The Computer Audiophile Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 "Nothing but the best or why bother?" is Ivan Messer's motto. His son describes him as a "first class or stay home" kind of guy. So it came as no surprise to his family when the 51-year-old money manager from Coral Springs, Fla., spent five years and a million dollars building a home theater. His setup includes 14 speakers, 16 amplifiers and 400 amps of current--more power than entire homes consume. "The system makes the speakers and walls disappear," says Messer. "You could get seasick watching Master and Commander in my theater." Even more important to Messer than his 10-ft. (3 m) screen or $60,000 overhead projector is the McIntosh name that adorns every piece of audio gear. And we're not referring to Steve Jobs' brand--that would be Macintosh--but to the American producer of hi-fi components, which has cultivated an insanely loyal following over the past 50 years. Messer started accumulating the brand about 20 years ago, as soon as he could afford its bank-breaking prices. He spent $25,000 on his first system--a steal compared with the four 7-ft.-tall (2 m) XRT2K Mac loudspeakers he recently purchased for $45,000 each. "It's a big boy toy," he says. "If there were another brand better, I would get it, but 90% of what McIntosh makes is the best in its class." Full Article Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
Innertuber Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 I'd love to hear that monster. Plus, it looks like it makes a hell of a nightlight. Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted March 4, 2008 Author Share Posted March 4, 2008 I was thinking the same thing about the light coming from this setup. Something tells me this guy is all about flashy lights and equipment. Oh well, if that's what he wants I'm cool with it. Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
Gonzo1 Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 Ivan's a great guy. He posts at the McIntosh forum at audiokarma.org often. McIntosh C500T&P, MC501s, Sonus Faber Cremona M, Ayre QB-9, Oppo BDP-83 Mac Mini Link to comment
Innertuber Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 It really looks impressive but if I was creating a money no object system I'd build a great 2 channel tube stereo and probably go SS for the HT. Probably had to add a air conditioner for that beast. Link to comment
baumer Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 I wonder if the neighborhood has brownouts when its movie night at the Messers! Maybe he's trying to push Al Gore out of first place for having the biggest energy bill. Doug Link to comment
baumer Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 Too much coffee this morning! Doug Link to comment
Innertuber Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 I think we now know why all the nuke plants shut down and half the state had a blackout last week! Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted March 4, 2008 Author Share Posted March 4, 2008 "Ivan's a great guy. He posts at the McIntosh forum at audiokarma.org often. That is great to hear. I initially took him as a typical guy who likes the equipment more than the output (music / movies). I sense this is not the case? Of course there is nothing wrong with just liking the gear. "If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad." - Sheryl Crow Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
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