Are Mcintosh Tube Amps really all that?

In the early days of tube stereo products, McIntosh was 'it' in terms of reliability, low distortion specs., the Mac clinics, as well as visually with their characteristic glass face plates. They were second to none until Marantz showed up and gave Mac a run for their money. McIntosh has a following just like any high end audio manufacturer. Their products, generally speaking, are built to last a lifetime. Just like other manufacturers they have hits and misses. In their day they were considered the Cadillac of audio gear and many still feel that way.

They measure good, sound good, and have been reliable for years, building both ss and tubes...how many other companies are accomplished historically as mac?
Jallen

MAC, Conrad Johnson, ARC. The big three of classic tube amps.
Then also Marantz and Dynaco
Now add in BAT and a bunch of other 'new' quality builders..

McIntosh has spanned the generations though. So I would allow it it the 'number one' in that it has been around, and successful, longer than any others still in production.

As Theo said, it depends on taste and what a listener wants. To some, they are "it." To others, there is better stuff. The build quality is excellent, as well. But this is true of a lot of high-end equipment. It has stood the test of time.

It's also worth noting that sometimes, things become desirable because they are desirable.

It's also worth noting that you are correct not to trust printed reviews. They are amalgamations of opinion from which someone doing research might glean bits of information that can be useful. But you shouldn't trust forums completely, either. They have the same purpose. In a world in which so many people with so many different rooms, likes and systems hold forth, again it's best to take what will help you gather the information with which to go out and make your own decisions.

I have used all the old classic McIntosh amplifiers in several systems and I consider them to be THE classic american sound. Look at Japan for example and you will see that many audiophiles there are real lovers of McIntosh....maybe we can say, that without these guys, we would not have any McIntosh amps (older tube and SS) around.....not mention old JBL speakers or and Ortofon(SPU) will be forgotten .....