[keef]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

For what it's worth, and it's just an opinion or two... I owned a nice Mac stack at one point, driving Wilson Sashas, and switched to an ARC stack. I've never looked back. I feel ARC is a step above. One of my good friends here on AA did the same, and feels the same.

I don't have any CJ experience.

Ymmv, of course, and I absolutely love the Mac asthetic and build quality. I just happen to favor the ARC sound.

I have tried to "mix and match" with terrible results. I would not recommend that. If you like Mac, go all Mac. If you like audio research, please pair likewise.

Just an opinion.

I have always paired my Mac 501’s with other preamps. I have never owned a Mac pre and based on sonics - from what I have read, not sure I would want to.

My system has never sounded more open, clear, and transparant than now, 501’s matched with my excellent Conrad Johnson ET5.

So in my opinion it is not necessary to own all one brand, even Mac.