#1
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Newbie Needs Your Help
So I am getting back into the world of high-end audio/video. Setting up a room in a home I'm moving into next month. Will double as HT and 2 channel listening room.
Here's what I know I will have: a 5.1 setup. A Sony 75" XBR and an OPPO 205 and Sonus Faber Olympica for 2 channel and front L/R, a SF Center and two in-ceiling speakers (maybe B&W) My initial thinking was an MX-160 and an MC207. I am now questioning if this is the right way to go. I'm told by an advisor that the Olympica's could be bi-amped from the 207 using the 2 free channels for 2 channel listening. But I'm thinking that maybe I am wasting $ on the MX160 since I won't be 7 channel +, won't utilize Atmos, etc. Another thought is to go with an MC452 to drive SF's and an MC303 to drive Center/rears and maybe a Mx151 (and go direct video to TV for 4k) or an MX-122 to give me the 4k. Any input on what to do? |
#2
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McNewbie61.......Welcome to Audio Aficionado.
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Dan STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113 VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A |
#3
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Mcnewbie,
I have been a McIntosh fan from the beginning but I feel I need to warn you about purchasing older Mac gear. IMO, the MX-150/151 have been forgotten by Mcintosh. No new firmware updates and the ones they did put out usually caused more harm than good. The MX-160 has no Pure Stereo option, so if you plan on using it as your pre, expect to have all the digital filters in play ie RPerfect which IMO is not ideal. I had my Mx-150 for 5 years until I turned it on and it sizzled and smoked. $3000 to fix it and they sell used for about the same price. I replaced it with a Bryston SSP3 from Ivan that I should receive in a few days. I like it because it has everything I want but nothing i don't need. Like you, I have a 5.2 system and have no need for Atmos or DTS:X at this time and with the OPPO, you can run 2 HDMI if 3D interests you. The MC303 is a beast and I highly recommend it. Good luck and welcome back to the hobby/addiction. |
#4
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Mcnewbie... Welcome to AA!
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Ivan FLORIDA MX136, MC1.2KW(10) MC2KW(2), MCD1100, MS750(2) MVP881, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, HT-2 SUBS(2) HT3F(2) WS350(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) XCS350(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" MOTORIZED SCREEN, CINEMA-TECH SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES Reference System: ACCUPHASE A300 AMPS, C3900 PRE-AMP, DP1000 CD/SACD TRANSPORT, DC1000 DIGITAL PROCESSOR, DG-68 DIGITAL EQUALIZER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, PS1230 POWER SUPPLY, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, WW PLATINUM CABLES CAPE COD MX150, MC501(2) MC1.2KW(10) MC2301(2) MR88, MVP881, MCD1100, MDA1000, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, ESOTERIC K-01X 30th ANNIVERSARY (BLACK) SACD/CD PLAYER, G02-X CLOCK, HT3F(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(4) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) KALEIDESCAPE STRATO & TERRA SERVERS 80-TB, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" SCREEN, SONUS FABER STRADIVARI, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, FORTRESS SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES Analog Rig: CLEARAUDIO INNOVATION WOOD, UNIVERSAL ARM w/ Da VINCI' CART, 2nd UNIVERSAL ARM w/ GOLDFINGER STATEMENT CART, HRS-MXR REFERENCE RACK-GLOSS BLACK w/ M3X SHELVES, AESTHETIX RHEA SIG PHONO-PRE, BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, WW PLATINUM CABLES Reference System: BURMESTER 911MK3 AMP(3), 088 PRE-AMP, 089 CD PLAYER, 100 PHONO PRE-AMP, 948 POWER CONDITIONER, ACCUPHASE DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, AVID ACUTUS REFERENCE SP TT, GRAHAM PHANTOM II SUPREME ARM, BENZ MICRO LP-S CART, GRANDIOSO P1X/D1X STACK, G1X RUBIDIUM MASTER CLOCK, N05 NETWORK PLAYER, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, SONUS FABER AIDA SPEAKERS, JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(2) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) WW PLATINUM CABLES Library System: GRANDIOSO M1 MONOBLOCK AMPS, C1 LINESTAGE PRE-AMP, K1X CD/SACD PLAYER, G1 MASTER RUBIDIUM CLOCK, E02 PHONO-PRE, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, AERIAL ACOUSTICS 20T V2, AERIAL SW12 SUBS(2), CANTON REF K1’s, VPI HRX TT w/ SDS POWER SUPPLY, ORTOFON CADENZA BLACK CART, KLAUDIO RCM, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2, SHUNYATA OMEGA QR’s, WW PLATINUM CABLES Esoteric/Bryston System: ESOTERIC C02-X PRE-AMP, P-02X TRANSPORT, D02-X DAC, G02-X CLOCK, BRYSTON 28B3 CUBED MONOBLOCK AMPS(4), BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2(2) EVEREST 8000 POWER CONDITIONER(2) ALTAIRA CG & SG HUBS, AMR-DP777-SE DAC, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, QUADRASPIRE RACK, WW PLATINUM CABLES Accuphase/Canton System: ACCUPHASE E800 INTEGRATED, DP570 CD/SACD PLAYER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, PS530 POWER SUPPLY, CANTON REF K3’s, CANTON REF K5’s, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS MXR REFERENCE MAHOGHANY RACK w/ M3X2 SHELVES, WW GOLD CABLES |
#5
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That MC452 is some amp... would sound incredible with the Sonus Fabers!
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Hegel P30 preamp : Hegel H20 power amp : Focal Sopra No 1 monitors : Dual JL Audio Fathom 110v2 subs : Lumin D1 streamer with SBooster BOTW power supply : Rega RP8 turntable with Apheta II moving coil cartridge : Lehmann Audio Decade Phono preamp |
#6
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Quote:
John |
#7
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Wow - that's a heck of a start in the world of McIntosh. The MX160 is really so new (and so very expensive) I've not seen much feedback from owners. The amps you've chosen are both revered, especially the MC452. Overall, I imagine you'll be quite happy once the system is set up and calibrated.
I'm a semi-early Atmos adopter myself. Since your MX160 supports it, you really should give thought to a 5.1.4 variation. Properly set up, an Atmos system built around the gear you've chosen will transport you into the film in a way you simply cannot imagine. Have fun! |
#8
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I love my MC207 for home theatre but for 2 channel listening I am seeking more power (MC601's one day) to feed the 802's. I am also loving my MX121 which has pure audio pass through and would easily handle your requirements. Personally I'd like to upgrade to Dolby Atmos after hearing it at my mates place having just installed his system for him.
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Trevor's Home Theatre: McIntosh MX121, McIntosh MC601, McIntosh MC207, McIntosh MLD7020, OPPO BDP95, JVC DLA950, Stewert Screen Studio Tek 130G3, B&W 802D2, B&W HTM2D2, B&W DS8, Klipsch KL 525, Velodyne DD15, WireWorld & IsoTek Cables |
#9
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It's awesome isn't it?
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#10
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I had a similar setup for 5 years except I had the mx150 and 601's with the 303. It is an awesome combo! Good choice with the 160, IMO it has everything it needs to be relevant for a long time. Congrats!
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