Is Mcintosh Worth the $?

[Kleinst]

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

 

[PENG]

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]

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]

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

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

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]

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.

 

[Mikado463]

I agree with the above posts.......

 

[davidscott]

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

 

[Kleinst]

Thanks for all the replies. They do look amazing. I'm sure they work well too. However, they are substantially expensive. If the right deal comes along I would get one for my office for the decor and hobby factor. But frankly I'm not sure it will sound better than what's in there. It would be interesting to try.

It also makes me wonder why some of the more traditional mfgs don't try to juice up the appearance of their receivers. I think that the Anthems took some advantage of this with their new look. Maybe it just introduces complexity that will not generate a ROI. But it could make some stand apart a little and might challenge everyone else to up their game.

 

[TLS Guy]

Thanks for all the replies. They do look amazing. I'm sure they work well too. However, they are substantially expensive. If the right deal comes along I would get one for my office for the decor and hobby factor. But frankly I'm not sure it will sound better than what's in there. It would be interesting to try.

It also makes me wonder why some of the more traditional mfgs don't try to juice up the appearance of their receivers. I think that the Anthems took some advantage of this with their new look. Maybe it just introduces complexity that will not generate a ROI. But it could make some stand apart a little and might challenge everyone else to up their game.

They have used auto transformers at the output. I think that is a bad idea, as it compromises SQ in speakers with large impedance swings. It is not a good idea to use any type of output transformer in this day and age. If you are going to make high end equipment these days, then it really needs to be able to be mounted in a 19" rack.

 

[ban25]

The amps are great, but the processors are in many cases rebadged from other OEMs. For instance, this is clearly a previous-generation Marantz AVP:

McIntosh MX123 A/V Processor

The MX123 A/V Processor supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz resolutions and refresh rates. It marries a long tradition of uncompromising McIntosh sound quality with the latest home theater technologies to bring you an unsurpassed luxury home entertainment experience.

www.mcintoshlabs.com

McIntosh products are built to last, but technology marches on, so an AVP will become obsolete within a few years regardless of model. Therefore, their AVPs are not a good investment in my opinion unless you simply must have a matching aesthetic.

 

[Kleinst]

The amps are great, but the processors are in many cases rebadged from other OEMs. For instance, this is clearly a previous-generation Marantz AVP:

McIntosh MX123 A/V Processor

The MX123 A/V Processor supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz resolutions and refresh rates. It marries a long tradition of uncompromising McIntosh sound quality with the latest home theater technologies to bring you an unsurpassed luxury home entertainment experience.

www.mcintoshlabs.com

McIntosh products are built to last, but technology marches on, so an AVP will become obsolete within a few years regardless of model. Therefore, their AVPs are not a good investment in my opinion unless you simply must have a matching aesthetic.

Thanks! It was actually the AVP that I was considering. A MX132. So for the one you showed, how can you tell it's really a Marantz? Do you know the model of the corresponding Marantz?

 

[ban25]

Thanks! It was actually the AVP that I was considering. A MX132. So for the one you showed, how can you tell it's really a Marantz? Do you know the model of the corresponding Marantz?

It's based on the 8805A:

AV8805A - Premium 13.2 Channel Pre-Amplifier and Processor with HEOS Built-in | Marantz - US

Premium 13.2 Channel Pre-Amplifier and Processor with HEOS Built-in

www.marantz.com

 

[Kleinst]

Ok, the item I was considering was an older MX132 for my office. Don't need HDMI on that setup and it looks very nice. Anyone know what the comp would be for that unit? It's older.

So sounds like SQ then isn't going to exceed higher level D&M's so it's a matter or paying for the looks which might be ok at a used level but shouldn't expect miracles.

I know that the Sony ES that I have in that office plays what I listen to probably just as well as anything will so it's a fools errand (bad hobby).

 

[ban25]

Ok, the item I was considering was an older MX132 for my office. Don't need HDMI on that setup and it looks very nice. Anyone know what the comp would be for that unit? It's older.

So sounds like SQ then isn't going to exceed higher level D&M's so it's a matter or paying for the looks which might be ok at a used level but shouldn't expect miracles.

I know that the Sony ES that I have in that office plays what I listen to probably just as well as anything will so it's a fools errand (bad hobby).

If that's the case, why not go for a McIntosh pre-amp? Maybe a C47/49 or C53/C55 if you want solid state?

 

[Kleinst]

If that's the case, why not go for a McIntosh pre-amp? Maybe a C47/49 or C53/C55 if you want solid state?

I have a strange setup in the office. I have 3 speakers and I run them in all channel stereo frequently. Two channels in front of me another in a corner behind me. It creates a nice immersive sound to be honest. So I like the idea of having a 5 channel receiver or pre pro for that reason vs a 2 channel.

 

[TLS Guy]

Ok, the item I was considering was an older MX132 for my office. Don't need HDMI on that setup and it looks very nice. Anyone know what the comp would be for that unit? It's older.

So sounds like SQ then isn't going to exceed higher level D&M's so it's a matter or paying for the looks which might be ok at a used level but shouldn't expect miracles.

I know that the Sony ES that I have in that office plays what I listen to probably just as well as anything will so it's a fools errand (bad hobby).

Never knew audio/AV was akin to a fashion show with women in short skirts on the red carpet!

 

[Golfx]

I went deep shopping few years back for a new AVP. McIntosh caught my eye. I was scared off by their “outsourcing” the manufacture to others and churning of corporate owners.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Never knew audio/AV was akin to a fashion show with women in short skirts on the red carpet!

Was that a joke?

It might not be salient, but aesthetics CAN be important in everything. What makes the person feel proud and happy is important.

I guess some people don’t care about aesthetics as much as other people. Everyone is different.