Needs advice for Power/Int Amp up to ~2700$ (New/Used) - MF/McIntosh

Decided on a bigger budget: 3000$-5000$

My Speakers: 2.5 way Floor standing Scan-Speaks self made (20Hz-20KHz).

I use only digital sources (Toslink/HDMI). I need a a new pre as well and thought of the essence HDAC II.

Amps:

1. Musical fidelity M6 PRX

2. Musical Fidelity M6i (and will be used as a pre + Ex DAC)

3.. A Used McIntosh (I had McIntosh’s in my car and they sounded great) - but I can’t find something in the budget (MA5300?).

4. Odyssey Audio Khartago or Startos Stereo/Mono

5. The new Yamaha AS-1200 - looks great, sound?

6. Marantz model 30?

7. Benchmark ABH2

bnk02-04-2022 4:52am

krelldog Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 323 posts 02-28-2022 at 01:34am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete +1 on the Parasound Halo Integrated. I had one and it was fabulous. I needed tech support to set up a driver for the DAC. There customer service is some of the best I've ever experienced. I have 20K in my amp and pre amp currently. If I had to go back to the Halo Integrated....I'd be just fine. These can be had under 2K used.
bnk OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3 posts 02-28-2022 at 02:22am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I think I'll take the DAC out and just use an external one. Maybe even separate the pre-amp and the power amp (and focus first on an excellent power or integrated). I'll check the Parasound.
paradisecom Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 326 posts 02-28-2022 at 04:44pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I have a MA5200, which is similar to the MA5300 you listed and I love it. I would also look at the Yamaha you listed as well as the Parasound offerings.