Why do no audio enthusiasts use McIntosh?

Owning a McIntosh integrated amp for a little over a year now, and loving it more each day. I have desired a Mc based system for nearly three decades. When finally deciding to purchase compared various brands some costing much more and some of course less. Definitely an audio enthusiast and have found that Mc gear hits the mark in many areas of satisfaction. This is a hobby where one picks their poison, too overlook McIntosh is to perhaps miss out on a truly wonderful world of reproduced music.

Since I was a wee little nipper ther was always music. A suitcase record player at 5, small tape player at 7, a boom box with detachable speakers at 11, hand me down 70's system from an uncle at 13, the family Harmon Kardon with Pioneer speakers at 14-15, then at 19 I got the "itis". Am now on my 3rd big system 2nd of which is Mc. 13 years ago I tried the others and preferred the Mc. Presently finishing up my curent rig and still prefer the Mc. I can't imagine not giving Mc a listen.

What is an "audio enthusiast"? If you mean people who love listening to recorded music, then I suspect that many people with iPods and earbuds better meet the criteria, while many people who churn through audio equipment are not. I suspect the latter group actually exhibits some form of OCD, not "audio enthusiasm". The evidence is the number of people trying to sell mega-buck components because they need money. Makes me wonder what delusion they were under when they bought the component in the first place.

In any case, I used to own a Mac MC275 and upgraded to a VAC Phi 200, at more than double the price. The VAC is a better amp. However, it in no way embarrasses the MC275.

i dont have any MC components yet - looking for something good , so i can cmpare to Accuphase (have quite a few - seperates and integraded)...
but after reading this thread - i think that MC is like a Rolex in watch world - if you wear one, most of the people will recognize it as a expansive and best watch... i do have one and few other brands (Patek, Zenith, blancpain..) - i stopped wearing rolex - too many people made comments about it.. i do wear other ones and quite offten people comment on the other ones.... they suggest to me to buy rolex - " now this is a good watch, the best".... yes, i just nod my head.
that is why i want to try MC - just to see if it is what people say about it.
but if someone wants to show to people the money - buy a rolex, 90% will recognize the mark and price right a way....
maybe it is true with MC too..., will test once i get it.

10-14-11: Hakuchosan
i think that MC is like a Rolex in watch world - if you wear one, most of the people will recognize it as a expansive and best watch... i do have one and few other brands (Patek, Zenith, blancpain..) - i stopped wearing rolex - too many people made comments about it.. i do wear other ones and quite offten people comment on the other ones.... they suggest to me to buy rolex - " now this is a good watch, the best".... yes, i just nod my head.

Rolex with its history for making the first diving watch and the date complication, I think it would be just a natural response for most people to recognize it as an icon in the horological sense. Rolex watches are still affordable compared to Patek's astronomical pricing. Whatever it is I don't blame people who thinks they are the best. Perhaps best for value? iconic design? Usability? Fashion? Personally, I prefer JLC.

Macs has its own history too, you're right... an iconic brand as well. They are really good with some speakers, B&W, Totems, Paradigms....IME., Try it if it matches your system and let us know.