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Need opinion on HT purschase

Currently I have some 802D with HTM4S and 805's i am using in a 7.1 system. I am in need of a significant upgrade on the electronics and power amp. I am considering the following option: The cost is almost the same for all... but there are some clear differences... what are the thoughts?

Macintosh option 1:
Pre MX-136
Surround Power C,SR,SL,BR,BL MC207
Main Power L&R MA402

Classe Option 2:
Pre SSP-800
Surround Power CA5100
Main Power L&R CA5200 ...bi amp

Classe option 3:
Pre SSP-600
Surround Power CA5200
Main Power L&R MA400

Mixed option 4:
Pre Marantz AV8003 or Integra dhc80.1
Surround Power CA5200
Main Power L&R MA400
porsche911s
vernneal's avatar
vernneal
438 posts
 
McIntosh, it retains its value and is magic with those B&Ws
porsche911s OP
3 posts
 
WOW !!! You guys are making this decision difficult. I love all the comments... they are exactly the tradeoff that i have been considering. The Mac retained value and classic sound and look. The matching the front speakers with 2 ca5200 will be more uniform... and potential issues with the preamp sound quality. this is a tough decision, however i almost feel like i can't go wrong with almost any choice other then perhaps spend a little more then i need to.
chatta
314 posts
 
I'll go with the option 4 IMO, the marantz has great feedback and reputation on HT's. It supports up to 1080p scaling, HDMI, dolbyTrueHD and dts HD.
finsup
289 posts
 
I agree about the Marantz.

The Integra (also part of option 4) has a much more robust room-correction system.

I mention this because sometimes the most significant upgrade you can achieve is in the room itself.
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