Yamaha A-S1100 vs Mctntosh vintge

I would say, choosing a better preamp would really make those Dyns "wake up" in the midrange now that I know what speakers you have. Those Dynaudio speakers are awesome! I would pair the MAC with a Modwright SWL 9.0 or a DOGE 8 Clarity or a Dehavilland Ultraverve SE or a Manley labs jumbo shrimp, yes these are all tube based pre amps :-) Also, cables will play a important role in making sure things dont get to warm or dark. Kimber and Morrow audio cables I have used with same brands and its great synergy.

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/0905/modwrightswl90se.htm

http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/doge8_preamp_e.html

https://positive-feedback.com/Issue12/dehavilland.htm

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/manley6/jumboshrimp.html

Matt M

McIntosh C15 or C712 are very good preamps ... 

HI Matt:  Thanks for the input, but I'd rather stay away from tubes. I did tubes for years (Quicksilver, AudioNote, Art Audio, Wyetech, Audiomat, and others), got tired of finding decent tubes without mortgaging the house, so I'd rather stick with s-s pre=amps.