Recommendation for Replacement Mcintosh MX150
 

I'm looking to replace my McIntosh MX150 more than likely since I am having so many issues with it. So I'm looking for a replacement pre-amp thats $4k or less. Any options?

What kind of features are you looking for?

I went through the same issue with the MX-150. I ended up getting a Bryston SP3 from Ivan. More than 4K but I didn't want to go backwards in terms of SQ and the MX-160 wasn't even considered. Maybe Anthem or possibly a deal on a Classe. Good luck with your search.

Dave

Using it for 2 channel/home theater or both.

I decided after my MX 121 became obsolete I would never pay more than $3K for an HT pre-pro. Have complete other system for 2 channel and HT is Marantz based

I have used Anthem in the past and recommend it for 2-ch and HT. They make great digital preamps. Whatever brand you decide to go with consider a brand that is known for digital products. There are many brands out there that were late to the digital world and are still playing catch-up.

So I'm using the mx150 as a 7.1 at the moment. I want to keep at least a 5.1. Other features I'm negotiable with. Bluetooth would be a plus, but not required.

Safe bet would be the Marantz AV8802 which lists for about you max but can be found in many places for around 40% off. The two lower models are about half as much and may be more than enough.

For a high end processor I would look at Datasat. Maybe out of your price range, but very updatable and flexible and probably a decent long term 'investment'. When my MX 151 dies that is probably what I'll replace it with.

Midrange units from the likes of Denon and Marantz are a very good bet under $4k. These larger higher volume manufacturers have the investment required to field the large engineering teams needed to create one of these beasts.

Everyone else is piecing stuff together from multiple sub-system suppliers with results that in my opinion are uneven.

Classe is dead so a non-starter.

Tom

Have you considered the Lyngdorf MP-50? It has their Room Perfect, and is pretty robust, yet modern in both tech and look. I believe the msrp is $9,999.99

The OP said $4k or less. So no Datasat or Lyngdorf...