Modern Mcitntosh Gear - How's it sound?

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mdp632

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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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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 that
 
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.
 
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.
 
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