"I know there is better value to be had with other brands"
Don't short change your set-up or think you need to make an excuse for buying McIntosh or B&W just because others on this board or others may have disparaged them. Both are excellent brands and both will give you many great hours of listening satisfaction. They are leaders for a reason.
I have owned tons of different brands, some much more expensive and some much less, but have found that the ones which I thought gave me the best value, were the ones which put a smile on my face regardless of of the brandame. If they make you happy, that's all that counts!
Don't short change your set-up or think you need to make an excuse for buying McIntosh or B&W just because others on this board or others may have disparaged them. Both are excellent brands and both will give you many great hours of listening satisfaction. They are leaders for a reason.
I have owned tons of different brands, some much more expensive and some much less, but have found that the ones which I thought gave me the best value, were the ones which put a smile on my face regardless of of the brandame. If they make you happy, that's all that counts!