Need recommendation for my hybrid system

Ive been told that the McIntosh gear will make the SF speakers too warm and laid back.  Anyone on here have similar or difference experenence with Mac and SF pairing?  

Ive been told that the McIntosh gear will make the SF speakers too warm and laid back. Anyone on here have similar or difference experenence with Mac and SF pairing?

I did demo the C2500 and MC452, together, with a set of SF’s. It was not to my liking. From my recollection, the mid-range seemed a little too verbose on some recordings. Not quite muddy, maybe laid back is the accurate description when people describe the combo. It was in a room treated environment, possibly they didn’t have the correct absorbtion/reflection panels applied.

Out of everything I sampled, the vinyl version of Metallica’s 9.98 EP sounded the best I’ve ever heard it. Vinyl and digital versions from Radiohead, Dave Matthews Band, Leo Kottke, Miles Davis just didn’t sound right to me.

I'm also now realizing you posted in another topic regarding the MX151 vs. Krell vs. Arcam.  Which pre did you end up going with?

@ Todd

Thanks for the input.  As for AV pre/pro I can’t decided yet so I’m just going to focus on the audio for now. 

Wondering if anyone has heard any of the following pairings w Sonus Faber Evoltuion. 

Krell Phantom
Krell 202 E
McIntosh C1000
Jeff Rowland 625