I used a Kandy III in my system with Vandersteen 1Cs and then with Meadowlark Audio Shearwater Hot Rods for nearly a year. I won an ebay auction for a Son TA-F707es with a ridiculous low bid so I hooked it up to audition. Funny thing, I actually preferred the Sony. Better resolution and soundstage IMO. Both units had decent phono stages.
As for Mcintosh, I can't say as I've never owned one. Good luck.
As for Mcintosh, I can't say as I've never owned one. Good luck.