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Help me get the best sound under $5K in upgrades

I need help. My system: mac mini, McIntosh Pre 15, McIntosh MC2255, Joseph Audio RM22si / REL Strata iii.

I just switched to the McIntosh from an Audio Refinement Complete, but am willing to change anything other than the front end or going tubes. I don't want the maintenance of tubes, and want to keep the convenience of digital.

I mostly listen to acoustic/folk/jazz/vocals.

I'm considering planars and demo-ing a set of Maggie 1.7's next week.

I just want the best sound possible, and don't want to throw money away on things that I can't hear.

Is the McIntosh mostly just cool lights and nostalgia? Can I get better sound for my $? Can I do better than Planars with my sub and a really nice pair of monitors?
lisaandjon
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,180 posts
 
I used it to drive a pair of Mirage M 3's and while it did drive them it was not ideal synergy. The Mac 7200 was a much better sounding amp for that speaker...Now having said that the MC352 sounds way better than both.
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,180 posts
 
I'm not looking or speaking from paper specs. I have owned all of the amps mentioned and listened to them intimately. If that's worth anything. Mofi has made valid and correct statements of the specifications. I'm talking about the way they sound, driving certain speakers. that's all.
lisaandjon OP
17 posts
 
Matt, "IMHO, It's not." What are you addressing? My question about the detail i.e. you don't think I'm imagining things?

Sounds like I'll need to try out the MC352 someday.

I'll see how it goes with the 1.7's. Who knows, maybe I'll go tubes and high sensitivity...will it ever end?
lisaandjon OP
17 posts
 
After listening to the Parasound for several hours I'd call it lifeless. Definitely lacks the detail of the Mc2255.

Pretty cool, actually. I've never heard a difference in amps before. Now I really want to find out what else is out there.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,152 posts
 
"Pretty cool, actually. I've never heard a difference in amps before. Now I really want to find out what else is out there."

Oh no, it's started. :-) Be prepared to spend lots of money, probably get divorced, have many sleepless nights, be on a first name basis with your local dealer, lose your eyesight reading too many magazines and blogs.

Run fast away while you can...
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