Bose buys McIntosh (audio equipment)

[cfz2882]

I thought bose had degraded to a "BPC" brand some time ago... but this notion could be wrong? Last i knew, McIntosh was still at least assembled in USA and premium stuff worthy of analog source.I almost bought a McIntosh receiver about 1992 at a stereo store table sale: noticed the transformer was decent size and TO-3 transistors at back had 1973 date codes. They wanted $ 300 for it.

 

[phillymatt53]

I've serviced some McIntosh stuff for customers years ago, and a few amps for a neighbor.
While they were built like heavy bricks, and sported snazzy styling, I wasn't too impressed with them.
Yes, they performed nicely, but their specs were somewhat dissapointing.
In comparison, the THD specs on the older amps was rated at 0.25%, while my much less expensive Technics receiver is rated at 0.008% - way lower.
Of course, the average ear can't really tell the difference with music, but my calibrated laboratory distortion tester could.

In my opinion, the name McIntosh, and even the Marantz, are highly sought after only because they were expensive and snazzy.
Just like an automobile - it's all in the name -hype.

 

[wayupnorth]

I bought a pair of Bose Interaudio SA 1000 back in the mid 80's that really crank and you hear every instrument. I also have a pair of KLH model 6 speakers that also sound great. Ironically both owners manuals have the same address...The Mountain, Framingham, Mass. .