help with a decision about separates

[ronj]

So I'm rebuilding my HT as electronics have become obsolete. My current stuff is Oppo bdp-105, Panny 65" VT50, Revel Performa 5.1 surround based on F32 towers. I would eventually like to upgrade to 7.1. I'm also up in the air about the new object based surround topologies (waiting to hear about DTS:X ). My first choice is a Mcintosh MC8207 amp controlled with a Marantz MV8802 pre/pro. Would I be better served using a Mcintosh MC302 2 channel amp for the L/R towers and an A/V receiver to power the other channels plus pre/pro duties?

 

[walter duque]

I would go with the Mcintosh MC8207 and leave the AVR out of the loop.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I agree with Walter. If I were getting a separate amp anyway, then I would just let the amp power all the speakers.

 

[PENG]

So I'm rebuilding my HT as electronics have become obsolete. My current stuff is Oppo bdp-105, Panny 65" VT50, Revel Performa 5.1 surround based on F32 towers. I would eventually like to upgrade to 7.1. I'm also up in the air about the new object based surround topologies (waiting to hear about DTS:X ). My first choice is a Mcintosh MC8207 amp controlled with a Marantz MV8802 pre/pro. Would I be better served using a Mcintosh MC302 2 channel amp for the L/R towers and an A/V receiver to power the other channels plus pre/pro duties?

If you must choose between the AV8802+MC8207 and a AVR+MC302, I would go with the latter. I do not believe the AV8802 prepro would out perform a top notch AVR from Yamaha or Denon in sound quality, but I know many will disagree. I believe the MC302 will out perform the 8207 for two channel music if you need the power. If you don't use the 5.1 system for serious two channel music then forget what I said.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would go for a used McIntosh pre-pro with Audyssey XT DEQ + used McIntosh amp.

 

[ronj]

I do like Mcintosh gear. The piece these separates are replacing was a Mac MHT 200 A/V controller, which is obsolete on the processor side. I felt the power was nice and clean, and the 8207 would be a nice power upgrade for he Revels. Too bad the boutique companies don't upgrade their pre/pros every year like the Yamahas and Marantzes. I can't afford to upgrade processors every other year. But if I decide not to do the new object based surround thing, it might be worthwhile to look for a used Mac piece. I have a few more months of savings yet, so I'll see what comes down the pike this spring and hopefully be able to make a decision by early summer.