Hi Jhendrixfan,
I'm not sure who's "panoply of equipment" you're referencing. If it's Dmailer's, his signal path is quite straight-forward and neutral. You can view it here:
http://www.galibierdesign.com/systems_larry_keatts.html
Yes, there are better MC step-ups out there, and Dave Slagle's (Intact Audio) is one of them. One thing at a time ...
Maybe you're referring to someone else's panoply?
Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier