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Best 5.1 McIntosh separates

I'm considering building a 5.1 separates (Pre, amp, processor, etc. setup). Currently I've Nakamichi RX-505 Tape Deck, Tyler Acoustics Linbrook System II speakers, & Sony BX-57 (S570) BD player.

Apart from CDs & cassettes, I do not have any other type of music formats. I usually watch movie (65%) & listen to audios (35%).

I would love to build my system around Tube Amps (preferably McIntosh) but also like to support HDMI 1.4 (3D HDMI) & digital media server type of setup for audio/video streaming.

However, I'm not conversant with various McIntosh model numbers & their features. Can anyone suggest what would be
the best separate setup around $2000?

Thank you!
hitsofmisses
hitsofmisses OP
25 posts
 
May be I was not clear in listing my intent.

I had a 10+ yrs old 5.1 setup with a Kenwood Receiver. However, after upgrading from DVD to BD Player & speakers to Tyler Acoustics Linbrook, I'm considering going for a Pre, Amp, processor (separates) type of a setup instead of an all-in-one receiver.

Since Oppo 95 also has a dedicated processor for Audio along with HDMI 1.4, I was wondering if I can use that along with the McIntosh since having that on Mac is very expensive.

I have around $2000 budget!
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,424 posts
 
OK. So, it seems that you have the Oppo and the speakers and that you want to replace the Kenwood receiver with Mac separates. If you are willing to use the analog audio outputs of the Oppo, you can buy a used, older non-HDMI Mac processor but I still do not think you can get one of those plus a multichannel Mac amp (or monoblocks) for $2K.

If anyone else has an insight or suggestions, I hope they will contribute.

Kal
kirkus
502 posts
 
I think a MX130 or C39, plus a MC7106 amp, can easily get you there on that budget. Make sure the processor has been modded for a six-channel input (or it's a later MX130 that came with one stock).

You can then use the 5.1 analog outs from your Oppo and run HDMI directly to the monitor. The main drawback is that your other sources (i.e. cable TV) will be in Pro Logic only.
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,424 posts
 
??? $2000?
kirkus
502 posts
 
Yep, Kal . . . I've had this exact combo offered to me several times for less, and this was 4-5 years ago.

These systems were very nice, but they were traded in by the ton when Dolby Digital and DTS came along. You'll of course find premium dealers like Audio Classics, and they'll charge more. But this is a very reasonable price for a private-party or a prudent local dealer sale . . . especially given that they're delicate and heavy to ship, and may not have original cartons.
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