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Is McIntosh still a good choice?

When I was a teenager I was really into stereo equipment. I eventually bought a complete system and thus moved on to other interests in life. At the time McIntosh was highly respected. My grandfather owned several McIntosh pieces and I revered them with their blue glow. Now it's time for me to become an audiophile again and I'm upgrading my system. I still have reverence for Mac equipment and love it's industrial design. Is McIntosh still highly respected, or have they become passe? Should I still consider a Mac integrated amp? I'm also exploring an Arcam A85 integrated. I'll be driving a pair of Paradigm Studio/20s. Thanks!
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dearle
38 posts
 
I highly recommend the McIntosh amps, pre-amps and processors. I have been a mac owner for over 15 years and have upgraded when new designe are introduced. The MC 202 and MC 602 amps with autoformers are "tube like" without the heat and stable into almost any speaker. The 132 processor is being replaced by a newer 134 that has some excellent pre-intro press. The 6900 integrated did get excellent comments in Stereophile. Importantly, their service is EXCELLENT. They are always ready to help with problems and repairs, if ever required, are performed in a timely manner. If summary, I echo the comments of some of prior comments - AMPS, preamps and processors are still excellent and the support is outstanding. Finally, the best packaging for shipment in the industry.
markxiii
109 posts
 
I own the MC-300 and would take it over some of the reviewer's hype ss amps. I did prefer it to the Bel Canto Evo (sotr of on the cool side of neutral, weak bass) and CJ MF-2500 (simlar to the Mac in the midrange and treble but with less kick on the bottom and much smaller soundstage). All the newer ss Macs sound very smooth with nice, tube-like midrange and powerful bass.
joeldoss
94 posts
 
If you want to look at some used Mac gear, check out mcintoshaudio.com. Joel
ljgj
955 posts
 
There is a I believe new in the box Mcintosh 6900 integrated in an Ebay auction so go for it and you will not have to look back. Arcam - maybe decent - but not as musically satisfying and when your grandchild looks at your Mac years fron now he will think you really liked music enough to get the best and he will push to get it in the will. I own the 352, 2102, 7008, 77, 101, C42 , 6100, 80 , 6850 -- if you ever decide to part with it - it will bring in more than the Arcam in a dollar to dollar ratio for years to come!
hififile
227 posts
 
I own the Mcintosh MA6450. I had "many" other amps over the years, many of which were & are fine pieces. However the Mac is my favorite.

The sound is great! I love the control features, the meters, the build quality, and the factory support.

You will pay more for the Mac, but it is worth every penny!

Happy Listening!
Bennett
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