Thoughts on adding a McIntosh C12000 preamp to my AVM90 Home Theater Processor....

Definitely a 2-channel preamp dedicated to music will be much much better than using a home theater processor - period. Even with lower models like C2600, C2700, you will hear a significant improvement, "night and day."

Yes this will be a nice upgrade you should then  get a seperae dacanderver/streamer to finish your set up

Dave and Troy

Audio intellect  Nj

Mcintosh' s implementation of Bypass and ARC for HDMI equipped models is excellent.    Sound from a TV into the Mac via eARC gives excellent stereo sound with the added bonus of your TV remote controlling the volume and power is also a slick way of listening to TV without surround 

Thanks for the input everyone - I pulled the trigger on the C12000 and am upgrading the Nova III to Serafino G2's...  Should know the outcome of the upgrade this weekend!

I am thinking of doing the same - but got some interesting different advice from the McI dealer. I have a MX123 which I love. Running SF Amati G5 fronts, Nova II surround, Nova 1 back, Gravis VI sub, CII for center. Amatis are on two bi-amp MC451 monoblocks. Use Hifi Rose 150b for dac.

What I am looking for is the best configuration in this scenario for 1) 2 channel (when stereo only) .. 2) ability to run surround to all at times and 3) theatre capability for Bluray - or Apple TV (spatial - Dolby Atmos music is great).

What I cannot get is a clear answer on how - if I buy a 12000 - would it be best to set it up?

Digital out from the HR150B to the MX123 with XLR to the C12000, XLR to the C12000 from the HR150b. Set up 2 listening modes (As I assume bypass basically eliminates the processor in the C12000).

Seems complicated .. where the C12000 manual offers one config - bypass.

Advice appreciated.