I have always thought McIntosh credible, rock solid, classic and conservative to a fault. Who cannot love the iconic 275 tube amp on looks alone. I do think their performance, though quite good, was never considered quite tippy top. But, they were the preference of the country club set for many reasons, though, as usual, that was not
about ultimate performance.
The tradition is passed down from generation to generation, much as the ad copy for Patek Philippe watches now suggests, as though McIntosh was a lasting lifetime investment in superior sound. And, their ownership has turned over many times. Was that not a Japanese car audio company that owned them for awhile? And, I do not even know who it is now, still Denon? But, the quality tradition, service and support of even old, old gear continues.
The Harley comparison is dead wrong, I think. In audio, they are the Rolls-Royce, an always luxurious car whose performance was never tippy top, but , in Rolls' own words, it was always "adequate".