MC275 with Krell hts 7.1

[Dat Huynh]

Hello,

What would you think will be better MC275 with Krell HTS 7.1 or MC275 with Mcintosh MXxx

I am new to this, so all your help will be appreciated

Thank

 

[MACKIE1975]

McIntosh

 

[Dat Huynh]

will it be best with MX135 or should I invest more money for newer MX with HDMI. I am currently using Oppo 103D as preamp, playing stereo 2.0. Multichannel will be long wait since I do not have room to build home theater.

 

[MACKIE1975]

A 2 channels preampp will be best. The MX doesn't hold value. When you're ready, sell preamp and get the MX

 

[Dat Huynh]

Thank you Mackie, My speaker is Ohm Walsh 2, I am planning to buy Martin Logan Summit X, so should I buy MC2300 or C220 or C50. There are so many choice. I plan to buy another MC275, so I can have 1 amp per speaker

 

[MACKIE1975]

I will let other chime in. There are several gurus here especially Twiiii

 

[damacman]

Since Home Theater is on your radar, buy a 2ch McIntosh preamp with the PASSTHRU feature. They can be very easily integrated with an HT pre/pro or even an AVR when the time comes. Many choices!

I use a C200 with an Integra DHC-80.6 in this fashion.

 

[twiiii]

My former MX119 is of similar generation as a MX135 as I remember. And I guarantee the MX 151 or 150 will reveal a new magnitude of sound in the Pure Stereo mode. The Dolby and DTS decoding is much superior to the 119. And the the ability of the 151 to up sample the video sources is startling.

I admit I had to wait FOR A PRISTINE 151 to come to Audio Classics. I can't see how you can go wrong investing in a pre-owned one. A 160 has neither the capability or the inputs to handle all video sources from component, S-video, video, as does a 151. Its a piece of work, and does the work very well. It has some quirks in programming, but we are all here to help if the need arises. I'm not saying a 119/135 are bad units, they most definitely are not. The 150/151 are just that much better.

The last time I heard a difference this large in between to Mac products is when I heard the difference between the much criticized C-24 phono section wipe a C-22 or when a MC 3500 at the same levels easily surpassed the sound capability of a 240 or 275.

I had come to believe over years the choice of amp had a bigger influence in a sound system. But in this instance the change in HT processor is really wondrous and to be enjoyed.

I'm watching Lincoln at the moment, and the quality of the rear channels is much superior and the detailing in off screen sources much more life like. Room noise, such as foot steps, air movement, room reverberation is much superior with the 151. The top octave is there, but doesn't stand out, it takes it proper place where with other HT processors the sound can be forced. The bass is firmer stronger and better defined with much better transients. The late night function works well and is not perceived a with the earlier units. Applause is more natural and authentic whether from an audience at a concert off mic or from folks on screen produced by the 3 front channels.

 

[Dat Huynh]

Yes, I can get a pre-owned MX135 for around $1500. The problem is that I my living room is open space design, there is no wall so it is really big with a ton of furnitures. My music room is 11x11x8. Can I make my HT dream come true? I know I don't have a perfect room. I mostly listen to music at home and going out for movie.

 

[damacman]

Dat - some of the older MX units are particularly troublesome. @Yamaki here spent a fortune repairing a used MX135. I personally don't understand purchasing older outdated AV preamps for the same or more money as one could buy a new Marantz, Denon, Integra, Onkyo unit which is compatible with all of the modern formats.

 

[MACKIE1975]

My music room is 11x11x8. Can I make my HT dream come true?

The room is really small. Watch out for the low frequency (bass). Bookshelf speaker with satellite or in-wall surround will be more than adequate.
A pair of B&W 805 for music or other bookshelf brand (Sonus Olympica) will be nice

 

[Yamaki]

That I did. I thought I had a winner with a small repair needed. Unfortunately, once we got into the unit it became apparent there was much more to do. At the end of the day, I spent less than what I would have spent on a new MX unit but not by much! :-|

 

[Hipocrates]

My music room is 11x11x8

meters or foots?

 

[MACKIE1975]

Assume the OP is in the US so it should be Standard (Imperial) System. If it is in meter then the OP must live in the mansion.

 

[Dat Huynh]

Haha, I am in US. I am having Ohm Walsh 2 in my room now. Will B&W 805 make a big improvement in Sound quality?

 

[MACKIE1975]

Make a trip to your local authorize B&W dealers (some Bestbuy does carry the 800 series) and report back.

 

[Dat Huynh]

Mackie, I wish I could. Bought the mc275 and planning to buy mc2500, my wife already not happy. Lol, I don't think I can get any new pair is speakers soon

 

[MACKIE1975]

If you are into tube amp then B&W is not a good compliment. These speakers sound best when the rated amp in the 200w plus.

 

[Dat Huynh]

Mackie, I just went to Best Buy today and got a demo C2500 for $3500 plus tax. I already started with tube and it hard to go back. My next one will be a good AV stand. I took some pics for fun. Those 3 gentlemens setting up the demo for me to listen. Haha

 

[MACKIE1975]

So you get the C2500. Happy for you.