MX150 vs competition, and versus preamps?

[jeffkrag]

Has anyone compared MX150 to it's competitors, i.e., Classe SSP800, Bryston SP3, Cary Cinema 12, Arcam, (even the mx121), etc? What were differences?

Also, given the fact that the MX150 redigitizes all inputs and therefore can't be used as pure analog direct preamp, how does it compare versus using the analog output/DACs of a good BDP (like the OPPO BDP95 or Mac's own MVPs) or good CDP's?

Trying to get a handle on how good the MX150 would be as a one-box solution to mate with my Revel Salon 2 speakers and (hopefully soon to be acquired) MC452 amp.

Thanks...Jeff

[MyPal]

There is a list on another thread here. Search "MX160" & you will find a few threads on this topic.

Current Denon flagship also does Multi-ch analog ext.in without DSP. I use the MVP891 this way as it has a superior DAC implementation.

[jeffkrag]

MyPal, not much comparative info, to be honest. Would appreciate any responses here.

[bart]

Originally Posted by jeffkad

Would appreciate any responses here.

+1

Don't forget the Anthem and Krell.

[thxthx]

I would say forget the Anthem... I think it's rubbish!

[HiFiGuy528]

For the price of one MX150 you can get a Denon AV pre and a McIntosh C48/C50.

[MyPal]

Originally Posted by HiFiGuy528

For the price of one MX150 you can get a Denon AV pre and a McIntosh C48/C50.

+1. That is actually a very sound suggestion. With the right source, say an MVP891 or even an Oppo BDP95, you get the best of both worlds. Although many here love the MX150 DAC implementation, the more up to date DAC implementation in the MVP891 is superior. If you do not need room correction, the MVP891 DSP will do the job whether that be for multi-ch SACD or BR material. Besides, you can always fall back to HDMI audio at the click of your remote with a Denon & let it do its thing.

The Denon AVPA1HD is a great pre & will not interfere at all with your analog inputs if you don't want it to. The MVP891 sounds fantastic hooked up to it this way. Plus the Denon does everything else you could possibly want from a HT processor, reliably. Along with a C48/C50, you could integrate with HT passthru & end up with a balanced system straight through for 2-ch & unbalanced multi-ch. The Denon is hooked up to my C1000C/T this way. It is all 1 button remote controlled with 5v 3 point triggers throughout.

Hope that helps Jeff.

[jeffkrag]

I actually am very much considering the pre/pro + preamp route, and in that vein am looking at an Integra DHC-80.3 for room correction and a Mac C50 or Classe CP800, among other combinations. However, the purpose of this thread is simply to evaluate the mx150.

As for prepro competitors and preamps, I'm looking for any and all comparisons. The aforementioned Krell S1200 is a certainly a strong competitor, as is Theta, etc.

[mweston]

You might want to look at the upcoming Emotiva XMC preamplifier/processor. It wil be out in mid to late summer. It looks like a killer piece. Study it carefully and talk to them.

[jeffkrag]

Originally Posted by mweston

You might want to look at the upcoming Emotiva XMC preamplifier/processor. It wil be out in mid to late summer. It looks like a killer piece. Study it carefully and talk to them.

Appreciate the suggestion, but I'd really like to keep this thread about the mx150.