What's most important synergy wise???

I'm leaning towards the 52SE as it has better specs, has the remote compatibility and is upgradeable to the REX model if I ever want to go nuts.

How are low listening level dynamics and coloration with the 51SE feeding the MC501's and what kind of speakers are you running?

I'm currently running B&W N803S and will most likely be upgrading to the new 802D

C500T and MC275(s) with my Helicon minimonitors are great combination.

You want details, lush mids, and layers and the C500T will deliver. I just replaced the stock tubes with Black Sable Mullards and really improved on more details once again. Fuses were also replaced for additional clarity. Ultra quite microphonics.

I have stock power cords and no power condtioning on my pre amp and power amps. I also don't have the room for big floorstanding speakers or giant monos so synergy is very important in my listening environment.

My two cents,
Pierre

Although Mac is an older company, BAT has the know how, especially when it comes to balanced designs, which IMHO are the very heart of hi-end audio. One of my friends sold his previous TOL BAT preamp (forgot the model #) and got the Rex. He is blown away!

Amp to speaker synergy , to me , is the most important !
Then tailor it with the source/pre .

Lets put it this way? Your Sound is only as good as Your weakest link.

Synergy must be from power in house, to music out of speakers.

Each individual link is as important as the next IMHO.

We All "Hear" differently, so unfortunately there is no

"Standard" for all listeners. Just think of the links in

a Motorcycle chain, any weakness or breakage could be

catastrophic.

Take time, to provide the Best match at every "Link" and

the result, you will "HEAR!" Why spend $80k on amplifiers

and then buy $30 interconnects? You get the idea.

Each link is every bit as crucial as the next IMHO, over the

last 35 years or so, I have found improvements where I

never expected. Is not Your investment deserving the Best

possible match, in every area!

In any Sport, an player must train hard; In Audio, a

listener must listen to different pieces, to achieve

the ideal match. It is fun, a learning experience, and

the final reward is well worth Your effort.

Happy Listening!