McIntosh group, including Sonus Faber. I consider both of those to be popular and successful brands in high end audio world. Yet combined they are just little fish to be gobbled up, by Bose, which is still not a big fish in the great economic ocean. That puts things in perspective for me.
To all the good McIntosh enthusiasts... you have nothing to fear...
Your supposed anxiety is based on your very low opinion of the Bose Acoutimass 5,1 surround system in you neighbors living room, the so-so fidelity of the stock sound system in your Toyota Corolla.. and at the top of the heap.. the 901’s... nuff said.
"Now Part of Bose, McIntosh Group Terminates Independent Sales Reps"
"This week brought multiple communications from the field informing Strata-gee that McIntosh has terminated all of its remaining independent manufacturer sales representative groups. The notices of termination were made at the beginning of this month and will be effective as of January 31, 2025.
The announcement was met with a mix of resignation and anger by some reps…and shock and surprise by some McIntosh dealers. Most of the terminated groups have been long-time representatives of the brand – many for years, some for decades."
"Now Part of Bose, McIntosh Group Terminates Independent Sales Reps"
"This week brought multiple communications from the field informing Strata-gee that McIntosh has terminated all of its remaining independent manufacturer sales representative groups. The notices of termination were made at the beginning of this month and will be effective as of January 31, 2025.
The announcement was met with a mix of resignation and anger by some reps…and shock and surprise by some McIntosh dealers. Most of the terminated groups have been long-time representatives of the brand – many for years, some for decades."
Having a direct sales force vs a Rep Agent is the way to go. I am transitioning away for using Manufacturers Rep Agencies as I am tired of herding cats.
The good news is that Bose and McIntosh know how to make products that work and don't have nearly as many bugs as some of the over-priced audiophile gear we seem to prefer.
This is a very interesting move. I'm curious to see where it leads.
I seem to remember when McIntosh was bought by Clarion, all those years ago.. the mac purists made a lot of noise (gnashing of teeth ) about the eminent demise of their beloved brand.. Those fears were unfounded then...as they are now.
I know nothing about McIntosh's new line, but I do see a ton of amp and preamps in the 5-10K price range. That impressed me, especially if it wants to penetrate the Gen Z crowd. For goodness sake, their electronics designs go back to the Great Flood so how hard can it be to make time-tested reliable good sounding gear at an affordable price? Exciting stuff.