Tough amp decision

Overwhelming choices here! Thanks everyone for the advice and my now long list of amps to consider. I was able to get Mcintosh integrateds into the house. Not much else available to audition locally. We enjoyed the 312 (tube pre, solid state power) and were amazed at how a new amp could remove the harshness we heard on some recordings for the old B and W. Many other improvements too. However, most telling was auditioning the 8950 (both sections solid state). It had a jumper between pre and power so we could try combining our ARC LS25 mkII pre with the power amp of the Mcintosh. We really enjoyed the music more with the LS25 pre.  Much more defined bass, better imaging, and overall more musical sound. Also our Qutest DAC was better than the one built in the Mcintosh. I should add that this is all for our ears of course. Listen to a lot of classical, jazz and some rock. Here is the issue: My current best option is to pay $6800 for a Mcintosh 312. I can also get a pair of Parasound JC1+ for about 10K open box. Our budget only really stretches to 7K but we could try to pull together more. Is it worth auditioning a JC5 by mail? Based on discussion here seems that would be smart before committing locally to a Mcintosh. I might take road trip and audition things with B and W 703 s3, which are probably most like my old B and W 803 matrix series 2. I already threw out my back with the 8950, but I think that is just a learning experience for beautiful music with amps like these. Thanks everyone for your help.

OP,

Great to hear your progress.

Just a note. The difference you heard when swapping in the Audio Research preamp with the MAC amp is pretty much the definition of the difference between the house sound Audio Research versus MacIntosh. If you like one versus the other I would stick with the one you like. I prefer Audio Research myself and the pairing of an Audio Research Preamp and amp is ideal. 

Hi ghdprentice - Your advice has been really useful - Thanks! Especially the part about taking a weekend audio trip with my wife :) She has agreed so may in fact be the elusive audio babe. 

I will try to get a chance to listen to the AR Amp. It is amazing how much of the sound comes from the preamp. Do you think solid state AR will be OK (if they even make those?). Auditioning the JC5 this week - wonder what your thoughts are on that amp with an ARC pre? Thanks again.

Thank you for your kind words.

I think part of having great relationships is to look out for your partner while pursuing your passions. Make sure she is very happy when you go to listen to some systems. 
 

Preamps are the heart of a great system. They take really small signals and carefully amplify them. If you don’t get this right, then the sound coming out will not sound great.

Audio Research tried to transition to solid state. They have had some great sounding solid state components when they were introduced but ultimately went back to tubes. They have a very strong commitment to reproducing music… not designing to fads or flashy sound. So, I think everything is now tubed. And I have auditioned or owned a lot. It is what I choose. Many folks are looking for a different sound. There are lots of companies catering to those sounds.

I personally have become more and more committed to ARC equipment. It embodies what I want in sound quality. Other people want different things. I recommend listening to an all ARC system, and an all MAC, and all Pass. Chose the one you are drawn to. Then over time bring that together. I looked at the JC5… looks like a very fast and powerful amp. My guess is less fleshed out and musical than an ARC. See, what listening says to you… drawn in? Or does it jump out and shout at you. Which do you prefer.

Audio 

That is indeed what drew us away from the mac - simply asking what we wanted to sit back and enjoy. Thanks for looking into the JC5. It is on its way so we will see. I will follow your advice and try to hear an all ARC on the road. That will mean used ARC but nothing wrong with that. Appreciate your time and comments beyond technology.