Went to my local dealer and back with a report.
System 1.
Pre:
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/mcprod/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=18&cat=Audio+Control+Centers&prodid=1053&product=C46
Amp(s) One per speaker:
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/mcprod/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=14&cat=Power+Amplifiers&prodid=1043&product=MC501
Speakers:
http://www.bwspeakers.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.models/label/Model 802D
Perfection? Yes. Did it blow me away? No. Worth the money? H#!! No.
System 2.
Pre:
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/mcprod/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=18&cat=Audio+Control+Centers&prodid=1053&product=C46
Amp:
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/mcprod/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=14&cat=Power+Amplifiers&prodid=1093&product=MC275
Speakers:
http://www.bwspeakers.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.models/label/Model 805S
Perfection? Yes. Did it blow me away? Yes, for the size. Worth the money? Depends. But, these are by far the best bookshelf speakers I have ever heard.
System 3.
Pre:
http://www.rotel.com/products/specs/rc1070.htm
Amp:
http://www.rotel.com/products/specs/rb1090.htm
Speakers (Selection):
http://www.bwspeakers.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.models/label/MODEL 704
Good sound, but pale in comparison to the 800 line. Yes, even the 805's.
http://www.bwspeakers.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.models/label/MODEL 705
Good sound, not 805's, but worth the price.
http://www.bwspeakers.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.models/label/Model DM601 S3
These little suckers sound gooooood. Definitely worth the money.
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/rti8/
Well, these were next to the 704's. Just didn't do it for me.
http://www.klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=980
LOUD!
This is my first time to hear Klipsch, B&W, & Polk all in the same room. B&W is by far the best of this bunch, but these things walked all over the Polks. I don't care for the tweeter, but I would have to find a way to calm it down. I'm sure it can be done. I wouldn't pick these for myself, but if you want a hard rocking, jamming, rapping, party speaker, this is the company.
The point of all this? I got home to my MB Quarts 830's. They are, by far, superior to all of the speakers auditioned in system 3. My room is not ideal, and I have half the power.
The Rotel equipment is very good looking, and a great value. I may move in that direction.
The Mcintosh equipment is to nostalgic, and tooooo expensive.
The B&W 802D's are superb. Too expensive? Yes.
The B&W 805's are perfect. I love 'em. They are $2500 bucks, but they sound like $2500 bucks.
