Mcintosh MC462 versus Luxman M10X

It depends.

I've owned Mc amp/preamp and enjoyed it very much.

When I was looking to upgrade my amp/preamp I did compare Mc with others and noticed a difference I liked.  I then did upgrade to a different brand.

Every manufacturer's goal is to be just the music and the reality is there are many compromises for every piece of equipment.

If you are 'missing' something in your system that's the problem to solve.

Awesome OP...enjoy your journey.

My journey is similar to yours.  My first really high-end equipment was McIntosh and when I upgraded from an entry level DAC-Streamer it opened my eyes to other manufacturers and the 'house' sound each has.

For me McIntosh was a needed step in my journey and I appreciate the higher transparency and resolution I am getting.  And I learned to be very deliberate in listening to 'high end' components. I no longer listen to anything that is in the realm of possibility of me buying it!  I know there's a lot of great gear I haven't heard and would love.