Can I Pair Audio Reseach Ref 3 w/ the McIntosh MC2505 Poweramp?

Thanks for posting details about your system, Ruben.  Since you are running all digital sources, I'd strongly suggest you forget about the C2300 & C2500.  You would be paying for a very high-end phono section in both that you won't be using anytime soon.  While the C2500 has an excellent DAC, it is also well above your budget.  Even the C2300 is pushing that end of it.

Because you have Tannoys, you might consider going the other way around because they are comparatively efficient and stable:  Tube amp and SS preamp.  An MC75 with a D100 would get your digital from the BlueSound into a better DAC than the Rotel and you can do away with the Rega and MC2505 altogether.  Just a thought, but I suspect that you would be very, very pleased with the result and would be in your budget range.  

If you eventually choose to get into vinyl, you can look at a C48, C50 or C2500 to keep an internal DAC and get a good phono section.  Do keep in mind that vinyl is a super-geeky branch of audio and can get very expensive very fast.  It isn't just a phono section; it's a table, arm, cartridge, protractor, cleaning accessories, interconnect and more.  It's also fussy and requires a knowledge base.  Be sure you truly understand what you're opening yourself up for if you decide to take that plunge.  

With respect to mixing ARC and Mc gear, I know folks that swear by it and others that swear at it.  You'll see my rig is pretty much all Mc, but I was crafting a very specific solution that couldn't be readily accommodated by ARC (ARC was also well beyond my comfort zone price-wise).

An audition at a local Mc dealer would be a very good idea for you.  Most of them stock Mc, ARC, Sonus Faber and B&W now, and that would let you get a better handle on the kind of sound available in your budget range.  I again suggest you contact Audio Classics; they have a world of expertise dealing with your kind of situation.

Have fun & good luck!

Reuben the MC2505 is a nice rugged little amp, and it is a warm sounding amp. The Idea of using a tube pre amp is a good one. But, consider that having too much warmth may be a bad thing. I would highly consider purchasing a Mac solid state pre amp a older one that will work very well with your current amp like a C32 or C33 or even better a C41, these pre amps will not come close to your budget either. If you really want to spend $4,000 , I would consider calling Audioclassics.com and speak to Mike Sastra (ive known Mike for over 25 yrs) about trading in your MC2505 (plus the 4K) for a much newer MAC integrated amplifier. Also, I agree with most here that Mac is best with Mac...until you purchase one of their Double or Quad balanced designs! I have used McIntosh amps from the late MC2300 to my current MC352 and they have improved the sound a lot over the years.

Mattmiller's idea is the best suggestion I've seen here, and I agree with him. By the way, I have a 2105 that has been maintained regularly over the years, and it is a great amp, as is yours. I use it sometimes when I'm not using my 8 watt SET. I what I'm talking about because I have also owned an MC 300 and an MC 402. I wasn't crazy about the 402 which really surprised me, but it goes to show that old technology or new, in the end it's about how it sounds, and those earlier Mac amps sound great. That is why people still pay stupid prices for them.