Steve.......I hear you. I have three stereo systems and one home theater system that are deeply vested in McIntosh. My personal satisfaction and pride comes from knowing the components I own are a reflection of McIntosh's best efforts. In my opinion, their forte has always been preamplifiers and power amplifiers. I am completely satisfied and proud of the components I own but I find myself disillusioned with their attempt to rebrand themselves as a luxury lifestyle audio manufacturer. This has been going on for the last decade. For me, the RS100 is a classic example of heading in the wrong direction. I have similar feelings about their mini table top systems with mini speakers, headphone amplifier, headphones, and branded cables.
Obviously I have no financial interest in McIntosh other than the gear I own, so I am simply an observer to the present direction of the company. I understand the audio business is competitive and ruthless. Each company is trying to get their piece of a shrinking pie, so I guess it isn't difficult to realize why a company looks for fresh revenue streams. What pleases me is I already own the best the company offers so their newest toy components are amusing but don't generate a buying impulse for me. I won't be selling the McIntosh gear I own but considering their present direction it seems unlikely I will purchase anything new from them in the future. That's a shame because I have owned and purchased much McIntosh gear since 1968.
