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System synergy or mix and match

I've put together and interesting system....Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor M Stand mounts parred with two REL G-2 subs, Mac 601 monoblocks and Mac C50 pre, Modwright Oppo 105 and Lumin A-1 Streamer with Kenneth Lau PS, all Audience AU24 power chords and high end AQ interconnects and speaker cables.   Thinking of changing to tube line stage and was curious on thoughts out there of sticking with Mac or perhaps trying a different brand.  Seems to be a ton of nice choices out there but I'm also aware of same brand synergy...any input?
Thanks
ptrck887
jadedavid
76 posts
 
Yes, Counterpoint is a good one. I have a fully tricked out Audio Horizons that sounds very good. It has replaced an Aesthetix Calypso and was a nice upgrade from it. The fellow that I got the AH pre from replaced it with an Allnic which is a VERY nice piece. 
There are many other nice ones such as Audio Research Reference series, Conrad Johnson, Cary 05 and more. And then comes the tube rolling.
Have fun and enjoy your trials.
As Dick Olsher says "A day without music is like a black and white sunset".
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,601 posts
 
ptrck887

try it or demo it prior to any purchase.  The panel here has some excellent suggestions. Whichever brand you choose, always opt out for the signature, limited or upgraded version.

Happy Listening!
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tonykay
1,301 posts
 
FWIW, I have used a McIntosh preamp for years, many years, and was as happy as I could be with it. Last weekend, I hooked up a tube preamp that I bought here on Audiogon about a year ago. What a difference! I doubt that I will be going back to the McIntosh. I think the difference is simply the tubes versus solid state. I also bought a McIntosh 275 Mk VI. I'm looking forward to working that into the system soon.
ptrck887 OP
83 posts
 
tonykay

Kind of my expectations....which brand did you mate with the McIntosh? I've been pleasantly surprised at the great selection available!
dentdog's avatar
dentdog
498 posts
 
I've always had a Mac tube piece in there somewhere. Just makes the music nicer to listen to. 
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