McIntosh worth it ?

[scottb721]

I'm making a shortlist of 07/08 Libertys with a plan to purchase.
Is the McIntosh system good enough to rule out equivalent non-Mc cars ?

My current thinking is that if I have to miss out on 6speed (ie an R-B) then I at least want to get a McIntosh system.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[jdm rsk]

I'm making a shortlist of 07/08 Libertys with a plan to purchase.
Is the McIntosh system good enough to rule out equivalent non-Mc cars ?

My current thinking is that if I have to miss out on 6speed (ie an R-B) then I at least want to get a McIntosh system.

Thanks for your thoughts.

go aftermarket 7" screen dvd nav bettin my opinion like this viewtopic.php?f=3&t=13095

[scottb721]

That would be nice but would probably just add another JVC like my current HU if I swapped out the facia.
Although going the basic stereo opens up some wagons. Tough call.

[cruisn]

I used to build stereo systems and had large Audio Visual systems in a number of cars. Im a bit past that now but Im more than happy with the sound quality and output of the Mcintosh system.

I dont think its the end all in making a decision on your vehicle choice, but if you can get it I would.

[jp928]

In a word NO. I have a JVC dvd reading HU in my current gtb (replaced a mcintoss), also fitted to previous Outback. Go for the CAR part first, if the audio is not up to your needs, its much cheaper to fix that than anything else, like engine spec or gearbox.
jp 08 gtb 6mt wagon

[tangcla]

It really depends on what you are after.

In terms of sound, it's not bad, however it's hard to expand the system later on if you want to upgrade your amp, iPod integration, sat nav etc. A lot of people (myself included) who have got the Mcintosh sound system have replaced it with an aftermarket double DIN unit because it is a lot more functional. However for a stock system it is fairly reasonable.

[Egg]

It really depends on what you are after.

In terms of sound, it's not bad, however it's hard to expand the system later on if you want to upgrade your amp, iPod integration, sat nav etc. A lot of people (myself included) who have got the Mcintosh sound system have replaced it with an aftermarket double DIN unit because it is a lot more functional. However for a stock system it is fairly reasonable.

Im also looking at upgrading my system in Wagon My 07. As im finding sometimes the system needs to sit at 30 or higher to sound decent, it just lacks balls. Is there a kit for a single din unit?? As i dont want GPS, just something that fully integrates my iphone/ipod.( Like the Alpine system) Then I will prob change the speakers and amp as well. Have to start saving as I just put rims and coilovers on the car. Looking about 3 -3 3.5 k max. So hopefully should get something for that. I rang Frankston Hi Fi and left a message and no one called back. So I will prob go where my nephew took his car to a place called GL audio pro in Keilor as they have done Libertys as well.

[jp928]

Egg,
All depends on your current system as to ease of upgrade. You can get 2-din dashes for both single and dual zone AC controls around $400. Then you can mount any HU you fancy. If you go single din HU, you will need a pocket to fill the remaining hole.
If you have a Mcintoss amp, you will need a speaker lead to go from HU to speaker plug under Pax seat for speaker outs - this is what I have done. If you get a HU with line outs, you can connect these to the Mcintoss amp - a different cable needed here, fairly specialized - see Svxdc posts here for contact, he can make them mostly. If you dont have a Mcintoss now, you should be able to connecta new HU to your std speaker wiring with an Aerpro adapter, available from Autobarn, Supercheap etc - I did this in my 04 Outback.
FWIW, as I have said before, with my Mcintoss amp removed, using a JVC DV6105 HU, I do not miss the amp, and have not felt the need to change speakers at all.
jp 08 gtb 6mt wagon.

[tangcla]

I did notice, however, going back to the Mcintosh sound system, that the music sounds warmer than compared to the Alpine headunit and Alpine amp. It's definitely got a different sound processor and equalizer in it. After all, it is tuned for Subaru

[Robbks]

I did notice, however, going back to the Mcintosh sound system, that the music sounds warmer than compared to the Alpine headunit and Alpine amp. It's definitely got a different sound processor and equalizer in it.

Like most McIntosh HiFi amps
trying to replicate the warmth of the valve amps (that they still make...!)

[STI-47W]

my mcintosh is so rubbish. stupid focus error on every cd. ive tried cleaning it and it did nothing, putting "real" cd's in and they play fine for a few times, then start to skip. burnt cds either wont play at all or only play half the cd.

my experience so far with mcintosh isnt awesome... and ive only had the car for a week

[Egg]

Egg,
All depends on your current system as to ease of upgrade. You can get 2-din dashes for both single and dual zone AC controls around $400. Then you can mount any HU you fancy. If you go single din HU, you will need a pocket to fill the remaining hole.
If you have a Mcintoss amp, you will need a speaker lead to go from HU to speaker plug under Pax seat for speaker outs - this is what I have done. If you get a HU with line outs, you can connect these to the Mcintoss amp - a different cable needed here, fairly specialized - see Svxdc posts here for contact, he can make them mostly. If you dont have a Mcintoss now, you should be able to connecta new HU to your std speaker wiring with an Aerpro adapter, available from Autobarn, Supercheap etc - I did this in my 04 Outback.
FWIW, as I have said before, with my Mcintoss amp removed, using a JVC DV6105 HU, I do not miss the amp, and have not felt the need to change speakers at all.
jp 08 gtb 6mt wagon.

Thanks for that. I plan on keeping the car so I will prob replace everything once and thats it. So I can have complete control over my Iphone/ipod. Will also change

Headunit- Single Din ( Alpine)
Front speakers with Splits - poss adding bass driver as well will look into it.
Rear Doors( might see if better putting bass drivers or basic speakers or swap the front speakers to the back door for fillout)
Rear Sub replacement for Wagon
And Amp.

budget around 3 and 3 1/2g's..

With the headunit I was trying to find out if they actually mnake the replacemrnt unit for a single head unit not double din. Either way its not a massive prob.

this is my second head unit in the car, shortly after purchasing the car a cd got suck and wouldnt eject.After it got rteplaced I have been too scared to use it so I only use my ipod.

[MixGT]

my mcintosh is so rubbish. stupid focus error on every cd. ive tried cleaning it and it did nothing, putting "real" cd's in and they play fine for a few times, then start to skip. burnt cds either wont play at all or only play half the cd.

my experience so far with mcintosh isnt awesome... and ive only had the car for a week

I feel your pain,the McIntosh sound is great for a stock system but why didn't they include an Aux In! It sounds like the CD stacker is a P.O.S. Mine too, skips all the time if it plays at all. In the end I gave up on the stacker and have setup an Aux in, much happier motoring now. Wasn't too hard in the end.

Mick

[Doyab]

It really depends on what you are after.

In terms of sound, it's not bad, however it's hard to expand the system later on if you want to upgrade your amp, iPod integration, sat nav etc. A lot of people (myself included) who have got the Mcintosh sound system have replaced it with an aftermarket double DIN unit because it is a lot more functional. However for a stock system it is fairly reasonable.

Im also looking at upgrading my system in Wagon My 07. As im finding sometimes the system needs to sit at 30 or higher to sound decent, it just lacks balls. Is there a kit for a single din unit?? As i dont want GPS, just something that fully integrates my iphone/ipod.( Like the Alpine system) Then I will prob change the speakers and amp as well. Have to start saving as I just put rims and coilovers on the car. Looking about 3 -3 3.5 k max. So hopefully should get something for that. I rang Frankston Hi Fi and left a message and no one called back. So I will prob go where my nephew took his car to a place called GL audio pro in Keilor as they have done Libertys as well.

+1 for gl prosound. Your nephew hasn't got plates TUSHAN has he?

[Egg]

It really depends on what you are after.

In terms of sound, it's not bad, however it's hard to expand the system later on if you want to upgrade your amp, iPod integration, sat nav etc. A lot of people (myself included) who have got the Mcintosh sound system have replaced it with an aftermarket double DIN unit because it is a lot more functional. However for a stock system it is fairly reasonable.

Im also looking at upgrading my system in Wagon My 07. As im finding sometimes the system needs to sit at 30 or higher to sound decent, it just lacks balls. Is there a kit for a single din unit?? As i dont want GPS, just something that fully integrates my iphone/ipod.( Like the Alpine system) Then I will prob change the speakers and amp as well. Have to start saving as I just put rims and coilovers on the car. Looking about 3 -3 3.5 k max. So hopefully should get something for that. I rang Frankston Hi Fi and left a message and no one called back. So I will prob go where my nephew took his car to a place called GL audio pro in Keilor as they have done Libertys as well.

+1 for gl prosound. Your nephew hasn't got plates TUSHAN has he?

No my nephew drives a red/silver vr Calais 5.0 Litre, doesnt have personal rego. So far i spoke to Phatt Audio and they offered a good deal, and will see what Gl can offer when Im ready. Just gotta save up now coz Iv been naughty.... just came back from Rally Finland, Got mags, new tyres and coilovers ouch.