[MKtheater]

I had a golf tournament yesterday in Binghamton, NY. My friend(allprois) and I finished earlier than expected so I decided to just walk in to Mac for a tour(15 minutes away). This was taking a chance since I did not think Mac accepted walk-ins. A man showed up, stopped everything he was doing and gave us a tour. This facility is just massive. Everything is built right there, you can see all the people working, soldering, testing, etc... They have state of the art machinery and the place is very impressive. The guide took us through the whole process of building their boards, glass, chassis, etc... to the completed product. It was truly amazing to see what exactly goes into their equipment. After the tour was finished he took us down into a room and there it was, a theater with all their top gear. You can see this on their website. This room cost a minimum of $500k and that does not include some of the equipment in the rack. We watched 2 demos, one in 2 channel and the other was the Lion King Intro. I picked the lion king because I am very familiar with it. The 2 channel demo was breath taking. It was the best 2 channel music I have ever heard. So clear and dynamic. The lion king was good but my system is better with it. I asked my friend his honest opinion and said he thought the Mac system was a little more clear but mine sound more full and dynamic and puts you more in the middle. I spent around $20000 total for my room and gear. Not bad. I would say the Mac gear is like owning a rolex, it is a beautiful piece of fine jewelry with first class craftsmanship that still only tells time or in this case plays audio. Is it worth it, you decide for yourself. The build quality is second to none and it looks fantastic and sounds great. Any in the area should check it out.

 

[ack_bk]

Very cool experience. At least you were able to leave with your wallet intact

 

[MKtheater]

They had several MC 252's and MC 501's that were being packed.

 

[Mozvz]

The Mac gear is great looking stuff and from my perspective, supporting American made electronics keeps the people in Binghamton employed if that floats your boat. Factory tours are great to see how any product is made. It's especially exciting if you are passionate about a specific hobby which makes it a great tour. Goes to show you though MK that for 20K you can build world class stuff and be competitive or better compared to what you described as a 500K system.


Anyway, I watch the Lion King myself at least 1-3 times a week with my daughter depending on the season. Thanks for sharing!


Hakuna matata!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejEVczA8PLU

 

[Chu Gai]

Sounds great. I took a tour of the Baccardi factory in Puerto Rico and got thoroughly blitzed at the free drink area at the end.

 

[wgriel]

Awesome story -- thanks for sharing!


I likely will own some McIntosh gear one day. I know to some degree it's audio jewelry, but the stuff is well made, sounds great and looks gorgeous!

 

[aquaphile]

silly question, and i think i know the answer:

were you allowed to/did you take any pics???

 

[MLKstudios]



Quote:
Originally Posted by wgriel /forum/post/16863514


Awesome story -- thanks for sharing!


I likely will own some McIntosh gear one day. I know to some degree it's audio jewelry, but the stuff is well made, sounds great and looks gorgeous!

It also holds its value. You can buy some of their used gear and sell it later for more than you paid.

 

[Hksvr4]



Quote:
Originally Posted by MLKstudios /forum/post/16863632


It also holds its value. You can buy some of their used gear and sell it later for more than you paid.

Yes it does. Almost if not all electronics loose their value. Even right after you purchased it. They are the only electronic company that I know of holds value or increase value like a Rolex.


I always wanted to own a piece of their gear but it's expensive to say the least. Once you see a company like this in action, you appericate the product more. Actually, I never knew they were in Binghamton, NY. My wife has a house in Sidney, NY. Might take a ride up there one day. So if I just walk in, someone will give us a tour?

 

[penngray]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Chu Gai /forum/post/16863486


Sounds great. I took a tour of the Baccardi factory in Puerto Rico and got thoroughly blitzed at the free drink area at the end.

I have done that tour ....I know that experience

I have done these tours too...

Heineken tour in Amsterdamn

Guinness tour in Dublin


Also done Oktoberfest in German

Audio....blah


Seriously, cool tour MK....but I have to ask what did you shoot on the golf course?

 

[chunkisagoonie]

I got the opportunity to fly out and tour McIntosh's factory for their 3-day "McMasters" dealer seminar a couple years ago when I was still working in the industry. McIntosh put us up, fed us breakfast and lunch and wined and dined us every day/night (I don't think I spent a dime while I was in Binghamton, save for cigarettes) and I got to chat with other dealers from all over the world.


But best of all, their factory is just plain cool! Virtually EVERYTHING they make is designed and assembled in-house by a labor force made up of individuals that have probably worked for McIntosh all their lives. They bend their own sheet metal, wind and pot their own transformers, solder almost everything by hand...it's mind boggling. The most fun thing I saw there was their high-pressure water jet cutter they use to cut perfect, smooth holes in their glass panels for knobs and buttons. And they have an anechoic chamber that's kind of freaky to stand in. Everyone in the factory seems to love their job and can't imagine doing anything else. It's like a big family there.


After I was done with the seminar, they gave me a really nice glass "McMasters Level I" plaque and a bag of collectible goodies. Frills, yes, but I've rarely experienced a factory training program so accommodating.


In a world of outsourcing and automated manufacturing, it's refreshing to see that there's still a few companies out there that place value on quality and community. Although I do not own any McIntosh gear (frankly, I'm not a big fan of their sound), it is a legendary company and they still seem to be standing the test of time.

 

[MKtheater]

My friend took some video of the room but it came out dark. Penn, I just started playing golf last year and I shoot around 90.

 

[gooki]

This thread makes me said I sold some limited edition McIntosh gear a few years back. Four Channel Mc Amp with serial number 0000051 was my biggest loss

.

 

[markwriter]

MacIntosh tour, that's nothing! I got to go on a tour of Lockheed/Martin and at the end I got to go fly an F22. Seriously, they let me!!! It's not too far from where I live, so I headed toward my neighborhood and put a couple JDAM's right in my neighbor's pool! Not bad for a first-timer.

 

[chunkisagoonie]

Hahaha. Very funny.