Doesn't the
Mcintosh
have home theater pass through?
I have a Marantz 7704 and use my Modwright LS100 for 2 channel and use the HTBP for watching movies. There are some discussions out there where a group of enthusiasts did some blind testing with an 8802, 7702, 7703, and a 7005. Their conclusion was that there was no noticeable difference in sound quality between them.
I had the Marantz 8801 before the 7704. I didn't do any side by side testing, but there's nothing "missing" to my ears. I have not heard an 8805, but doubt you would notice a huge difference (if any) in sound quality.
I think you'll have a hard time finding a pre-pro that will come close to your Mcintosh, why not just use it?
I have a Marantz 7704 and use my Modwright LS100 for 2 channel and use the HTBP for watching movies. There are some discussions out there where a group of enthusiasts did some blind testing with an 8802, 7702, 7703, and a 7005. Their conclusion was that there was no noticeable difference in sound quality between them.
I had the Marantz 8801 before the 7704. I didn't do any side by side testing, but there's nothing "missing" to my ears. I have not heard an 8805, but doubt you would notice a huge difference (if any) in sound quality.
I think you'll have a hard time finding a pre-pro that will come close to your Mcintosh, why not just use it?