The King Is Dead. Long Live The King!

[Yamaki]

My MX135 pre-amp/processor keeps going into protection despite two service center repairs in less than 1 year.

When it shut down and rebooted itself this morning that was it. I'm so done with that reluctant performer.

After talking with Ryan at Audio Classics this morning we struck a deal which included a trade-in of the MX135 miscreant in favor of a well cared for MX151.

Looking forward to plugging it in!

[tweet]

Michael,
Congratulations! Sorry to hear about the MX135 problems but I think you'll enjoy the MX151. I've owned my MX150 for a few years now and it works like a champ. We've been wearing it out for the past week or so watching one movie after another. Sounds fabulous. Look forward to reading your comments after you get it powered up and making music.

[Yamaki]

Thanks, Terry.

I'm glad to hear your MX150 is working so well and your comments give me hope.

[W9TR]

Michael - I sold my perfect MX 135 and bought an MX 151 when the MX 160 came out.

You are in for a real treat. The MX 151 is a fine product indeed and way better than the MX 135 for theater duty.

For setup use the web interface with a laptop or tablet.

Ron Cornelius published a couple of guides on Room Perfect setup and voicing that you should get. I’ll see if I can find mine.


Tom

[dkorbal]

Will you guys allow me to pick your brains. I’m in the process of building/augmenting a new system. I recently picked up a pair of MC601 to go with my B&W803D3s. My first McIntosh ever owned! My wife and I listen to 80% music and 20% HT. My question is: What should my next purchase be? A) Concentrate on the music side and purchase a McIntosh C2700 and use bypass to my Marantz 7012. I run a simple 5.1 system. B) Concentrate on both music and movies and look at purchasing a McIntosh A/V processor. My budget is around $8000 new or used but less cost is better. Also, my music synergy is much more important than HT. My concern with option B is I would be sacrificing sound quality for music if I purchase a A/V processor. Any thought? Opinions?

I posted here because you guys seem to be using A/V processors in your systems, forgive me if this is the wrong thread to ask in.

[W9TR]

As good as the McIntosh pre/pros are, if you are looking to improve your 2 channel experience first and foremost I’d opt for a dedicated preamp.

I buy McIntosh Pre-Pros one to two generations back because the depreciation on new units is just killer.

I have a combined 2-channel and HT system using pass through on my C 1100.

To the greatest extent possible I keep all the 2 channel stuff isolated from the HT stuff.

It has worked out very well so far.

[dkorbal]

Originally Posted by W9TR

As good as the McIntosh pre/pros are, if you are looking to improve your 2 channel experience first and foremost I’d opt for a dedicated preamp.

I buy McIntosh Pre-Pros one to two generations back because the depreciation on new units is just killer.

I have a combined 2-channel and HT system using pass through on my C 1100.

To the greatest extent possible I keep all the 2 channel stuff isolated from the HT stuff.

It has worked out very well so far.

Thanks, W9TR. I must admit I've been watching used C1100 listings lately along with C2300, C2600. DAC or no DAC is a big question for me. I currently like the Sabre chip and pathway in the Oppo 205 and most of the time run music through that. I like the idea of a tube pre and ss amp. I can always upgrade my DAC later.

[W9TR]

I have a C2300 and it is a fine preamp but not I the same league as the C 1100 in terms of quiet and clarity.

I traded in my C500T/C500C combo on the C 1100. If you don’t need tone controls the C500T/C combo is a good option and will be well within your budget.

You may have to stretch a bit for a used C 1100 but still in the realm of possibility.

I have an Oppo 205 and it sounds similar to my other Sabre-based DAC’s. It’s a very solid performer.

I personally don’t like the idea of a combined DAC and analog preamp because the DAC technology is changing faster than that of a basic analog preamp.

That said I haven’t heard a C 2700 to compare it to my C 2300 or even the C 1100. People who have made the switch say the C 2700 sounds better than the C 2300.

[dkorbal]

Thanks, W9TR. I appreciate your input and will take it under consideration. More to come!

[Yamaki]

You are forgiven, Doug.

For years one potential configuration change/addition has plagued me and it is relevant to your inquiry and Tom's comments. Do I need a dedicated 2 channel pre-amp for music? Would it make a significant difference in SQ?

I've used MX units as an HT processor & a 2 channel pre-amp for music with good results for years. However, in the back of my mind having a dedicated 2 channel pre just for music has always been a consideration I keep contemplating.

Fortunately I have thoroughly enjoyed the 2 channel section of my MX units and haven't really felt the need to add a dedicated music only pre-amp to my system...but I still wonder about it.

I firmly believe that some of my concerns about missing out on something have been mitigated by the use as a McIntosh D100 as a DAC in my system. McIntosh built them with the ESS Sabre DAC chipset and it's one I heartily endorse.

As I start a new listening experience with the MX151 the possibility of adding a dedicated 2 channel pre will still be in the back of my mind.

Good luck with your future system additions.