Bose acquires McIntosh

[twich54]

interesting .............

https://www.bose.com/pressroom/bose-acquires-mcintosh-group-announcement

 

[JonFo]

This could go several ways, but there are huge risks to the Mcintosh lineup if they start 'cost-optimizing'.
But it could be a win for Mac gear if they can integrate some of the advanced tech Bose has developed into processors and amps. In processors specifically, Mac has a confusing set of tech, especially in DRC, as the MX180 has RoomPerfect, the new MX200 uses Dirac, and the MX100 & MX123 feature Audyssey XT32.

Since I have neither brand in my home, this does not affect me.

 

[amey01]

This could go several ways, but there are huge risks to the Mcintosh lineup if they start 'cost-optimizing'.

I've never understood why anyone would buy a successful company if they want to change / destroy the goodwill base that they have just purchased.

Harvest the IP is the only reason I can think of - and as you've pointed out - there is not a lot that a high-end company like Mac could offer a lifestyle / architectural company like Bose.

Since I have neither brand in my home, this does not affect me.

Likewise.

 

[Big Dog RJ]

Mmm... certainly an interesting partnership.
To me it's like that cartoon character they used to run on Nickelodeon called CatDog.
One part cat the other half dog... couldn't tell which one was the head or the tail, confusing as hell but still a funny cartoon.

From the write up, seems like one will focus more into lifestyle settings; home installation, cars, mobile sound... and the other stick with high-end gear for what they're know for; amplifiers, digital playback systems, speakers & TT's... in which case then why merge at all?

As mentioned in the other posts, could well be that corporate acquisition syndrome... or call it corp greed, whatever I don't know. Maybe the bigger one flexes the muscles and the other one listens.

Way back in the day, I did own a few Bose products (301,601, & 901SVI speakers) suspended from the ceiling by chains. Rocked the house using Carver amps TFM150 and 250, what a blast! Also have used Mac gear, several iterations of their MC stereo power amps, one digital player and the famous MC275 tube amps, quite nice.

However, I've moved on from these makes, I do wish them all the best. Wonder if you bought a Bose product, could you send it to a Mac service centre for a fix? Or even the other way round...? Not sure how that's going to work if these two are merging.
Fun times ahead.

Cheers, RJ

 

[gvera]

Bose it's buying the full McIntosh group, they certainly can use some knowledge from Sonus Faber to build a higher range of lifestyle speakers

 

[Big Dog RJ]

Yes true dat! But Bose is not high quality on par with Mac or SF. Bose uses plastics, glues, twisted pipes and paper cones, and charges a premium! B&W Nautilus series, especially the Snails (original design of the Nautilus) are an unusual design and sound fantastic! B&W are not cheap plastic types... and they sound far ahead of Bose.
(Why bring up B&W...? Because they also use twisted pipes in the Nautilus).

I think I can envision this: sitting in my three story mansion, I'll have Bose lifestyle systems installed in the kitchen area and bathrooms including jacuzzi. Then I'll have Bose & Mac installed on the verandah and decking where we have our family BBQ. Then in the home gym definitely a big Mac with Mac in-wall speakers. Then the main listening room, whiles sipping cocktails after dinner, along with cheese... it will be a big bold full Mac system flanked with SF speakers. How's zaat!
Ok!!!
I'll wire transfer the deposit of 100grand tonight and the balance 100grand upon final installation tomorrow or when all done.
No worries, woof!

 

[ML4Life]

This purchase gives Bose access. Existing vendor agreements for SF and Mac that would never let Bose into shops are now leveraged to get the Bose brand in.

 

[amey01]

This purchase gives Bose access. Existing vendor agreements for SF and Mac that would never let Bose into shops are now leveraged to get the Bose brand in.

I'm not sure why either would want the other. Totally different product categories.

Pick another high-end company, say ARC. Would they want access to - pick an architectural company, say Velux's or Dekkson's distribution network? It's the same thing!

 

[Robert D]

The article mentions car audio, I can see a big benefit there for Bose to expand their offerings. Many cars today have Bose speakers in them, perhaps now the amps will be Mcintosh, as well as other electronics like the preamp. Porsche offers Burmester.

https://www.burmester.de/en/automotive/mercedes-benz-soundsystem/

 

[Bonscott]

IMO. Car Audio is the main reason for this. Contacts with Major Auto makers is more profitable then Home Audio

 

[Robert D]

IMO. Car Audio is the main reason for this. Contacts with Major Auto makers is more profitable then Home Audio

Maybe they can now compete against Burmester in luxury cars.

 

[amey01]

Maybe they can now compete against Burmester in luxury cars.

McIntosh car systems are just rebadged Clarions, aren't they?

 

[Robert D]

McIntosh car systems are just rebadged Clarions, aren't they?

Not sure, I remember Clarion but never had one. I had Alpine and Sony head units. The Sony I had was a pullout unit, and I really liked that. Later on the invented the stereo with pull off faces.