$7000 preamp vs $700 receiver - Is the difference THAT significant?

@tlinkie yes, I'm acutely aware of the used market.  I just wanted to have the discussion about an (in my world) "expensive" preamp, vs a (in my world) "inexpensive" AVR playing the role of preamp.

@millercarbon You are talking about the path that I intend to walk in the near future.  A Mac preamp, then followed by a Mac amp, etc... But the question here is: "Is that Mac Preamp going to significantly improve my world today, over that AVR (playing the role of a preamp with that Peachtree)"

@fuzztone I live in Wisconsin, USA.  We love our aged cheddar.

@ebm That simple eh?

It will be a lot better. But since you're talking about buying new, why not take home the Mc on trial from a dealer and hear for yourself?

@mike_in_nc I'm actually looking at some of the used listings here, rather than a brand new unit.  Oddly enough, my local dealer does not seem to want to "let me" even drift toward the gear.  I'm sure if I pressured him enough, he'd relent and sell me a unit. However, I get the impression that he really wants to keep me away from the brand/gear... having sold me the Peachtree 500, and nudging me toward a new dedicated Marantz AV Preamp like a 7705.

When I approached him last December for "upgrades", and mentioned Mcintosh, he almost audibly scoffed at my request.

It had/has me second guessing my goals and upgrade path.

45 year ago Marantz had some nice Valve gear, that was top of the line.

Apples and Oranges, now.. Mac is still one of the best.. Marantz is not.

Sound wise and service, just can’t beat, Mcintosh. 21 pieces later. I still look, to add another, little gem every now and then.

Some guys like collecting stamps, me I like Mac...:-)

I still have two Marantz pieces. A Thirty Three, and a 3300 pre amp.

Buy the Mac, be happy, you will be...

Happy hunting in any case.

Regards

I think on a certain level here we are talking philosophy.

IMHO there’s no comparison between a receiver and a good "separates" setup. The difference in performance should be easy to perceive. Whether that difference is worth it to you is a different question. No one can answer that question for you. It’s a personal thing. And probably - because it sounds like you’re married - something your wife will have an opinion on.

I heartily encourage you to buy the gear you want. It sounds like you have a nagging suspicion that it’s going to sound better. And it will! and if you get that Mac gear you’ll have those cool blue meters to look at! Ignore those who denigrate Mac gear. Yes, there are alternatives out there worthy of consideration. Yes, Mac gear is expensive. No, I’ve never owned any. But heck, it looks gorgeous and oozes style.

If you buy used you can experiment, try it out, see what you think. The journey should be fun. Savor the journey. Don’t be in a hurry. But you’re only going to get one journey through this earthly life. If you can afford it, do it. It’s gonna kick ass and you’re going to be grinning ear to ear and laughing like a madman.