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Help me get the best sound under $5K in upgrades

I need help. My system: mac mini, McIntosh Pre 15, McIntosh MC2255, Joseph Audio RM22si / REL Strata iii.

I just switched to the McIntosh from an Audio Refinement Complete, but am willing to change anything other than the front end or going tubes. I don't want the maintenance of tubes, and want to keep the convenience of digital.

I mostly listen to acoustic/folk/jazz/vocals.

I'm considering planars and demo-ing a set of Maggie 1.7's next week.

I just want the best sound possible, and don't want to throw money away on things that I can't hear.

Is the McIntosh mostly just cool lights and nostalgia? Can I get better sound for my $? Can I do better than Planars with my sub and a really nice pair of monitors?
lisaandjon
lisaandjon OP
17 posts
 
I brought home a Parasound 2250 v.2 to compare. Thoughts? It's half the price, 275Watts, stable at 2ohms. I don't have any Maggie's to try it out with, yet; just the Joseph's.

Honestly, I do hear a difference vs the McIntosh. Wasn't expecting it, but I'd say there's more detail with the Mc. Am I just imagining things?
truman
169 posts
 
I've found the Maggies to need volume to come alive....that doesn't sound like acoustic music/folk to me. Be sure to audition the Maggies at low volumes. Going toward more efficient speakers might be a good move toward low volume transparency. Tannoys? Try a tube preamp to get more "aire" into your system - they don't require any maintenance to speak of, small signal tubes last probably 10+ years (do turn them off when not using however). Even then it's like changing a light bulb - no biasing required. Audio Note Kits? (get them fully assembled for 15%)
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,555 posts
 
IMHO,Its not. Buy one and check it out . I have .
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,555 posts
 
I used it to drive a pair of Mirage M 3's and while it did drive them it was not ideal synergy. The Mac 7200 was a much better sounding amp for that speaker...Now having said that the MC352 sounds way better than both.
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,555 posts
 
I'm not looking or speaking from paper specs. I have owned all of the amps mentioned and listened to them intimately. If that's worth anything. Mofi has made valid and correct statements of the specifications. I'm talking about the way they sound, driving certain speakers. that's all.
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