Would you buy these McIntosh amp stands?

From the TAS new product announcements, I see that McIntosh has released new amp stands for their power amps. Depending on model, the MSRP is between US$3000 and $3500.

Would you buy these?

 

Not a chance. Boutique pricing. They'll find a market, but not one with me in it. And I like McIntosh.

 

I'm using a Symposium Ultra platform and roller blocks under my amplifier. These isolation devices are very effective and have improved the sound of my system.

I have come to the realization of the importance of vibration control and noise cancelling when building a system. I'm not sure these McIntosh stands do much in the way of vibration control. The press release doesn't mention anything about isolation or vibration control. The McIntosh stands look nice and certainly would look great with McIntosh gear. For someone spending big bucks for a McIntosh amp these are not priced ridiculously high. However, for that kind of money I would want something that not only looks nice but Isolates the amp from room vibrations.

 

For amp stands? No way.

 

I just spent that on a really nice pre........ it plays music, has a remote, actually does something

 

It seems like one of those things that immediately touch a nerve, right? Especially for an expensive boutique brand like McIntosh - the perceptions is that they are good, but that there are other devices equally as good, for as low as 10% of the price. The push back for things like this which, as the poster says, don't do anything, will be great. I predict this thread will grow, tempers will flare.

Of course, those who can afford to pay > $3000 (X2 if monoblocks I assume) will swear those things make the system sound better than ever!

Since I have never been able to convince anybody here and in other forums that it is a logical fallacy to think that the perception of ONE person reflects a universal truth ( that is, just because you think these things do something, it doesn't mean they do), I have decided to give in and jump in with my own. I just conducted the following experiment:

1.- Got some music going
2.- Got the two kids to start jumping next to the amplifier - No difference in sound
3.- Got one kid to stop jumping - No difference in sound
4.- Got the other kid to stop jumping and the previous one to re-start - No difference in sound
5.- Got both kids to stop jumping - No difference in sound.

Conclusions:

1.- There is no difference in sound due to vibrations
2.- It was a miracle that the kids managed to not jump on or kick the amp.

These conclusions should apply universally!

Next experiment will be to have the kids jump next to the turntable. Results to follow...

v

 

Sorry Mcintosh; I'm all set so no sale here. I paid a whopping $15 for my pair of amp stands and they do the job just fine for my 147lb monoblocks.

 

That's the problem with room treatments, vibration control, and noise control, they just don't play music or are much fun. However, these devices do let more of the music come through.

I'm not saying the McIntosh stands do any of these things. They look to be for aesthetics only.

 

Do you really believe this??? You've got a lot to learn. Of course your equipment profile is blank, and you are commenting on sound which against forum rules.

 

Err... not sure you got the point of the post... hint: read the part about personal perception and logical fallacies.

Rest is kind of tongue-in-cheek

v

 

You have to get the kids to pick up the amplifier and shake it profusely. While it's playing music of course. I mean there still won't be a difference in sound...but it could be entertaining.

 

HAHA! while funny, I do love my amp... so they were just jumping next to it. G*d damn - I just realized I forgot to have them jump at different rates - let me get a stopwatch...

v

 

Boutique brand? Selling them short me thinks, apparently they’re the global leader in prestigious audio. Been in the high end audio game since 1975-ish and have never actually owned any McTosh stuff. Not starting with amp stands ……

 

If Jerry didn’t need ‘em….

 

I am having a custom , all out aural assault , premium parts throughout amplifier built for a lot less than two of those stands.... something’s wrong here......

 

Here is the thing they are 3" white ash stands with a McInstosh light up logo. Generally I don't have issues with high end pricing but McIntosh is transparent. I just bought a 1.5" amp stand from BBA for $130 'nuff said.

 

No, my simple solid Maple Butcher block works perfectly. You can pick one up for less than $200.

 

I get my amp stands at Harbor Freight.

 

LOL! I thought that was The Onion.

 

My McIntosh MC40 monoblocks sit on my gear rack in between two turntables with my ARC preamp below the amps. I love the quality and sound of the older Mac tube amps.

BillWojo

 

Yes predicated on winning the lottery at which point money will be immaterial. I will also buy the amps...

 

Went 'Nuts' on this poll.

 

That's an easy "Thanks, but no thanks" from this corner. Even at half the asking price they're still too much.

 

Yeah, that's what I use, too.

 

The stands got you talking, so they must do something.

I vaguely dare to presume they are not aimed at a market in which people own 3K amps. I have to pass, I'll wait until I own some proper macs with a VU as big as my car's windows.