Best 5.1 McIntosh separates


I'm considering building a 5.1 separates (Pre, amp, processor, etc. setup). Currently I've Nakamichi RX-505 Tape Deck, Tyler Acoustics Linbrook System II speakers, & Sony BX-57 (S570) BD player.

Apart from CDs & cassettes, I do not have any other type of music formats. I usually watch movie (65%) & listen to audios (35%).

I would love to build my system around Tube Amps (preferably McIntosh) but also like to support HDMI 1.4 (3D HDMI) & digital media server type of setup for audio/video streaming.

However, I'm not conversant with various McIntosh model numbers & their features. Can anyone suggest what would be
the best separate setup around $2000?

Thank you!
hitsofmisses

Showing 2 responses by cajunpepe

It will cost you $600+ just to retube a Mac amp. Maybe look at Proceed or Lexicon or Anthem or Rotel separates. You may be able to get a good 5.1/7.1 pre pro and a warm sounding 5 channel amp combo here on the Gon.
As far as Mac goes, I would forget it unless you increase your budget significantly. Newer gear from the above mentioned brands may sound better than the really old Mac gear that may fit into the $2000 budget. I am not trying to steer you away from Mac (I am a proud owner of tube pre and mono blocks), it's just that Mac ain't cheap, and their gear tends to hold their value fairly well over time--meaning that even the older gear is not inexpensive.
Again, champagne taste on a beer budget!!
Cary tube amps are not inexpensive. I believe the v12/i/r amps at 120/60 watts still command at least $1500+, and those have not been current for some 4-5 years. And that only gets you a stereo amp. You will need 5 channels, not 2 if I understand correct.
Go for a Proceed 5 channel amp here on Agon. They sound fantastic for the money and can usually be had in the $1000 range depending on power (5x100/125/200).
Have you noticed that there are not many (Butler audio comes to mind) 5 channel tube power amps on the market? Most folks reserve the yumminess of tubes for critical listening through a dedicated 2 channel system. I use the high end Macgear for 2 channel and use a Rotel stack (RSP-1068 pre/pro and 5x125 power amp) for my TV and theater and use the theater bypass on the MC2300 preamplifier to pass through. It works beautifully.
BUT...if you are still hell bent on a 5 channel tube amp, look at Butler Audio. They sometimes come up here on the Gon and may be had for your price range.
BTW, the Butler gear is very easy on the eyes. They also make tube amps for car audio...sweet.