McIntosh x Virgil Abloh Concept: Sound is Culture
Virgil Abloh believed that music is more than just sound, it’s the language of culture. His simple yet profound mission was to bring that culture of sound to those who inspired him and inspire others in return.
Virgil didn’t just create—he redefined culture. Whether it be through his founding of luxury brand Off-White, serving as the Artistic Director at Louis Vuitton, or any of his other numerous accomplishments, he blurred boundaries between streetwear and luxury, design and art, sound and style.
His connection to music was deep and foundational to his creative identity. He often said that music was a cultural language, a way to communicate ideas and emotion. A DJ since his teens, he curated soundtracks for his runway shows, blending sonic and visual storytelling into a unified experience, and would often DJ his own after-parties. His designs frequently referenced musical themes, and he saw sound as a medium that could inspire and inform everything from fashion to architecture. This philosophy led to McIntosh becoming part of his creative universe.
To Virgil, McIntosh was more than a product and more than a brand. McIntosh audio products anchored the soundscape of his Louis Vuitton design studio. The system wasn’t just for background sound; it was part of the atmosphere that fueled his creative output. It’s easy to imagine iconic Virgil Abloh pieces taking shape as music flowed through the studio, our blue meters pulsating and vacuum tubes glowing in harmony with the rhythms of his design process, together inspiring ideas that moved across studios, runways, and galleries.
McIntosh x Virgil Abloh – MA8950 Integrated Amplifier Concept
In 2020, Virgil imagined a special series of McIntosh pieces to amplify his mission and share it with the world. The pandemic delayed those conversations, and tragically, Virgil passed away in 2021 after a battle with cancer. But we are now proud to present one of Virgil’s singular pieces: the McIntosh x Virgil Abloh – MA8950 Integrated Amplifier Concept.
It is an unapologetic tribute to Virgil and everyone like him that is bold enough to shape culture and to use music to inspire and create lasting ideas. Finished in vibrant orange, a color Virgil used as a signal of energy, visibility, and disruption, this one-of-one amplifier transforms the classic McIntosh black-and-silver aesthetic into a design statement through Virgil’s lens.
Unveiled on September 30, on what would have been Virgil’s 45th birthday, at “Virgil Abloh: The Codes” at the Grand Palais in Paris, the piece is both homage and evolution. Created with the Virgil Abloh Archive™, it reflects a shared belief: that sound and design are cultural languages.
A Concept Only McIntosh Could Create
For over 75 years, McIntosh has been more than equipment. It is a bold expression of identity, a way of shaping music culture for yourself and the people around you. It represents a way of approaching music, sound, and life that values authenticity, excellence, and presence. Our products don’t just sound exceptional—they look iconic and are viewed as such. That’s why we’re the only audio brand that could make a bold orange amplifier feel intentional, not accidental.
Crafting this concept piece was a passion project for the entire McIntosh team. Every element of the amplifier had to be reimagined through Virgil’s lens, especially how to bring his signature orange to life on our amplifier. It wasn’t just a design challenge; it was a creative responsibility. Honoring his vision was a privilege for everyone involved.
This is a redefinition—continuing the conversation Virgil began, where sound becomes sculpture and culture finds its voice. Sound is never background; it is a force that connects people, ideas, and imagination.
Discover the sound that defines culture. Use the button below to connect with a McIntosh dealer and start your audio journey.
