Tophedwards,
I have the MX-120 which I believe is a close relative to the 135. Fewer balanced outs in favor of hdmi inputs. The 120 has proven to be a stellar 2-channel pre-amp in my system with excellent sound quality and all the control I could ask for.
A word of caution on McIntosh multi-channel amps like the 7205/7206. Try before you buy. I tried "brand matching" with the 7206 and it was the worst sounding amp from any manufactuer I've had come through my room. Thin, grainy, harsh. Gobs of overhead, but, just, yuck. My favorite amps with this pre/pro include the Pass XA30.5, Jeff Rowland Model 2, and Conrad Johnson MF2250. Of course these are all 2-channel amps. If you require a 5-channel, consider a used Pass X5.
I have the MX-120 which I believe is a close relative to the 135. Fewer balanced outs in favor of hdmi inputs. The 120 has proven to be a stellar 2-channel pre-amp in my system with excellent sound quality and all the control I could ask for.
A word of caution on McIntosh multi-channel amps like the 7205/7206. Try before you buy. I tried "brand matching" with the 7206 and it was the worst sounding amp from any manufactuer I've had come through my room. Thin, grainy, harsh. Gobs of overhead, but, just, yuck. My favorite amps with this pre/pro include the Pass XA30.5, Jeff Rowland Model 2, and Conrad Johnson MF2250. Of course these are all 2-channel amps. If you require a 5-channel, consider a used Pass X5.