What has Bose done to McIntosh ?

[Randy Myers]

I had to look that up because it seemed only recently that they debuted a new model but that was already 2023 - McIntosh debuted the MR89 and that's already retired!

https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/retired-products/MR89

I did not even know about the MR89. That has to be the shortest-lived piece in McIntosh history.

 

[Mr Peabody]

The local FM sounds pretty darn good here in Wichita on my MR85. I use a Magnum Dynalabs ST2 antenna which does the job nicely. There are a ton of stations and many that come in at the highest strength.

It's not typically the signal strength. Most stations use computers and small compressed music files, and some further compression before the transformer. Corporations own stations across the U.S. and play the same songs. Some of our local DJ's are now on stations in other cities in different time slots. Radio is not what it used to be. When the same company can own the music, venues and radio, you get what they want you to get.

 

[Randy Myers]

It's not typically the signal strength. Most stations use computers and small compressed music files, and some further compression before the transformer. Corporations own stations across the U.S. and play the same songs. Some of our local DJ's are now on stations in other cities in different time slots. Radio is not what it used to be. When the same company can own the music, venues and radio, you get what they want you to get.

I have heard some stuff like this before. Even though I do not like it and feel it is not a good trend, it is not what I was referring to. I am referring to receiving good signals and pretty darn good sound quality. The broadcast signals are remarkably analog sounding for me.

 

[W9TR]

Local dealer here gave up the brand.

Jim - any insight into why they dropped McIntosh? They were a premiere dealer at one point and had in house listening sessions, etc.

 

[nicoff]

The local FM sounds pretty darn good here in Wichita on my MR85. I use a Magnum Dynalabs ST2 antenna which does the job nicely. There are a ton of stations and many that come in at the highest strength.

Interesting. There was a time when all FM broadcast came from an analog source. Today, most FM broadcasts start in digital format and converted to analog.

 

[nicoff]

… The broadcast signals are remarkably analog sounding for me.

I guess that commercial-grade DACs (as opposed to audiophile-type DACs) are good enough!

 

[ggdudeabides]

Maybe off topic but what is the future for tube based audio? NOS supplies are becoming scare and prices continue upward. And the target customer base is getting smaller. Too bad about Mc but predictable once Bose bought the brand.

 

[Mike]

Maybe off topic but what is the future for tube based audio? NOS supplies are becoming scare and prices continue upward. And the target customer base is getting smaller. Too bad about Mc but predictable once Bose bought the brand.

NOS Tube prices have gone through the roof.

 

[mep]

NOS Tube prices have gone through the roof.

And what percentage of "NOS" is truly NOS and not tests like new?

 

[Michaels HiFi]

NOS Tube prices have gone through the roof.

Forget buying gold as in investment.....buy vintage tubes!!!

 

[JDC]

I probably have enough NOS 12AU7s for my equipment to last many years. Power tubes no... I have found a current brand that I like though (for 12AX7 and 12AU7) - the New Sensor Gold Lions made in Russia.

 

[JDC]

Upscale just added Mcintosh -

McIntosh Labs

High-fidelity music systems. Precision selected rare tubes. We treat your system like it's our own. This is Music Illuminated.

upscaleaudio.com