I need to preface this thread by stating that I am just starting to look at McIntosh gear again as a possible change from my current setup,which is an EAD Ovation pre/pro and an EAD Powermaster 1000. Good sounding equipment for both 2ch and multichannel.
At one time I auditioned an MX134 or 135 (don't remember) and it took the place of the Ovation and to be quite honest, From the limited time I had this on loan, the EAD sounded as good if not a bit better on 2ch and did not lose out on DD or DTS soundtracks. I sent the MX back.
The EAD is the first gear I've ever owned that I never gave a thought as to it's sound. It did everything better than anything I've ever used or auditioned. I no longer wondered what was wrong with the sound. It's been that nice. It does have it's shortcomings. It has but 3 analog inputs and it does not have multichannel analog inputs unless you want to upgrade to a "outboard" harness and internal changes that accomodate it. At $1K,I've only thought about it.
This brings me to the C45. I've just started looking again at McIntosh and this preamp appears to be capable of doing what I'd like. I do not need onboard processing for the newer audio formats on Bluray since the player will do this. I've always wanted to listen to multichannel SACD,so this would also be taken into account. But,I mostly listen to 2channel,whether it's the turntable or just TV viewing. I do not require any HDMI switching.
Can owners comment on the multichannel sound and does the setup proceedure for speaker calibration cover everything?
At one time I auditioned an MX134 or 135 (don't remember) and it took the place of the Ovation and to be quite honest, From the limited time I had this on loan, the EAD sounded as good if not a bit better on 2ch and did not lose out on DD or DTS soundtracks. I sent the MX back.
The EAD is the first gear I've ever owned that I never gave a thought as to it's sound. It did everything better than anything I've ever used or auditioned. I no longer wondered what was wrong with the sound. It's been that nice. It does have it's shortcomings. It has but 3 analog inputs and it does not have multichannel analog inputs unless you want to upgrade to a "outboard" harness and internal changes that accomodate it. At $1K,I've only thought about it.
This brings me to the C45. I've just started looking again at McIntosh and this preamp appears to be capable of doing what I'd like. I do not need onboard processing for the newer audio formats on Bluray since the player will do this. I've always wanted to listen to multichannel SACD,so this would also be taken into account. But,I mostly listen to 2channel,whether it's the turntable or just TV viewing. I do not require any HDMI switching.
Can owners comment on the multichannel sound and does the setup proceedure for speaker calibration cover everything?
