McIntosh Forum - News & Views

[rony]

Advice please :
Regarding A/V Receiver ?
There is lots of excellent recivers on the market to choose .
All of them and especially at their top level are at the same price and quality.
But I don't understand the fact that some manufacturers sell Amps + Processors (A/V) at very high price ABOVE that "normal" line of receivers .
(Manufacturers like Mcintosh - Mark Levinson and so on )

Is High End devices really "worth" paying so much ?
Is their sound so much better ?
Thanks.

[jim777]

Originally Posted by rony

Advice please :
Regarding A/V Receiver ?
There is lots of excellent recivers on the market to choose .
All of them and especially at their top level are at the same price and quality.
But I don't understand the fact that some manufacturers sell Amps + Processors (A/V) at very high price ABOVE that "normal" line of receivers .
(Manufacturers like Mcintosh - Mark Levinson and so on )

Is High End devices really "worth" paying so much ?
Is their sound so much better ?
Thanks.

Hi Rony, in this day and age, first question would be do you need a DAC+preamp (or a streamer), or a conventional receiver/pre-amp: so do you need analog inputs, or everything you have can be digital?

[rony]

Originally Posted by jim777

Hi Rony, in this day and age, first question would be do you need a DAC+preamp (or a streamer), or a conventional receiver/pre-amp: so do you need analog inputs, or everything you have can be digital?

Thanks for your reply.
First:
I want quality stereo kit.
Second: Stream music.
Third:
good A/V .
The Mcintosh for example, can do all.
Other high quality receivers also.
But the price difference....

[jim777]

Originally Posted by rony

Thanks for your reply.
First:
I want quality stereo kit.
Second: Stream music.
Third:
good A/V .
The Mcintosh for example, can do all.
Other high quality receivers also.
But the price difference....

If you want to keep the budget lower AND get high-quality stereo and streaming, I'd ask if you can keep video separate. Then, you might be fine with something like a D150. That wont switch video, but you might not have to. For example, all my audio and video sources enter the OPPO player, and that takes care of video switching. Keeps the audio part simple and affordable.

[rony]

Thank you

[kurt1970]

Originally Posted by rony

Other high quality receivers also.
But the price difference....

I always make the comparaison with cars: A Dacia is cheap but good car. A Bentley is a good car as well. But the price difference...

No doubt there're other cheaper but also good electronics on the market. If product A is more expensive than product B, this is because there's a reason for it. If A can't prove better value, it will not stay in business. If B would be able to charge more for what's delivered, they would do it at well.

So, if you can value better build quality and if you can value the better sound of a McIntosh than you've to start thinking about paying the extra $ or €. It's not only about those 2 things that set price; they're just some examples. It is aslo about Support quality, value when you want to sell it, etc.

If those things doesn't mean a lot to you, go with the cheaper alternative and you'll be happy.

Friends of mine do not understand why I spent a lot on hifi electronics. They say "On my 1000€ system, it sounds the same.". I always answer: "Great for you! I'm sure my bank account would wish I was you".

[W9TR]

Given your priorities I would go for a great 2 channel system first and then add video and surround later.

You do this by getting a 2 channel preamp or integrated amp with an HT Passthrough feature. Then you add an A/V receiver or Preamp/Processor to handle all the surround sound and video stuff.

This gives you the best of both worlds - great 2 channel performance and great HT performance without the compromise of using an all-in-one A/V pre/pro.

McIntosh A/V preamp processors are expensive and sound great. I own a McIntosh MX-151 and it is a fantastic pice of gear. When I eventually replace it I will probably choose a Marantz or Denon A/V pre/pro because they are much less expensive and perform well.

Tom

[rony]

Originally Posted by W9TR

Given your priorities I would go for a great 2 channel system first and then add video and surround later.

You do this by getting a 2 channel preamp or integrated amp with an HT Passthrough feature. Then you add an A/V receiver or Preamp/Processor to handle all the surround sound and video stuff.

This gives you the best of both worlds - great 2 channel performance and great HT performance without the compromise of using an all-in-one A/V pre/pro.

McIntosh A/V preamp processors are expensive and sound great. I own a McIntosh MX-151 and it is a fantastic pice of gear. When I eventually replace it I will probably choose a Marantz or Denon A/V pre/pro because they are much less expensive and perform well.

Tom

Thanks you all for your replies.
Regarding stereo kit AND A/V :
I now hav great Cyrus stereo kit including
2 mono blocks and separate DAC and transport
All with intelligence mains power devices.
The combination of this stereo kit and an A/V receiver
Don’t sound good To me. As the receiver is old one.
To solve the present kit and to upgrade, I’ve
Ordered A Mcintosh processor MX123 And
Mcintosh A/V Power MC255.
So in my opinion I will probably enjoy
Good stereo and A/V or I’m mistaken.
The price is too high but hoping not to
Be disappointed.

[W9TR]

I think you’ll be very pleased with this setup. Enjoy!

[rony]

Thank you.