2. home-theater
  3. 175414-3808

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

I'm struggling with whether to repair my wonderful Krell S1200 pre/pro or breaking bank to get new pre/pro for basic 5.1 setup that may or may not ever grow to 6.1, 7.1, etc. 2 channel audio is my prime concern, but I wouldn't mind finally seeing what room correction would sound like in HT setting.  Don't like idea that many p/p digitize analog inputs, as I have an Esoteric K03 that sounds amazing and I wonder if this will be a downgrade in sound.  However, been reading that something like a Lyngdorf sounds great, and room correction could make a big diff even in 2 channel.  How easy is RC setup on units like Lyngdorf, Trinnov, or AudioControl? (Assuming Marantz, NAD, Krell Foundation won't be up to par in two channel or in RC?)

Appreciate any help/insight you can provide.  Thanks much!!!

PS - Rest of system: Speakers: Revel Salon 2 L/R, Revel Voice2 C, B&W DS7 and XTC8 surrounds. Velodune sub. Amps: Mcintosh mc452, Sunfire TGA 5200. CD/SACD: Esoteric K03. Bluray: Oppo 103. Streaming: Sonos

jeffkad
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

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.

 

auxinput
2,920 posts
 

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.

 

jeffkad OP
211 posts
 

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!

jeffkad OP
211 posts
 

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

soix
9,338 posts
 

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

@auxinput No, but the house sound is consistent and clear.  Have you heard the McIntosh or Lyngdorf pre/pros.  I think you’d agree that if you want a more syrupy, warm sound go with the Mac.  If you want a more neutral, spatial type sound go with the Lyngdorf.  Like I said, the TacT made a $300k 2-channel system sound broken when the TacT RC wasn’t employed.  What’s your experience with either?

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