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MC300 MC252 MC501 recommendations based on my setup

So I have 2 systems, 1 downstairs that runs the whole house (4 sets of speakers on a switch) with a C48 and MC252 and Paradigm Signature S8's as the mains in the primary listening area. 
  
I also have a medium size room (large for a house) with a C40 and MC300 on Polk Rti A9's that are just a place holder until I can find the real speakers that I want (Thinking B&W 800 series).  

I like to listen to my music very loud and like to "feel" the music but the MC300 is not cutting it with either set of speakers.  

I have an opportunity to get a set of MC501's and would really like to see what the suggestions would be for a set of speakers that would pair well with them also considering I can move any of the other components upstairs or down stairs to get the best setup in both areas. 
Do I buy another  MC252 and bridge them or biamp them?  Is the MC501 investment worth the upgrade assuming the addition of B&W 800D's later?  How much are the MC501's worth in good shape? 

I have a lot to consider because I am also thinking about upgrading preamps also (interested in a tube pre C2300 or 2500 based on past experience w/ a Vincent MK236) but mainly listen to SACD's in one area and a combination of vinyl and SACD's the other.  (BTW, I also have an NAD M51 DAC that I really like upstairs with the C40)
gene3x
gene3x OP
43 posts
 
MC2301's wow!   There are so many choices and I have only recently gotten back into this outrageously expensive hobby.  After reading for what seems like a month straight I still have more questions than answers....lol 

Everyone seems to say the mono-blocks are always better since they have the ultimate separation.  I look at the 501' like the best "value" (if I can even say that) in the high end Mac amp lineup and have made the plunge.  Now what to do with all of my other amps!  

Will upgrading my C48 really make a huge difference?   Also, back to the speaker question, many seem to think that the B&W diamond tweeter causes fatigue at high listening levels. Is there a better recommendation for harnessing the long & loud sessions that I am likely to have without causing that fatigue?   Watt Puppys?  Revels?  Sonas Faber?  I would like to keep the speakers in the $10K range new or used. 
tlong1958
158 posts
 
I run a Mac C2500 into a MC452 to drive a pair of JBL 4367s. The system is very dynamic and clear, no strain at insanely high SPLs. I like it loud also. 
gene3x OP
43 posts
 
Man I would love a set of 4367's but they are just out of my price range and I actually may not have the room for them anyway (I would have to measure).  I need a little bit smaller footprint I believe.  I sold a set of JBL's (strangely, I cannot remember the model) in 2005 cheap that I am totally kicking myself for getting rid of to this day. 

BTW, do any of the newer tube pre's have an eq built in? 
russe41
95 posts
 
I replaced my MC352 with the 501's and never looked back.
They first powered Von Schweikert VR4HSE's and now power
Innersound Eros with Sanders new electrostat panels, and I love the amps.
The first diff I noticed was the low end impact, it was almost as if I added a sub because it seemed to really grab hold of the woofers on the Von's.
I don't think you can make a mistake upgrading and prices are really
good because lots of people went to the 601 or 611's.
tlong1958
158 posts
 
@gene3x I don’t think any of the tubed mac preamps have the EQ that some of the solid state preamps have, but I could be wrong. My C2500 has bass and treble tone controls and they work ok. 
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