McIntosh Laboratory

McIntosh Laboratory Origins

McIntosh Laboratory, an American manufacturer of high-end audio equipment, was founded in 1949 by Frank H. McIntosh and Gordon Gow in Silver Spring, Maryland. The company later moved its headquarters to Binghamton, New York, in 1951. Known for its handcrafted audio products, McIntosh has a rich history in the audio industry, including providing sound systems for significant events such as the 1969 Woodstock music festival and several presidential inaugurations.

McIntosh Laboratory has been manufacturing turntables since at least 2008, when they introduced the MT10 Precision Turntable. The company is renowned for its iconic design elements, such as black glass front panels and blue VU meters, which have been part of their aesthetic since the 1960s and 1970s, respectively. These design features align with the company’s trademark theme and contribute to the recognizable appearance of McIntosh audio products.

In November 2024, McIntosh Group, which includes McIntosh Laboratory, was acquired by Bose Corporation, a fellow American audio company. This acquisition aims to expand Bose’s reach into the high-performance and luxury audio markets.