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McIntosh vs Classe Multichannel System

Anyone familiar with both systems? I currently own Mac stereo pre and power amps and like them a lot, but looking around to see if, at a similar price, if there's anything better for a multichannel system. Following are the systems in consideration:

Classe CA5200/power
Classe SSP300/pre-pro
Classe CDP300/universal

vs

McIntosh MC207/power
McIntosh MX135/pre-pro
McIntosh MVP861/universal

I heard a lot of great things about Classe but have no experience or access to try it out. If sound (mostly classical music)is more important than video, which system would you choose and why? Any other systems at similar price range or less that sounds better (warm, natural, transparent sound)?
krksures4
tara
26 posts
 
I can only vow for the McIntosh system. My setup is MC206 and MX135 w/ the 851 MVP. Musicwise, it's second to none, moviewise, this pre/pro really make the center channel sings. Good luck, tim
krksures4 OP
9 posts
 
Bulldogger, that is a nice and knowledgeable comparison, and greatly appreciated. Tim, that's a dream setup! What speakers are you using and what are their sensitivities and impedences? I have B&W Matrix 801s which seem to sound better and better with more power. I am planning to use them for the front. I believe the difference between 206 and 207 is 100w.ch vs 200w/ch (along with price jump of $2000).
mike1000
71 posts
 
The differences between the MC207 and the MC206 are much more significant that just the additional 100W. The MC207 really tests out much closer to 300W and has a much different design. (I just bought a MC207 and did a ton of research and before upgrading from my wonderful MC7205.)
aball
2,016 posts
 
Yes, from what my dealer tells me, the MC207 is totally different from the previous 5-channel Mc amps.
mike1000
71 posts
 
I ended up getting the MX-119 to go along with my MC207 and they are powering my VA Acoustics Mahler speakers. What a great combo! I am in audio heaven!
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