Is McIntosh The Best Deal In Vintage Hi-Fi Right Now?
Summary
TLDRThe video discusses Macintosh audio equipment, noting their reputation for high build quality and production of their own parts. Despite this reputation, vintage Macintosh gear seems undervalued compared to similar vintage Japanese brands. Reasons discussed are Macintosh's focus on separates over receivers, some cost cutting on certain models, and lesser demand currently driving prices down. Their legacy of serviceability gives confidence in long-term value. Iconic models like the MC2105 amplifier are highlighted along with discussion of the laidback, smooth sound signature.
Takeaways
- 😊 Macintosh audio equipment is known for exceptional build quality and materials
- 👍 Macintosh amplifiers and receivers can be a bargain compared to vintage Japanese brands nowadays
- 🔧 Macintosh still manufactures replacement parts for vintage equipment
- 🎸 Macintosh gear sounds laidback and non-fatiguing across genres
- 🤔 Macintosh receivers were not always a priority and some models cut corners
- 😎 Macintosh separates like the MC2105 and C28 preamp are iconic pieces of hi-fi history
- 🎨 Macintosh equipment is like functional art - aesthetically gorgeous
- 😕 The Macintosh brand has elicited some internet backlash over perceived elitism
- 🎧 An AB sound test is recommended over relying just on Macintosh allure
- 👍 Macintosh legacy gear retains excellent resell and repair value
Q & A
Why doesn't the narrator usually talk about JVC products?
-The narrator doesn't usually talk about JVC because this channel doesn't cover VCRs, which is what JVC is primarily known for. The narrator jokes that 'if you don't have anything nice to say, you probably shouldn't say anything' regarding JVC.
What makes Macintosh equipment stand out from other vintage brands?
-Macintosh equipment stands out due to the exceptional build quality, materials used, attention to detail, and the fact that Macintosh manufactured almost every part in-house rather than relying on other companies.
Why does the narrator consider Macintosh equipment a bargain right now?
-The narrator discovered that prices for vintage Pioneer, Marantz, and Sansui equipment have been increasing faster than Macintosh pieces from the same era with similar specs. So comparatively, Macintosh seems to offer good value.
What are some iconic vintage Macintosh models that the narrator highlights?
-The narrator highlights the MC2105 amplifier and C28 preamp as the most iconic and sought-after Macintosh pieces from the 1970s.
How does the narrator describe the sound character of his MC2105 and C28?
-The narrator describes the sound as laidback and not overly detailed, but still very enjoyable with any music genre. He says the sound is non-fatiguing.
Why does the narrator warn against only evaluating Macintosh equipment on sound quality?
-The narrator warns that the visual appeal of Macintosh can be deceptive. He recommends blind A/B testing Macintosh gear against other brands judged solely on sound, not appearance.
What indicates that Macintosh cares about maintaining their legacy equipment?
-Macintosh still manufactures replacement parts for vintage models and provides service documentation to keep old units going. This supports the legacy and helps sell new Macintosh models.
Who does the narrator say is the typical Macintosh customer demographic?
-The narrator implies wealthy elites who believe owning Macintosh elevates their status in life. But he considers himself an unlikely member of the Macintosh owner's club.
What resource is the narrator launching for the vintage audio community?
-The narrator is launching a Discord channel for fans of vintage equipment to interact, get advice, and discuss their gear.
What does the narrator recommend for upgrading headphones?
-The narrator strongly recommends Grado headphones as a modern upgrade from vintage headphones, citing their great value and sound quality.
Outlines
🎤 A Candid Look at Macintosh, Still a Bargain in Vintage Audio
The narrator will give an honest, yet controversial take on the Macintosh brand - known for excellent build quality and sound, but often criticized as overpriced. Surprisingly, Macintosh gear has not increased much in value compared to vintage Pioneer and Sansui equipment. The narrator explains why Macintosh may still be an excellent bargain for vintage audio.
❤️ Macintosh's Legacy of Quality and Serviceability
The narrator elaborates on what sets Macintosh apart - making their own parts in-house for unparalleled quality control. Moreover, they still manufacture replacement parts for vintage gear today. This commitment to serviceability contributes to their legacy and reputation.
🎧 The Iconic, Laidback Macintosh Sound
The narrator highlights the most iconic Macintosh components from the 1970s - the MC2105 amp and C28 preamp. He describes the legendary Macintosh sound as laidback, non-fatiguing and versatile across genres - not overly detailed, but musical. The visual appeal is also a strong factor in their allure.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Macintosh
💡vintage
💡separate components
💡build quality
💡in-house production
💡vu meters
💡sound signature
💡resale value
💡repair/service
💡MC2105
Highlights
We don't talk about Macintosh often because it's an unfair fight comparing it to consumer audio gear.
I recently realized Macintosh vintage audio may not be gaining value like 70s Japanese stereo brands are.
Some 70s Pioneer and Sansui gear is more expensive than comparable Macintosh equipment.
Macintosh focused more on separates while some of their 70s receivers cut corners.
Considering build quality and that Macintosh made almost every part in-house, their prices may be justified.
Macintosh is one of the only 70s audio brands that still manufactures some parts to service vintage gear.
Buying Macintosh also gets you repairability, resellability, sound quality and an experience.
I have a love-hate relationship with Macintosh as their demographic and branding aims for high society.
Given serviceability and quality, Macintosh vintage prices may be a bargain compared to rising 70s Japanese gear.
The most iconic 70s Macintosh gear is the MC2105 amp and C28 preamp.
Visually, few pieces of audio gear rival a Macintosh's quality design and VU meters.
The Macintosh sound is laidback, not overly detailed but makes any music genre sound amazing.
If you want a tube-like sound from solid state audio, Macintosh emulates that well.
I'd recommend blind AB testing a Macintosh rather than buying for visual appeal alone.
Consider subscribing for more vintage audio content.
Transcripts
we're going to talk about Macintosh
today and how I might have just
discovered that Macintosh might be the
biggest bargain brand in vintage audio I
know I'm going to get a lot of backlash
for that but let's talk about MacIntosh
and how I came to that conclusion let's
start right
now we've had a lot of requests down in
the comments from our previous videos
from people that want to hear about two
Brands specifically one is JVC the other
one is
Macintosh and the reason we don't
usually talk about those Brands is two
completely different reasons with
JVC it's kind of like our parents used
to tell us if you don't have anything
nice to say you probably shouldn't say
anything and since we don't talk about
VCRs on this channel that's why we don't
talk about JVC I'll leave it at that
with Macintosh it's completely opposite
and that it's almost an unfair fight to
even put them in the conversation with
consumer gear that we usually talk about
and it's not that Macintosh sounds that
much better than the 70s Japanese gear
at least in my opinion there's
definitely another level of build
quality materials used and a lot of
other factors that go into why it's not
a fair fight and in this video we're
going to talk about those and in doing
the research for this video I kind of
stumbled on something that I hadn't
realized yet and that is it doesn't look
like Macintosh is gaining value like
some of the Japanese 70s stereo
equipment is I had no idea while we do
service several pieces of Macintosh
every year we definitely don't get as
many Macintosh pieces for sale like we
do Mor Sansui and Pioneer so it's just
been a while since I've looked at prices
on some of these pieces of Macintosh and
when I just did that over the weekend I
was kind of shocked because looking at
amplifiers made by pioneer in Sansui in
the same walk class and made around the
same time it almost looks like some
Pioneer and Sansui amplifiers are more
expensive than the Macintosh and that's
definitely interesting if you consider
how much those pieces of equipment cost
new and then looking at receivers it's
blatantly obvious that that some
receivers manufactured by Pioneer
morance Sansui are quite a bit more
expensive than the receivers from
Macintosh if anything I think most
people agree that just wasn't their
focus they were focused on separates
some of the earlier receivers are great
like the 1700 1500 1900 but I do think
Macintosh was actually guilty of
actually cutting corners on some of
their 70s units like the 4100 that's got
a vinyl WRA cabinet on it the first time
I saw one of those in person I was
actually shocked I couldn't believe it I
couldn't imagine Macintosh putting out a
piece of stereo equipment that didn't
have real wood and I
imagine that'll probably never happen
again ever it does go to show you that
maybe in the 70s they did want to
compete a little bit with the the
consumer Brands and maybe that's why
they don't have the value those
receivers don't have that classic
Macintosh look okay so everybody knows
how much I love vintage equipment I
think it's pretty obvious you have to
draw a line somewhere I'm always shocked
at how many times people come in and
they'll say I'm still using my
headphones from the 70s these things are
they are heavy they get hot they sweat
all these volume controls and tone
control pots are dirty and they're
really hard to get in there and clean
these are great for display headphone
technology has really come a long ways
enjoy looking at them and remembering
those times but it's definitely time to
upgrade these headphones and I love Gro
headphones I I love selling Gro
headphones because they stand behind
their products at $99 a pair of Sr 60s
is criminal that is so cheap for how
good those sr60 sound definitely head
over to skylabs audio.com check out the
gro headphones I've never had anybody
buy a set of Gro headphones and not say
anything other than these are amazing
I'm so glad I bought
them and I would definitely consider
Macintosh kind of a Hot Topic on the
internet for forums and Facebook groups
and whatnot you know people get pretty
charged up whether they're for or
against Macintosh a lot of people think
they're overpriced you're just paying
for the brand name and I get that you
know that's the internet and I could see
why people would think that looking
closer into MacIntosh and considering
the build quality the fact that they
made almost every single part inhouse
essentially taking quality control of
stereo equipment to the highest level in
that they weren't relying on another
company to manufacture their parts for
them the amount of service you can still
get for
Macintosh this might be one of the only
stereo manufacturers from that era still
manufactures some parts I even have one
sitting right here this is a brand new
face plate from an
mc2105 it was made last year they want
this equipment to continue to be
serviced so that you know it builds
their legacy it helps them sell new
equipment by the old equipment still
being used that says something about
their product you know if you were to
call Pioneer or morance and ask them for
a face plate or even a schematic uh if
the person that answered the phone
didn't put you on hold you'd probably
hear a room full of people laughing
because they've changed hands so many
times they don't care about Legacy
equipment all those extra parts probably
went into a landfill a long time ago
and you're on your own and that's just
the way it is so when asking yourself is
it worth the money that you are going to
spend you do have to look at all those
things you know there is resell ability
there's repairability there's the sound
quality I don't think you can look at a
piece of Macintosh equipment and not see
the amount of work and thought that went
into every single detail of the Finish
to the way you engage with it to the way
it looks it is an experience
it's no different than a mercedesbenz or
a Rolex watch you know if if you've got
the money it doesn't matter anyway and
if you have a house full of Fine Art you
want a Macintosh to sit next to it
because in a lot of ways these pieces of
equipment even the Vintage stuff is Art
it looks like art and I get it why some
people dog on
Macintosh in a lot of ways even for me
it's kind of a LoveHate relationship
because I do own a couple couple pieces
of vintage
MacIntosh and I'm not so sure I want to
be in that club even if that puts me in
the club it kind of brings me in as a
guest well I'll guarantee you'll never
be a member here because I am not their
demographic I am not their buyer you
know we are supposed to believe that if
we are able to achieve Macintosh status
that we've elevated Our Lives
I don't buy into that kind of stuffff I
drive a Ford
truck I don't wear fancy clothes or
anything like that and I'm not saying
there's anything wrong with that it's
just not important to me that doesn't
mean I don't appreciate owning something
that's really really nice and Macintosh
is it just so happens that the pieces of
gear I've got I was able to get cheap
because they need it fixed and that's
really all it is but as far as like
going out and buying new Mac minosh gear
or even buying
vintage Macintosh gear at a retail price
I'm not the customer that's just where
I'm at in life and with my priorities
that's all and I've got really good news
out there we are launching our Discord
Channel I think this is going to be so
cool I am new to Discord I know nothing
about it my nephew helped me set this up
thank you Alex I think this is going to
be a really cool Community I think
there's going to be so much good
information on that Discord Channel
whether you're brand new or whether you
feel like helping somebody out or just
talking about vintage stereo equipment
we'll have a link down in the
description so definitely go check it
out it's free you can jump on get in the
conversation with the community hang out
with like-minded people and talk about
vintage stereo equipment and it's kind
of weird to say but looking at the
prices of Macintosh amplifiers and
receivers and compared to the' 7s
Japanese stuff seem seems to be a
bargain right now and maybe we'll see
that change at some point but but right
now the demand for the vintage Japanese
stereo equipment from Pioneer morance
and Sansui just seems to be skyrocketing
and actually
outpacing the legendary Macintosh so if
you have been wanting to get a piece of
Macintosh gear now might be the right
time to get it again if you look at the
parts available the quality the
repairability I don't think they're
going to down in value I just don't see
it we're talking about some of the most
iconic pieces of Hi-Fi gear from the'
60s and' 70s the 275 amplifier is still
in
production they really haven't changed
the design of their amplifiers all that
much over the years you still have two
really big blue meters and if you don't
think that has a strong Allure to a
potential
purchaser I would say you've never sold
stereo equipment before because as
somebody that shows people stereo
equipment on a daily basis people open
their wallet when they see Vu meters
it's that simple and if you are out
looking for a Macintosh you're thinking
about getting into a Macintosh
especially in the Vintage side any one
of the tube amplifiers are amazing you
can't go wrong there I would definitely
say the most sought after pieces from
the70s are the
mc2105 amplifier and the c28 preamp when
I think of classic iconic Macintosh
that's what I think of I remember seeing
these when I was a kid I remember back
then I knew that was something different
it doesn't take a trained eye to see the
quality in those pieces of equipment
there's just something so cool about
that front smoked glass panel with the
green lettering and the big Vu meters
you just want to look at it at least I
do and just for those out there that
will definitely say well how does it
sound my 2105 and my c28 to me are
definitely on the laidback side they are
not super
detailed some people don't like that
about them but even with that said there
isn't a genre of music that doesn't
sound amazing on a piece of Macintosh
equipment you can listen to anything on
a Macintosh and enjoy it it's really non
fatiguing it's not bright it's not Brash
it's not in your face if any solid state
piece of gear out there emulates kind of
a tube like sound in my opinion it's
that 2105 and that c28 preamp but again
that is all in the ear of the beholder
and I would say if you're buying it
strictly for the way a Macintosh sounds
I would highly recommend a being it
blindfolded with another piece of gear
the visual appeal of a Macintosh can be
deceptive and if it is strictly sound
quality I would do an AB test thank you
for watching another video really
appreciate it and if you haven't
subscribed definitely hit that subscribe
button you can always unclick it
later
Ver Más Videos Relacionados
Most Wanted Vintage Stereo Pieces Today
I Tested Best TWS Earbuds - Under 2000/- For You !
Xả kho đón Tết, loa bãi Pioneer Xịn cổ 550k, loa JBL, B3 bãi xịn 100% cực uy lực | lh 0888389222
LAW 5 - 48 Laws Of Power - Full Video | InfoVlogs Ep-15
대박!! 3천만원대 차값포함 르노마스터 캠핑카가 있다?! 다양하게 골라사는 재미가 있는 국내최대 캠핑카전시장 !! #버스캠핑카#카운티캠핑카#스타렉스캠핑카#모든캠핑카#차박
How denim fabrics are made
Don’t Buy Headphones Before Watching This Video!
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)