfacePro 3, JRiver, WW Starlight Platinum USB, Schiit Yggdrasil, Benchmark DAC3 HGC
Video:
MX 151, OppO BDP-95, JVC RS-500 DILA projector, 106" diagonal Stewart Luxus Screenwall Deluxe with Studiotek 130 G3 material.
Lake House:
Ohm F, MC 275V, C2300, MR 80, Rega P3
OnDeck:
McIntosh MAC 4300v
AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
12V is sufficient, and the LHY power supply Adam recommended is an excellent power supply.
Nucleus one