New Pre/Pro for 2 ch guy? (+How easy to set up RC in top units like Lyngdorf, etc)?

soix, why the snooty response to the consideration of a Mc preamp? You were very nice in your original response.

My apologies. Admittedly I’m not a McIntosh fan. I worked for Magnolia for a bit and when they had the KEF Blades hooked up to Macs they sounded mushy, compromised, and not performing at the level they were capable of. But, if you like the sound and it works in your system by all means go for it, but the Lyngdorf processing is pretty darn special. If you want more Mac flavor in your system that’s probably your boy, but if you think you could use a little more upper mid and treble detail and air I’d go with the Lyngdorf. Again, best of luck in whatever you end up choosing.

I worked for Magnolia for a bit and when they had the KEF Blades hooked up to Macs they sounded mushy, compromised, and not performing at the level they were capable of.

Are you speaking about McIntosh amps?  If so, then I do agree that McIntosh amplifiers are too laid back and soft in the mids/highs. 

However, from what I understand, the McIntosh processors do not have this laid back / mushy sound.  Can you confirm this?

I'm basing this off another comparison.  I had a friend bring a Marantz AV8805 directly to my house for testing.  I was impressed with the fullness and power of the sound from Marantz, but when I hooked my S1200 back up, it was apparent that the Marantz had rolled off softened high frequencies.  From what my friend was saying, the McIntosh processors did not have this effect.

Unfortunately the MX 180 is just way too much money, even used.  I'd like to keep it all under $10k

I have seen the McIntosh MX-160 go for $8k used.

My apologies. Admittedly I’m not a McIntosh fan. 

No worries.  I realize this can be like politics lol.  Very much appreciate your replies.  I am not wedded to Mc, just read great reviews and my own listening experiences have been good.  Would definitely consider other good preamps in $4-6k used/discounted range.  For a long time I had my sights set on a Classe CP800, as it not only supposedly sounded great, but its SOA USB application was outstanding and apparently was agnostic to source quality.  If you have some good preamp ideas, please share!

I have seen the McIntosh MX-160 go for $8k used.

Thanks.  My problem with the Mc MX pre/pros is that they all digitize the analog input (not well known, but true and confirmed by Mc).  So my concern is that the MX Dac implementation/SQ will not be as good as my Esoteric K-03 CD/SACD, which is somewhat legendary.  Of course, that is the same issue with the Lyngdorf I'm considering.  Wish I could get some input into the SQ of the MX or Lyngdorf 2ch SQ versus a high end CD/preamp combo