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Help me get the best sound under $5K in upgrades

I need help. My system: mac mini, McIntosh Pre 15, McIntosh MC2255, Joseph Audio RM22si / REL Strata iii.

I just switched to the McIntosh from an Audio Refinement Complete, but am willing to change anything other than the front end or going tubes. I don't want the maintenance of tubes, and want to keep the convenience of digital.

I mostly listen to acoustic/folk/jazz/vocals.

I'm considering planars and demo-ing a set of Maggie 1.7's next week.

I just want the best sound possible, and don't want to throw money away on things that I can't hear.

Is the McIntosh mostly just cool lights and nostalgia? Can I get better sound for my $? Can I do better than Planars with my sub and a really nice pair of monitors?
lisaandjon
lisaandjon OP
17 posts
 
After listening to the Parasound for several hours I'd call it lifeless. Definitely lacks the detail of the Mc2255.

Pretty cool, actually. I've never heard a difference in amps before. Now I really want to find out what else is out there.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
5,997 posts
 
"Pretty cool, actually. I've never heard a difference in amps before. Now I really want to find out what else is out there."

Oh no, it's started. :-) Be prepared to spend lots of money, probably get divorced, have many sleepless nights, be on a first name basis with your local dealer, lose your eyesight reading too many magazines and blogs.

Run fast away while you can...
mapman's avatar
mapman
23,188 posts
 
You might want to try a 80w or more tube amp with the Maggies. Use the powered subs to offload work from the amp and a lot fewer watts are needed. For SS, the Mc seems like a decent match.

Also I am wondering how the Maggies are set up? Placement is everything with those. Some rooms could be a challenge.

The Maggies seem like a good match for your listening tastes as you describe otherwise. The trick is to get them to sing like they are capable of. The whole setup has to mesh.
iramirez
68 posts
 
I did not see anything regarding a DAC. How do you get your music from the Mac Mini to the preamp?
lisaandjon OP
17 posts
 
Tried Parasound Halo this weekend. I think this is a winner for me. I'm getting A21 & P5, replacing the Macs. For me, they have more detail without fatigue.
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