You bet!

And from what I understand the version of the story you heard is correct. The other brands carried at Magnolia at the time were much larger operations and could handle the increase in volume that came much better. Vienna had something like 25 employees at the the time, and there was no way it was going to work. Sumiko (their US distributor) ended up dropping them entirely since Magnolia was their only retail contract. It’s a shame.

Yes, the tubes will need occasional replacement, though these have been running for 16 years, so it’s not often. And of course they are user replaceable.

I have a pair of Vienna Acoustics Beethoven Concert Grand speakers. Sadly I don’t believe they’re sold in the states anymore, but I find them to be quite wonderful.

https://www.vienna-acoustics.com/speakers/concert-grand-series/beethoven-concert-grand-reference/

In this case? Yes, with a “but”

I replaced the amp in a nice ($1200)Denon receiver with the MC275, and the difference was instantly noticeable, and far more pleasing to my ear.

That said, tube amps tend to be less accurate than solid state amps, so while it may sound better to my ear, it’s not as close to the original recording as solid state. Think of it like Vaseline on a camera lens. It hides imperfections, but isn’t necessarily true to the original source.

There are more modern tube amps that most would agree sound better than the MC275, but they’re in the same price range (if not higher), and don’t have the same aesthetic appeal.

I think I’m too old for cranking up the volume these days. I mostly just sit and listen while reading or working on a spreadsheet. Adulthood is exciting!

Que no los dos?

Thanks. Perhaps I misinterpreted the comment I replied to. Yes, it’s expensive (and honestly unnecessary). But it’s BIFL, so here we are!

I’d love that, but I don’t have the funds or the space for them. Mine is running a pair of Vienna Acoustics Beethoven Concert Grand speakers. Much smaller profile than the Klipschhorn and got them 70% off at their former US distributor as “b stock” (a couple cosmetic dings) back in 2006. Obviously the speakers and amp cost a bit of money, but I’ll have them until I die, so for me the cost is justified.

I got mine after a bad breakup. Seemed like a better idea than drinking

And able to be passed on to my children, and likely their children.

Sometimes BIFL can be boring (no offense to the socks and cutlery lovers out there!). The McIntosh MC275 has been in production since 1961, and unlike most consumer electronics, is still relevant today after more than 60 years.

I bought mine in 2007, and somehow it’s still running on the original tubes. As long as standard passive speakers are available, the MC275 will be a relevant piece of audio gear.

Same with my poop knife.

KitchenAid is owned by Whirlpool and is American owned. Though I’d be willing to bet items like these are purchased from Chinese suppliers and simply branded as kitchenaid.

Did I ever tell you about the dinner fork I have that’s lasted 30 years (so far)?

The great thing about computers is that there are plenty of options to choose from. Apple hasn’t supported removable memory in iPhones since day one. If consumers really cared, android OEMs would have continued supporting it and grown market share. But the market has spoken. Most people don’t care (and one should note that android doesn’t officially support removable memory anyway).

The same follows here. If the Mac Pro isn’t a good value for the intended audience, that audience will leave the building.

I can’t believe you’re actually this daft.

• People who buy insulin do so in order to not die

• People who buy Apple products do so because they feel like it

If you think Apple products are too expensive, simply don’t buy them, and their pricing structure has no effect on your life. It’s pretty cool how easy it is!

Well this is the dumbest take I’ve seen in years. Let me know when a Mac Pro is a lifesaving medication.