I watched this video regarding the value of vintage McIntosh audio systems on Youtube and looked down at my own McIntosh system with a little bit of buyer’s remorse. It’s been my experience that the McIntosh McAire creates a beautiful and full sound, but the unit is frankly best suited for a bedroom, office, or small space. However, I am not willing to hide my McIntosh in my bedroom or office. It is very pretty to look at. Surprisingly, I get incredible, full sound from my 40 year old Denon DRA-550. I’ve paired it to a Douk VU2 switch box so I can take output from other inputs and switch between the McIntosh and the Denon. My Denon is paired to a set of Sony SS-CS5 bookshelf speakers. The sound is very crisp, but the speakers need significant treble adjustment for high notes and tone input adjusted for sound brightness. The bass is arguably just fine for home listening. I have a wild assortment of input options: TV, CD, Tuner, Phono, Airplay via Airport Express 2, Bluetooth via AudioEngine B1 and direct device input via RCA/USB. An audiophile’s desire for great sound and varied inputs should never be underestimated.
So back to the topic of addressing the purchase of a vintage McIntosh system. It is my observation and opinion, that you can build a banger system for the money you’d spend on one McIntosh component. McIntosh is phenomenal. One of the reasons I bought my Jeep Grand Cherokee was because of the McIntosh sound system that came with the Overland model. It is beyond impressive, immersive and intoxicating. However, for home use, I would pay close attention to the videos that Skylab Audio puts out for great information and research on units that provide value, appeal, and a robust sound stage.
As a footnote, I once owned a 70’s Fisher audio system that was gorgeous. The audio was sultry and velvety; silky smooth sound with no fuss, hiss, buzz or problems. The unit simply petered out and I was not willing to fix it. I replaced it with a Sony STR-DH90. While this unit gets really good reviews, I was very disappointed. It fell flat for me. I didn’t like the sound produced by the unit as it seems suppressed and the volume level adjustment is simply strange to me as the incremental values range from zero to seventy seven. The Sony is now the “outdoor stereo” to be used for pool parties. It is paired to two Polk Atrium 4 outdoor speakers. The sound is agreeable, but nothing to write home about. I do think they sound better than the rock styled outdoor speakers or other permanent outdoor options; bluetooth or otherwise. In this case the subdued loudness output is probably a good thing so I do not bother the neighbors when I am having a pool party. 🥳 Incidentally, I have both a Chromecast Audio and an Apple Airport Express 2 as inputs for streaming, and there’s built in Bluetooth.
