McIntosh-based Theater

[Taylode]

I have an older Mc-based home theater that I'm just starting to think about upgrading. For those of you that also have Mc-based home theaters, if you had to start from scratch again would you build another McIntosh theater?

[Now Slappy]

I'm just getting started(with Ivan's help) building a Mc-based theater. Full disclosure, It's really only Mc-based in so far as the amplification. There will be other components such as Sonus Faber, Bryston, Sony, Oppo, ect.

But to answer your question, I'd say yes?

[Taylode]

Thanks and let me clarify, I'm only really speaking electronics - especially the processor.

[Yamaki]

I would. At this juncture I have a MX119 and a MX135 (in for repairs) and I enjoy the flexibility I have with 2 or 5.1 channel operation with those units.

I don't plug HDMI into either of them because, well, neither of them have that function and I've had such bad luck with HDMI handshakes in the past I just sort of gave up on using that technology through an A/V receiver. I run my HDMI sources direct to the monitor and let the MX series units handle the rest. I have all the balanced inputs and outputs I need.

The MX119 is sort of limited on what signals it can process but the MX135 does quite well. I sort of miss that unit and I hope Audio Classics sends it back to me soon!

If I were to upgrade I'd go to one of the new MX series such as the MX151. I'd test the HDMI functionality and then probably spend a small fortune purchasing HDMI cables from Ivan.

So I say Yes, I would go with McIntosh for HT again.

[HTSteve]

In short, yes. I love my McIntosh HT. See my signature.

[-E-]

Pre/pro I'd probably look elsewhere.

Disc spinner - hell no. But that is a global category for me (gee I wonder why...)

Amps and speakers, hell yes.

[loupgaroou]

Originally Posted by Taylode

I have an older Mc-based home theater that I'm just starting to think about upgrading. For those of you that also have Mc-based home theaters, if you had to start from scratch again would you build another McIntosh theater?

Absolutely, without hesitation, the only thing not McIntosh that I have is my OPPO Blu-Ray, Sony Projector and my Stewart Screen.

Eric

[Taylode]

Originally Posted by -E-

Pre/pro I'd probably look elsewhere. Disc spinner - hell no. But that is a global category for me (gee I wonder why...) Amps and speakers, hell yes.

Any suggestions on the processor since when I upgrade I'll likely go with a separate pre.

[-E-]

QPR I'd probably give the nod to the Bryston SP3. If you *need* Atmos then you have to look elsewhere, though.

[Taylode]

For those that have weighed in on my original question, thank for your responses.

Now here is probably what I should have posted to begin with – the full scope of my upgrade. This won’t be done at once but over time. For now, my thinking is one system for both 2-channel and HT. That may change depending on where we elect to retire to but, for now, a combo system is what I envision. Below is a break down of my plans and the items that are RED I haven’t seen or listened to:

AMPLIFICATION: Retain Current

PRE-AMP: Stay with McIntosh C2300/2500/500. One of those three.

PROCESSOR: MX 151, MX122, MX160, Bryston SP3, ??

VIDEO: Lumagen Radiance Pro, ??

DAC: MDA1000, ??

MUSIC/VIDEO SERVER: Silenzio, ??

POWER CONDITIONER/PROTECTOR: PS Audio, ??

SPEAKERS: Brodmann – Vienna Classic VC7 (Not sure if I can do HT with this), Bryston – Model T[/COLOR], McIntosh – XRT1K, Revel – Salon2, Sonus Faber – Elipsa, Vienna Acoustics – The Music, Wilson – Sasha II, ??

SUBWOOFER: JL Audio Fathom F212, F113, or F112

You can see from the list it’s close to a clean slate upgrade. So any comments or suggestions, especially where I have question marks, will greatly be appreciated.