newbie need help with pairing

[Misterknee]

Hello! I've been a long-time lurker and first-time poster. A long time ago, I picked up a Mcintosh MC7106 at a great deal and have not really had the opportunity to use it until now. Decided to set it up in the living room now that we have space. The use would be for Netflix, computer hookup for audio, Bluetooth audio, and possibly gaming.

Currently, I have 2 extremely old B&W speakers that were gifted and not familiar with the model number. (can get the model later when I get home) I am planning on running with these two for a 2.0 setup for about 1-2 years then upgrade to a surround setup. My dream goal is running 2 MC7106 (I just love the aesthetic), for a 7.2 setup. One can dream.

Back to reality, which preamp/avr would you recommend for my situation? if possible, one that can remotely power the mc7106 since it seems to be a pain to go behind the amp to turn it off every time. There is a small 4" gap that it would be ideal if there something that can fit in there but not necessary. The current budget is around $500-$1000.

I've been looking around but thought I asked before pulling the trigger. I was looking at the Marantz 1711 since it's a small form factor, has pre-outs for L+R, and it would fit in the space correctly. The other one would like the SR5015 or SR5014 since it has pre-outs for "future-proof" if needed to switch to a 7.2.

What would you do in my situation?

 

[lovinthehd]

First, it's not wine, not much "pairing" needed aside from consideration of the amp's sensitivity level and the processor's pre-out level. I'd skip the slimline due just two pre-outs if you want to use external amps for all channels down the line, a full set of pre-outs is more useful and the built-in amp section on the slimlines is on the weak side if you're going to use it. Otherwise I'd simply pick the unit that ticks off as many features as I need at the price I like; I'd also look at Denon, tends to be better priced. Don't shove an avr into a tight space without additional cooling, too.

 

[Pogre]

It's hard to beat a good avr for multichannel use, and I'm in the camp that believe they're great for 2 channel stereo listening too. I'd take a look at Denon too. They share a lot of the same tech and features for a little less $$. If room correction matters to you I'd go with the Denon 3700 for the upgraded MultEQ XT32. It has a full set of preouts for separate amps too. I don't think the Marantz SR5*** models have preouts.

 

[Misterknee]

It's hard to beat a good avr for multichannel use, and I'm in the camp that believe they're great for 2 channel stereo listening too. I'd take a look at Denon too. They share a lot of the same tech and features for a little less $$. If room correction matters to you I'd go with the Denon 3700 for the upgraded MultEQ XT32. It has a full set of preouts for separate amps too. I don't think the Marantz SR5*** models have preouts.

Thank you for the suggestion. The Marantz SR5** does have preouts. Unless I am mistaken. Here is a picture of the back. I'll take a look at both the Denon 3700 and Marantz to understand more. Thank you!

 

[Misterknee]

First, it's not wine, not much "pairing" needed aside from consideration of the amp's sensitivity level and the processor's pre-out level. I'd skip the slimline due just two pre-outs if you want to use external amps for all channels down the line, a full set of pre-outs is more useful and the built-in amp section on the slimlines is on the weak side if you're going to use it. Otherwise I'd simply pick the unit that ticks off as many features as I need at the price I like; I'd also look at Denon, tends to be better priced. Don't shove an avr into a tight space without additional cooling, too.

That is true. I got some advice from another person that advised that the Marantz might not be able to provide the full range to the MC7106 due to the voltage.

 

[Pogre]

Thank you for the suggestion. The Marantz SR5** does have preouts. Unless I am mistaken. Here is a picture of the back. I'll take a look at both the Denon 3700 and Marantz to understand more. Thank you!
View attachment 44457

I stand corrected! I always thought of the 5 series as having no preouts, so thanks for the correction. In that case, if room correction is not a major concern the SR5014-15 look like they have everything else you need. If the difference in price is significant I think the 5014 is still plenty current.

 

[lovinthehd]

Thank you for the suggestion. The Marantz SR5** does have preouts. Unless I am mistaken. Here is a picture of the back. I'll take a look at both the Denon 3700 and Marantz to understand more. Thank you!
View attachment 44457

Altho it has pre-outs, it has the lesser version of Audyssey vs the 3xxx series from Denon (which has XT32 instead of just XT as in the 5014/5).

I see this under sensitivity for the Mc7106 1V, (2.5V with Level control at center detent) so the Marantz should be fine in this regard.

 

[lovinthehd]

I stand corrected! I always thought of the 5 series as having no preouts, so thanks for the correction. In that case, if room correction is not a major concern the SR5014-15 look like they have everything else you need. If the difference in price is significant I think the 5014 is still plenty current.

I originally thought the same, maybe it's older 5 series stuff?

 

[Pogre]

I originally thought the same, maybe it's older 5 series stuff?

We got Mandela'd.

He brought up preout voltage too. I know that can be a factor with some amps and receivers.

 

[lovinthehd]

We got Mandela'd.

He brought up preout voltage too. I know that can be a factor with some amps and receivers.

Doubt the Marantz will have any trouble mustering 1V out on the pre-outs for the Mc7106 and even if he did it at least it has some adjustable gain....

 

[Misterknee]

Would you be able to help me understand between the 1v and 2.5v? Should I be focusing on fully utilize the 2.5v?

 

[lovinthehd]

The sensitivity spec is for what input is needed by the amp to achieve full use of its power....if I read the spec correctly it has adustable gain via the level control and can vary from as low as 1V, and with the control can even adjust for 2.5 V (or assuming even more) if needed. The Marantz is nominally rated for 1V output on their preouts and consistently measure above that point. Altho strength of the original source signal is relevant, too. Try this https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/amplifier-voltage-gain

ps Not in the 5015 spec sheet I just checked, the 1V nominal is from memory, could be 1.2V, tho....

 

[Misterknee]

Would you happen to know what the Denon 3700 voltage rated for? I did a bit of googling and see about 1.2v is that correct?

 

[lovinthehd]

You could review the measurements here https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/denon-avr-x3700h-avr-review.15031/

 

[warnerwh]

If you go here: https://www.audiosciencereview.co/forum/index.php?threads/denon-avr-x3700h-avr-review.15031/
you will find a thorough set of actual measurements.

Edit: looks like hd beat me to it.