Is Mcintosh Worth the $?

K

Kleinst

Senior Audioholic
Hello,

For 7,9,11 channel home theater, has anyone gone from a mid to higher level Marantz, Denon, Sony, Yamaha to a Mcintosh processor or receiver? An other than looking amazing, how was the sound the same, different, etc.

If you didn't switch, have you at least heard the difference or lack therein?

I'm fascinated by the looks but likely won't make the plunge unless I fall into a deal somehow but wanting to learn if anyone has had any experiences.

Thanks
 
P

PENG

Audioholic Slumlord
I have auditioned quite a few Mc amps, pramps, but not processors. Would only buy one for the look and build quality, not sound quality at all.
 
TLS Guy

TLS Guy

Seriously, I have no life.
Hello,

For 7,9,11 channel home theater, has anyone gone from a mid to higher level Marantz, Denon, Sony, Yamaha to a Mcintosh processor or receiver? An other than looking amazing, how was the sound the same, different, etc.

If you didn't switch, have you at least heard the difference or lack therein?

I'm fascinated by the looks but likely won't make the plunge unless I fall into a deal somehow but wanting to learn if anyone has had any experiences.

Thanks
Absolutely not.
 
AcuDefTechGuy

AcuDefTechGuy

Audioholic Jedi
Mac’s don’t sound any better than most brands.

It’s one of those “If you have to ask…” scenarios. :D

Definitely not “worth” it for most of us.

For Mac, you’re paying for the aesthetics and build. For Bryston, you’re paying for the 20YR warranty and build. For ATI, you’re paying for the 7YR warranty, build, and much lower price.
 
highfigh

highfigh

Seriously, I have no life.
As some kind of status symbol for those who need it, sure. One of my customers said he had always wanted a McIntosh piece and he bought an older integrated amp, so he could play his LPs. It's a nice piece, but with the OK cartridge on his turntable, any possible advantages are impossible to hear. For him, it was a bit of nostalgia but OTOH, he works with someone who has used his Mac amp with KEF 107 it sounded really good, but it was never invovled in a comparison. For a 7-11 channel AV system, I would be hard pressed to recommend it due to the price.
 
davidscott

davidscott

Audioholic Spartan
Never had a Mac in my 40 plus years of this hobby. Too expensive for me but they sure looked good. :)
 
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