Idiot trying to upgrade his system - likes the tube sound


I currently have a McIntosh C275 tube amp with Wilson WattPuppy 7 speakers, along with a MC22 preamp and redbook CD player. I don't like vinyl records (for the most part). I heard SACD's and DSD high resolution, so want to go with a better SACD / DAC combination. My local audio folks (Paragon in Ann Arbor, MI) are nice folks, but cater to the wealthy. I have $$$, having sold 2 of my biotech companies, but I am a careful person about spending money on audio. I am 62 and a professor at a medical school.

Sorry for the long intro- Here is my question: Should I trade in my Rotel (very nice) CD player and MC22 preamp - get the new Marantz SA-10 SACD player, but then what should I hook that into? A new 1100 McIntosh digital or analogue preamp? Should I buy a more powerful ampilifier then the MC275 (at 75 watts per channel)? Any advice out there - I woud be very grateful. Thank-you! 
gerryah930

Showing 1 response by randy-11

Oppo is the price/performance leader for disc players, tho some like Marantz

Do you like the McIntosh "house sound"?

If yes, then will a more powerful amp allow you to avoid clipping?  You will want to find that out ...

It does sound like you will appreciate the need for double-blind listening tests, so assemble a disc or two of your music that you'll use for listening tests and buy from places that will allow a return after 30 days, etc.