Room size & choosing speakers

To be sure, monitors are the way to go under your circumstnces. While the Mac/B&W is a nice pairing, IMHO, better results can be had. As a threshold matter, I suggest integrating a sub from the outset (e.g., JL F110 would be plenty in 10x12 room), particularly as you are considering the C50, with all its tone controls across the full spectrum, etc. The C1 (and other monitors), far outclasses the 805D. I have paired the MC452 with Linn Akurate 212 (with JL F112) to great results. To me (with all the caveats about my space/ears/system), the Akurate 212 also is in a different league than the B&W monitor. That combination raised the roof in our listening space that is 3X the size of your room. Enjoy the search, and good luck.

I did a comparison with Primare power and pre amp with the B&W805 and the Pl-100. The Pl-100 was superior in every part. Wenn you go back to the B&W805 the stage was almost flat. Almost no depth. Also in resolution and respons it was inferior to the Pl-100. At the end you have to do the listening yourself. No one can choose for you!!

All of your input is greatly appreciated. I am going to focus on monitors, rather than floor-standing speakers for my 10' x 12' room & will try the Monitor Audio pl-100, Linn Akurate 212, & the dynaudio C1 again and compare with the 805D.

I have two questions - other great monitor speakers in the under 15K range? And second, how do I compare apples to apples - each audio store carries one of these, so no way to do A/B comparisons & the electronics behind them are so different (nobody seems to carry the same brands)? I have trouble discerning how much of what I like in the 805D was the McIntosh pre-amp/amp.

Mctosh can give a good and deep stage as well. Wenn you will use this amp you will hear the difference in stage depth and wide. It is the best to use about 5 numbers of cd's/lp's or music on streamer. Numbers you know well. Use them on each speaker you will listen at. Wenn you go for Mctosh I would go for cabels which give a sharp and small focus of instruments and voices. ( Audioquest, Taralabs, Kimber and Transparent all will work fine depending on your tatste. First only focus on the speakers. cables will be a mather later.)

Need to correct my post, our listening space is 2X the size of the OP's room, not 3X (wish it was).