McIntosh celebrates 60 years, reissues classic stereo gear from its 1960s golden years
By Steven Kim 
posted Apr 5th 2009 10:12AM
posted Apr 5th 2009 10:12AM
If your idea of a perfect evening involves taking in some classic two-channel stereo recordings while basking in the glow of tubes, get ready for a blast from the past courtesy McIntosh. In celebration of its 60th anniversary, the company is releasing limited edition bundle of its classic C22 preamp and a pair of MC75 monoblock amps. The reissues feature updated circuitry -- in the case of the MC75, reliability is improved while the sonics remain faithful to the original, and the new C22 has been brought up to modern performance standards and an IR remote has been added (because getting up out of your chair is so 1960s). To top it all off, each of the 120 bundles will include a signed copy of McIntosh's For the Love of Music, and in case you were wondering, "McIntosh limited" means pricey -- $15,000. Lucky owners are encouraged to supply their own scotch and smoking jacket.
[Via Switched]
Coolness: 10/10
Want: 10/10
Affordability: 2/10
That, with a pair of Klipschorns would be spectacular.
Affordability: -10/10
T,FTFY
Wow, that's really cool.
Affordability may be low, but the value is quite high. Today, I personally consider McIntosh electronics junk compared with other similarly priced audio products, but these are reissues of classic equipment. They weren't the best of their day, but they were some of the most coveted. Audiophiles didn't buy McIntosh, rich people bought McIntosh.
I just bought a 2009 honda civic ex coupe for about 18k
Perhaps I should've picked up these McIntosh reissues instead. I mean, if it's between sonic bliss and driving an old clunker..... maybe I should've kept the old clunker. Honestly.
I don't care how 'great' an audio component is. NO audio component is worth the price of a car, or a down payment of a house.
I beg to differ, there definitely are some audio components worth their ridiculous prices. Not that by any means I can afford pieces like this, but if I had the money to throw at something like this I would. And it would not be to look cool for my rich friends (I dunno, do you automatically get rich friends when you become rich?). I used to work at a very high end Audio/Video Dealer in South Florida and I had the pleasure of hearing equipment like this.
The sound is so amazing, when coming from the right source along with the right speakers and cables, that you can forgo the scotch and smoking jacket because the music in itself is delightfully blissful.
To me, something that has that effect and is still legal, is worth the price.
But a Ferrari is worth the price of 2 midwestern homes???? Lets see, a Ferrari cost $250K and will be driven 3K miles a year, while a $250K audio system can be used 365 regardless of weather or season and will retain more of its value over time (Dedicated Theaters raise the value of your home), yet the Ferrari owner is cool, and the Audiophile is asylum bound. I wish I could make this stuff up. Just because you can't afford it (myself included) doesn't mean its overpriced. If it makes sense with cars, why not this?
How many times do I need to post this:
Hours of enjoyment per dollar spent, Hifi is one of the best values there is. Better than automobiles, hookers, etc. Maybe, its the reason why people keep their hifi longer than their cars, mattresses, televisions, etc.