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New to hobby: McIntosh D150 w/ McIntosh Amp vs. Rotel Separates

Hi,

New to the forum and hifi hobby. I am looking to build a system but having trouble finding which direction to go in. I use a Sonos Port as my source streaming Tidal and wanted a 2 channel system that I wouldn't have to manually turn on when I wanted to play music. 

 

I found that the Rotel RC-1572 MKii preamp had a signal sense feature which would do this and have purchased that. I also have a McIntosh D150 DAC which has a power trigger in which the port can trigger on. 

 

My amp was a Rotel RB-1050 and I was trying very hard to like the McIntosh paired with it because in my mind I'm thinking this is a more expensive brand and piece so it should be better, but it sounded too bright to where it was almost painful at high volumes. With the Rotel preamp I didn't have this issue. It sounded great and was much more laid back.

I was wondering if the D150 wouldn't have this issue if I paired it with a McIntosh MC152 or any McIntosh Amp. I have had older Rotel separates that were given to me by my dad and have always wanted to eventually graduate to McIntosh.

My other option is getting the Rotel RB 1582MKii and pairing that with the RC 1572 Mkii and being done with it. 

My question is, since the McIntosh D150 isn't a true preamp but a DAC rather with Preamp capability, should I stick with the Rotel or should I pursue the McIntosh route? I've seen that the D150 & MC152 pair is common so I was thinking that the Mcintosh D150 and Rotel pair might be causing the brightness issue. Running B&W CM9 S2 speakers. Thanks!

 

shanafee

Showing 1 response by james633

james633
886 posts
 

I can’t comment on the McIntosh D150 but I own McIntosh MC462 and have had a number of Rotel amps over the years (still use them for surrounds in my theater).

Anyway run what sounds good to you. McIntosh does not really come into it’s own until you get into their high power amps with autoformers. That is where you get into the McIntosh sounds.

McIntosh often outsources their internal DAC to other brands. Probably just a sabra chip found in many other brands. Their theater processors are made by Marantz then they use their own input and output stages.

anyway McIntosh is fine (I own them so no hate) but it is over priced on the lower end. I find the C53 preamp and MC462 and higher amps very good but again lots of stuff cheaper just as good.

now in truth I would run what you have and change your speakers. Your speakers are simply bright and forward. I have owned the 703s which is very much like your cm9 and I am 100% sure they are the bottle neck in your system. Very uneven respond and will be setup critical as they have a number of issues.

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