I have briefly used both the C49 which is no slouch and the 252 integrated amp. I really liked the 252 form factor ..... its retro and modern at the same time if that makes sense. I thought the 252 was great , I would imagine the c8 would be very good..
I've never owned audio research but heard a lot of stories about failure and service that would make me pause. I've had a few pieces of McIntosh , never a problem , sounded good and had strong resale....... I wanted to buy a C22 a few months ago but couldn't find one and went in a different direction. The new McIntosh gear is good.