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. .

 

[vacerator]

Yes, Bose bought Mac back in May. This leaves only Yamaha and a few other niche brands as stand alones. Accuphase, possibly Luxman?

 

[cfz2882]

The Bose i am most familiar with besides the 901,is the Delco-Bose stereos in certain GM cars starting in 1983: special low level output head unit outputting to amplified speaker modules-the amp in these modules especially prone to bad capacitors, probably too much heat buildup in that plastic module. I used to use the head units with regular aftermarket amps and speakers.

 

[vacerator]

My '86 Grand Prix LE had the optional Delco Bose stereo. It got stolen with he car once.

 

[kb0nes]

Both are largely just marketing companies today where the name is worth more than anything else. Really seems like these companies were made for one another.

McIntosh jumped the price/performance value shark decades ago and they rely on their name and big blue meters to fleece HiFi buyers out of their money. It isn’t difficult to find equipment that performs on a par for about 1/2 the big cost.

 

[donprohel]

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.

It is easy to reduce harmonic distortion: you just have to add lots of negative feedback, which is exactly what the Japanese manufacturers used to do when audio equipment was assessed based on their specifications, and when some manufacturers were trying to use the specifications as a selling point.

But then it was found that negative feedback is not very good for the listening experience, hence it is possible, actually very likely, that McIntosh decided not to exceed.

 

[kb0nes]

THD is likely the single least important measurement made on an audio amp. But it was easy to measure and a great sales tool, lower is always better. It’s like the megapixel count in digital cameras, once it’s good enough, more is just sales fodder.

While obsessing about amp THD it’s wise to think of how much distortion is generated by the speakers, not at all uncommon to measure 1 to even 10% THD from speakers depending on the frequency and drive level.

Of course remember that harmonic distortion is musically related to the desired signal so it is hard to hear. Watching IM distortion is much more important. Amplifier output impedance and stability are the most important metrics in a power amp.

 

[phillymatt53]

It is easy to reduce harmonic distortion: you just have to add lots of negative feedback, which is exactly what the Japanese manufacturers used to do when audio equipment was assessed based on their specifications, and when some manufacturers were trying to use the specifications as a selling point.

But then it was found that negative feedback is not very good for the listening experience, hence it is possible, actually very likely, that McIntosh decided not to exceed.

Yes, that negative feedback stuff has wound up brainwashing people for years.
But in fact, it indeed reduces distortion levels, and increases the control over the speakers - so is that really a "bad thing"?