How satisfied are you with your system poll.

[PHC1]

On a scale from 5 to 10 how satisfied are you with your McIntosh system?
Partial McIntosh/Other brand gear OK too! Think back to all the systems you ever heard, high end store/friends house, etc.. What is lacking or what do you miss in your system as compared to better ones you have heard? What can you do to improve it?

Why from 5 to 10? I figured no one is going to say less than 5, if you did, no one would believe you anyways, no McIntosh system can suck that bad, no matter vintage or new!:D So I figure I would instead allow room for the fractional scores since there is a max of 10 in a poll.

I voted 9, because I can use some more bass in my system, my room is the difficult part, floorstanding speakers are very difficult to integrate into my room, besides the monitors I have, the imaging is crazy good. What can be done? 1. Musical quality SUB. 2. Bass traps. Any system can use extra acoustic treatments!

Masterlu, your system is of the charts, there would have to be a special scale just for you but you are welcome to participate. :thmbsp:

[CarlV]

I put 8.5. I am happy with what I have and as good as it sounds to me there is still 1.5 worth of tweaking possible including a turntable shelf. :)


Carl

[Victor]

I voted 9.5, to be more specific I would say I am 9.9 satisfied with my system. My system is better than I ever dreamed it would be. And this is coming from someone who as a pre-teen cut out pictures from Stereo Review and put them up on my bedroom walls. :stupid:

I could not vote 10 because I think I will always want the system to be just a little bit better. More, more I want more.:D

Victor

[PHC1]

I voted 9.5, to be more specific I would say I am 9.9 satisfied with my system. My system is better than I ever dreamed it would be.:thmbsp:

[PHC1]

I put 8.5. I am happy with what I have and as good as it sounds to me there is still 1.5 worth of tweaking possible including a turntable shelfCarl, wall mounted or of the vibration reducing rack variety?

[CarlV]

I would like to have a wall mounted shelf. I still have a few things to do yet before I call the city to do a final on my add on and I really need to do those first.


Carl

[PHC1]

Guys, this may work much better if you add comments on what you would like to get more out of your system, never know, someone may have some very good advice. That was the idea behind this poll! Don't just vote, POST YOUR COMMENTS!:thmbsp:

[Victor]

Guys, this may work much better if you add comments on what you would like to get more out of your system, never know, someone may have some very good advice. That was the idea behind this poll! Don't just vote, POST YOUR COMMENTS!:thmbsp:
I want what I always want, more detail. I'm always riding the fence between detail and listener fatigue. I find that McIntosh equipment gives me the most detail without being fatiguing but I would always like more detail.

Victor

[theblackknight]

Deleted

[ehoove]

Mine is vintage, but it still is a point of wonder for me. I can't help but wonder what a C2200 and MC501's would be like. McHeaven?

[shelby1420]

new set of 58 GEC KT88's and the 9 becomes a ten fer sure..............

[PHC1]

I want what I always want, more detail. I'm always riding the fence between detail and listener fatigue. I find that McIntosh equipment gives me the most detail without being fatiguing but I would always like more detail.
Victor, have you tried silver IC's yet?

[masterlu]

Masterlu, your system is off the charts, there would have to be a special scale just for you but you are welcome to participate. :thmbsp:


OK, I'm in at a 10 :thmbsp: Thanks for the Kudo's!

I really have run out of ways to improve my Systems sound. I just have to wait for McIntosh to release their new wave of technology!

Please hurry up guys, would a bribe help? :D

[Victor]

Victor, have you tried silver IC's yet?
Yes, I'm using XLR balanced AudioTruth (AudioQuest) Diamond X3 interconnects from the MDA1000 to the C1000 and to the MC501s and they are great. When I got the C1000 and I first used the silver balanced interconnects my jaw was in the dropped position for about an hour. The added detail was fantastic. At first I did not think the silver cables added any harshness that added listener fatigue, now I'm not sure. I ordered 2 XLR copper interconnects from Guerrilla to do some comparisons.

BTW I did find and eliminate a source of listener fatigue in my system. My chair that I sit in when listening to my stereo is leather and has a high back. The leather behind my ears was causing me to get listener fatigue. I put a thick towel folded over the back of the chair and I find the sound is much more relaxed with no fatigue. My chair needs acoustical treatment, how crazy am I?:stupid: This is sounding a lot like the cartoons that I laughed at in the old Stereo Review magazines, now I'm living in one of those cartoons.:stupid:

Victor

[PHC1]

I ordered 2 XLR copper interconnects from Guerrilla to do some comparisonsI am using them now, good balance of smoothness and detail. My chair that I sit in when listening to my stereo is leather and has a high back. The leather behind my ears was causing me to get listener fatigue. I put a thick towel folded over the back of the chair and I find the sound is much more relaxed with no fatigue. I use pillows against the wall behind my listening couch.

[PHC1]

Victor, since upgrading the power cords to Guerrilla and using RGPC 600s, my system went up a few notches. Microdynamics and acoustical space recreation is better. I am waiting on RGPC Pole Pig isolation transformer to arrive.:yes:

[Victor]

Victor, since upgrading the power cords to Guerrilla and using RGPC 600s, my system went up a few notches. Microdynamics and acoustical space recreation is better. I am waiting on RGPC Pole Pig isolation transformer to arrive.:yes:
I have been using Shunyata for power cables and the Shunyata Hydra 8 with great results. If I get the chance I would give Richard Gray products a try. The Shunyata products in my system made about the same improvement as when I added the MDA1000. They just made everything more musical while greatly reducing background grunge. :music:

Victor

[Victor]

I use pillows against the wall behind my listening couch.
I have Auralex foam treatments on all 4 walls, I feel right at home in my padded cell.:huge:

Victor

[Hepcat]

I figure I'm at 9.0 in the main den system ,maybe 8.5 for the first winners relegated to the garage for right now - with Advent beauties,

[doctorbongo]

it's never sounded better, but it's going to sound better.

[Dusty Chalk]

Where's the 'it's got a lot of potential' choice?

[mulester7]

it's never sounded better, but it's going to sound better......my thoughts exactly.....

[David]

Voted a 10....I guess because I've reached a level of satisfaction that has allowed me to gain a deeper musical appreciation like never before. I can finally sit back and just enjoy... (after 30 years and a large part of my disposable income ..I think it's time.)

Thanks to McIntosh..I have rid myself of the need to ride the upgrade bandwagon any more, unless I choose to do so.

(I've got my eye on a pair of 501's, right now...so I might just jump back on at any minute! :yes: )

[Holst]

I went with a ten myself, I exchanged a few pm's last night with a fellow AK'er who was interested in buying a pair of speakers that I had posted that I once owned. I noted that in the long run selling those speakers, was likely a mistake but it was done in the interest of upgrading.
I am currently slap happy with my system.
Yes, I would do deeply desire a McIntosh tuner, a McIntosh CDP would be wonderful and though I really love vintage McIntosh, it would be huge fun to get a new McIntosh.
Plus, another turntable, more wattage and the upgrade kit for my speakers are well worth aspiring to.
However, I'm in no way dissatisfied with my system, so I stand at 10.

[jim777]

I "only" have a MA6500, MCD201 and 703's, but I voted 9,5.

I'm lacking a bit of imaging because of the room and a large A/V cabinet, and I could have a bit more bass extension and a slight bit of extra detail.

However, this system gives me tons of musical pleasure, which is the most important system quality measure for me!! I listened again to other brands of speakers and electronics and I always prefer my sound. So I can rate my "modest" system with such a high score.

(Modest compared to may systems represented in this forum)

[masterlu]

I see lot's of 10's and thats the way it should be. Sometimes we all get too caught up in the scramble for more gear & forget to enjoy what we already own.

Congrad's to all that have reached the peak of Mount McIntosh!

[BULLWINKLE]

oops! SORRY, didn't notice it was McIntosh. Subtract 9.5.

[Magno]

I have 20 grand plus in my system, and I still consider it modest. My friends, however, think I'm crazy, and my wife has no idea. (I just make sure she see's all the phony receipts my local dealer prints up for me....She thinks my XLS340s cost 3 grand :banana: )

As for my system, I give it a 9. I need a better subwoofer. Soon....soon...




I "only" have a MA6500, MCD201 and 703's, but I voted 9,5.

I'm lacking a bit of imaging because of the room and a large A/V cabinet, and I could have a bit more bass extension and a slight bit of extra detail.

However, this system gives me tons of musical pleasure, which is the most important system quality measure for me!! I listened again to other brands of speakers and electronics and I always prefer my sound. So I can rate my "modest" system with such a high score.

(Modest compared to may systems represented in this forum)

[CarlV]

oops! SORRY, didn't notice it was McIntosh. Subtract 9.5.
Why oops? It does not say McIntosh only. No us vs them mentality here! :)
Partial McIntosh/Other brand gear OK too!



Carl

[BULLWINKLE]

CarlV, thanks for being cordial :thmbsp: . I do wish I had the extra coin for some nice Mac stuff.:yes:

[PHC1]

Glad to see everyone enjoying their systems so much! More music, less audiophile nervosa! :thmbsp: :music:

[Hoffius]

Well I'm fairly new to McIntosh, but since I acquired a 2100 and a MX114, I now realize what I was missing compared to my past systems. I voted 7.0 since the McIntosh gear is the only thing I'm really happy with. Past system at home was an Onkyo Integra 5.0 system with 4 Paradigm mini monitors and a PS 1000 sub and a Onkyo cd player. After the Onkyo crapped out, first the cd player, then the receiver, I got the McIntosh equipment from a close friend of mine, who is the original owner. A few years ago I purchased a Marantz 2250B and a pair of JBL's for my studio. Really liked getting back into vintage with that Marantz, since I grew up listening to equipment like that and knew that is the way I wanted to go. I want to upgrade my turntable, now a Sansui SR525, thinking Thorens, and get something a little more substantial than the mini monitors. After that, I'll be happy for a while.

[PHC1]

Well I'm fairly new to McIntosh, but since I acquired a 2100 and a MX114, I now realize what I was missing compared to my past systems.So am I, it was love at first sound, I am in, way in. :thmbsp:

[PHC1]

Interesting discovery this evening. Ever since I've been into high end audio, I've also always had a headphone listening setup somewhere else in the house. From the days of when the Sennheiser came out with the HD600 headphones and I paired them up with the German Earmax (Class A, OTL triode headphone amp) I've always wished my main system would sound the same, smooth, warm, intoxicating, romantic, easy on the ear, listen for hours on end, really enjoy the music type of sound.

Many components and speakers later, I still wished my system would sound as good as my new HD650 setup upstairs. Never thought it would be even close. Since acquiring the McIntosh gear and the Sonus Fabers, it was close but not quite there. Since attacking the power side of things with power cords, power conditioner/new speaker cables and tweaking the room with some treatments the system really changed. This evening I put on my headphones to listen to some of my favorite CDs, suddenly I realized, my current system actually sounds better!

Gone is the very last trace of edginess or occasional fatigue. More resolution, more detail, same smooth easy on the ear sound that is romantic, emotional and completely non-fatiguing. Even my wife noticed, she has the musical ear in the family, she plays the piano, I have the audiophile ear. We listened to some CDs this evening and she commented that the system sounds more relaxed and musical than ever, highly engaging with very realistic tonality. Took all but 15 years but I am finally there! Thank you McIntosh/RGPC/Guerrilla Audio! :thmbsp:

[masterlu]

Interesting discovery this evening. Ever since I've been into high end audio, I've also always had a headphone listening setup somewhere else in the house. From the days of when the Sennheiser came out with the HD600 headphones and I paired them up with the German Earmax (Class A, OTL triode headphone amp) I've always wished my main system would sound the same, smooth, warm, intoxicating, romantic, easy on the ear, listen for hours on end, really enjoy the music type of sound.

Many components and speakers later, I still wished my system would sound as good as my new HD650 setup upstairs. Never thought it would be even close. Since acquiring the McIntosh gear and the Sonus Fabers, it was close but not quite there. Since attacking the power side of things with power cords, power conditioner/new speaker cables and tweaking the room with some treatments the system really changed. This evening I put on my headphones to listen to some of my favorite CDs, suddenly I realized, my current system actually sounds better!

Gone is the very last trace of edginess or occasional fatigue. More resolution, more detail, same smooth easy on the ear sound that is romantic, emotional and completely non-fatiguing. Even my wife noticed, she has the musical ear in the family, she plays the piano, I have the audiophile ear. We listened to some CDs this evening and she commented that the system sounds more relaxed and musical than ever, highly engaging with very realistic tonality. Took all but 15 years but I am finally there! Thank you McIntosh/RGPC/Guerrilla Audio! :thmbsp:


Congrad's :beerchug:

[PHC1]

Thanks Ivan, you've probably been sitting on that cloud 9 for quite some time now, I'll wave from mine as we pass by in the sky.:wave:

[Dusty Chalk]

Where is the "I don't have a system poll, but seeing as I don't need one, I'm quite satisfied with it, thanks for asking." choice?

J/K...

[masterlu]

Thanks Ivan, you've probably been sitting on that cloud 9 for quite some time now, I'll wave from mine as we pass by in the sky.:wave:


I've been waiting for you for some time now, oh there you are! :wave:

Funny, my headphones see very little use, like none. :boink:

[PHC1]

Funny, my headphones see very little use, like none. I had probably a few thousand hours on the HD600 and over 500 easy on the HD650. Headphone listening takes a while to get used to. That "sound on a string" between the ears, it takes quite a few hours until you start to "see the soundstage" but it does happen. Once you get used to listening in headphones, you really appreciate what music sounds like with optimal frequency response minus all the room coloration/interaction. It is addictive! I can finally say that my main system brings me just as much pleasure.:thmbsp:

[masterlu]

My headphones are XRT2K's!

[PHC1]

My headphones are XRT2K's!
:thmbsp:

[MrZero63]

I feel my Mac system chimes in at a solid 9.5.

I really enjoy the neutrality and soundstage of my system. The MC225 with C20 joined with Heresy IIs is accurate and revealing. I have no problem with volume as I don't quite enjoy bleeding ears as I did in my youth. If I had to complain, I'd have to say there is a slight lack of bass (not really a bother just yet) using the Heresies. The bass is quite realistic, just not always at the level I sometimes wish to experiment with (even with the C20 bass trim adjusted +5db) Perhaps some Klipschorns and an additional 225 both being fed by a C22... :drool:

I also look forward to participating in the interconnect 'exchange' in the near future. The Monster Z3 speaker wire I got last Christmas was a good upgrade as well as some no-name interconnects (as big and stiff as the Z3) I got from Canada from an ePay cable maker (the scary lockable variety - I am real careful not to yank them when removing :nono: ).

The tube CD and the Scout just plain rock with the Mac front end. Aural bliss! :tresbon:

I know I could always do better with different speakers, a different preamp, and maybe even a Super Scoutmaster (in my dreams), but I don't know if I'll ever want to part with my sweet 225!

-Dave

[PHC1]

Richard Gray Pole Pig arrived today, in combination with the RG 600s, the system gained another half octave of bass or so. Noise floor dropped even lower, micro and macro dynamics have improved, bass extended a little further. Actually I am very surprised just how much bass I have gained since attacking the power side of the equation with Power cords and power conditioners. The Pole Pig/600s is a very nice combo indeed! Never thought power conditioning can bring more changes than ICs and speaker cables! I want to thank Masterlu for his suggestion on RGPC products! He uses 20 RGPC units in his system. I can now honestly rate my system at a solid 9.5 instead of 9.:thmbsp:

[masterlu]

Richard Gray Pole Pig arrived today, in combination with the RG 600s, the system gained another half octave of bass or so. Noise floor dropped even lower, micro and macro dynamics have improved, bass extended a little further. Actually I am very surprised just how much bass I have gained since attacking the power side of the equation with Power cords and power conditioners. The Pole Pig/600s is a very nice combo indeed! Never thought power conditioning can bring more changes than ICs and speaker cables! I want to thank Masterlu for his suggestion on RGPC products! He uses 20 RGPC units in his system. I can now honestly rate my system at a solid 9.5 instead of 9.:thmbsp:


Your welcome, anytime! :music:

[roseskunk]

aw shucks, you guys have some great stuff. masterlu , anytime you want to upgrade and throw an old mac my way :D ...but gee, i'm pretty happy with my mac4100...she's missing a few lights, the buttons need some deoxit, and my girlfriend has a small christmas tree perched on one of my speakers. but i'm happy as hell with it! sure, some day i want to upgrade, but for now i'm plenty happy!! old nat king cole singing christmas tunes never sounded better!! :music:

[PHC1]

but i'm happy as hell with it! sure, some day i want to upgrade, but for now i'm plenty happy!! old nat king cole singing christmas tunes never sounded better!!
:thmbsp:

[2000B King]

:thmbsp:

And I am happy for you PHC1.:music:

I am now working towards getting a pair of MC1201 and XRT30's as the ALL McIntosh look is more inviting than the WP7 to Maxx 2 upgrade since I am allowed to redecor my listening space.:scratch2:

May my coming 2007 New Year wish comes true.:thmbsp:

Merry X'mas!

[chuckworkb]

I voted lower because I am in th process of getting the system better.

Got a new power amp and pre amp, now getting the McMS300 music server, once i replace the tuner and speakers I am certain I will rate it higher.

The deal is in my opinion you never get a 10 unless you run out of spending money!!

[barrynsue]

I put 8.5. I am happy with what I have and as good as it sounds to me there is still 1.5 worth of tweaking possible including a turntable shelf. :)


Carl

I'm with Carl. Overall, I am pleased but always think there is room for minor tweaks.

I voted 8.5 also before looking at poll so not influenced by others.

Barry

[OvenMaster]

Me, a solid 9.5 for the system. I'm not enamored of my BPC Sony dual well deck, but I don't use it except to record FM or play back cassettes I'm ripping. It's the listening room that only gets a 3 from me!
Tom

[Army]

After getting my Pioneer Spec 2 bi-amped Infinity speakers all cabled up with new ZU cables top to bottom. About the only thing I need is to get my TT a good going over, so I'm sitting at a rock solid 9.5 and am loving it :music:

[similost]

I gave mine a 9 only because I want to replace my Carvin amp with another matching Tapco.

I would also like a nice rackmount CD...

[tcdriver]

I did not vote in the pole. Although I have several McIntosh pieces of equipment, I am currently not using any them and Yes, I am very happy with my system. If this is a McIntosh pole should not it be moved to the McIntosh forum?

[markc2]

8.5 One more mc275 and a new CD/SACD player and some room treatments, and then I think I will be in easily in the 9.0's

[Yamaha Nutz]

Can't complain...although it could always be better! Nothing that money can't fix

8.5

[Mark W.]

OH CRAP sorry I didn't see this was about McIntosh systems. I voted as to how happy I am with the Pioneer Shrine which is around a 9 out of 10. I got a few things to move around but when I sit my butt on the couch nothing but a smile is to be seen.

[Yamaha1]

If I can have the 10,000 series, it would be perfect 10, but I am not complaining about my current setup.

[pioneernut]

Hell, I'm thrilled with all the stuff I got. Couldn't really ask for more. But if there was one thing I'd like to improve on someday is the speakers. Not much for HT speakers, don't want a subwoofer either. The ones I have are nice, but I've heard better. Would love something like the old Polk SDA series from the late 80's early 90's or a home built version. I'm just not much of a cabinet builder.

- Mike

[wineslob]

9 out of 10. The speakers are some of the best I've ever heard, but I know what they are capable of, I just dont have the money to squeeze it out. :sigh:

[McMagMan]

I'm actually quite new to Mac having acquired my MA6500 on July 6 & the MCD751 on July 20. :banana: I gave mine an 8 because I really looked at the whole system. The Mac parts are excellent (by themselves are a 9.5) and they are not going anywhere for a long time but the rest needs some work. I'm still in the process of updating the GyroDec with new parts. I would really like (need too!) to go to a wall type mount for it to get off my bouncy floor. It just quivers as I approach the rack now. Any inexpensive fixes for that? I know I'm also lacking in the power conditioning area. Will probably start with a used Powervar. The last area of improvement would be to get my Maggies "Gunned" ( http://www.indiespinzone.com/magnestand.html):yes: For right now I'm just enjoying what I have. :grnbounce Since getting the Mac gear I've spent way more time than I should in my little 2 channel man-cave. I'm developing into a hermit but I'm just enjoying the :music: so much! :D Well it's time to wire in that new DC motor for the GyroDec. :smoke:

[ozmoid]

I put my mark at 9, because I think is might be as good as I ever get. I would have to spend exponentially larger sums to get real improvements, IMO.

Very very happy with playback, better than anything I've ever owned before. :D

Yamaha YP-D8 TT
Kyocera DA-710cx CDP
MAC~1900
AR-5

[stereodctr]

I voted 8.0. Am fairly satisfied with my system, but would like to add full range speakers to replace the current NHT 2 way 6.5", and Velodyne 10" subwoofer combo.