My new 'toy' !!!

[basite]

Thanks

Basite,

Where did you buy it? Is it new or used? Can we ask how much you paid for it?

I'm only asking because when I was 17, I worked a whole summer to buy a casette-playing Sony Walkman, the iPod of my generation.

sure you can ask

I bought it in at a Mcintosh dealer, it is used, but not abused, I paid €1600 (Mcintosh is pretty expensive here in europe, the retail price (new) was around €4500)

I've been spinning the albums that Bernd sent me for days now, along with even more albums of my own

Keep them spinning,
Bert.

[nightflier]

I bought it in at a Mcintosh dealer, it is used, but not abused, I paid €1600 (Mcintosh is pretty expensive here in europe, the retail price (new) was around €4500)

Mmmm, I know I'm in the minority here when I say I'm not too fond of the McIntosh look (still looks to antiquy for me), but there are some other amps in that price and performance range I wouldn't mind owning. What keeps sticking in my mind is what dogorman said, about this being such a good investment over time. These past few years, I've literally replaced my whole two-channel system from top to bottom at least three times - but if I had an amp with the kind of pedigree that yours has, that would have been two components less I would have replaced (amp & preamp).

It also allows one to become truly familiar with the sound of that component so that everything else connected to it and exchanged over time becomes peripheral - i.e. it becomes the baseline for everything else connected to it. How many of us can say that a specific piece of equipment is the constant in their systems, without wishing for something better? In that respect, the cost, over time (not to mention the health benefits brought on by the peace of mind), becomes an afterthought.

Yes, you could own this amp for 20-30 years without ever wishing for anything more. McIntosh is certainly not the most expensive out there, but it's reputation for reliability, quality, and for some, looks, make it a piece worthy of heirloom status. Heck, some McIntoshes sell for much more used than what they cost when new - how many manufacturers can make that claim? I bet there are many audiophiles out there who would rather own a Mac than an amp twice its price, or maybe at any price. I can't think of many other brands out there that carry that kind of reputation (Levinson? Krell? Dynaudio?).

So yes, the amp was an extremely good investment.

[bobsticks]

First, to 'flier I would say I completely respect your view and preferences as far as appearances go. Different strokes for different folks and variety is the spice of life and all that...plus it might mean mean more Mac gear for me

How many of us can say that a specific piece of equipment is the constant in their systems, without wishing for something better? In that respect, the cost, over time (not to mention the health benefits brought on by the peace of mind), becomes an afterthought.

So yes, the amp was an extremely good investment.

It's funny because I was just saying this to another member yesterday. In analyzing the many areas of opportunity in my system I was asked about an amp change. The response was swift indeed. I've heard alot more "hi-fi" sounding amps but mine reliably presents music the way I want it to, and for significantly less than similar options. Sure, one of those big WAV VAC tube anvils would be the definition of heaven on earth but...

Bert, I hope you get as many hours of enjoyment out of your new baby as I have mine.

Peace

[E-Stat]

Mmmm, I know I'm in the minority here when I say I'm not too fond of the McIntosh look (still looks to antiquy for me), but there are some other amps in that price and performance range I wouldn't mind owning.

Me too, but that's simply an aesthetic observation. In my case, I recall the insipid sound of the Mac gear I first heard in their dark days of the 70s (C-28, MC-2105) and went seeking and found better. At the time, they were also preoccupied with THD which we all know to be a largely useless metric. Which likely explains why their stuff measured fine, but sounded poor at least when compared with gear like Audio Research, Mark Levinson, etc. Having said that, their current product is quite different and much improved.

McIntosh is certainly not the most expensive out there, but it's reputation for reliability, quality, and for some, looks, make it a piece worthy of heirloom status.

Agreed. Quality and factory support have always been first rate and resale is excellent for most models.

rw