Needs advice for Power/Int Amp up to ~2700$ (New/Used) - MF/McIntosh

Decided on a bigger budget: 3000$-5000$

My Speakers: 2.5 way Floor standing Scan-Speaks self made (20Hz-20KHz).

I use only digital sources (Toslink/HDMI). I need a a new pre as well and thought of the essence HDAC II.

Amps:

1. Musical fidelity M6 PRX

2. Musical Fidelity M6i (and will be used as a pre + Ex DAC)

3.. A Used McIntosh (I had McIntosh’s in my car and they sounded great) - but I can’t find something in the budget (MA5300?).

4. Odyssey Audio Khartago or Startos Stereo/Mono

5. The new Yamaha AS-1200 - looks great, sound?

6. Marantz model 30?

7. Benchmark ABH2

bnk02-04-2022 4:52am

bnk OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3 posts 02-27-2022 at 11:24pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete The anthem you've mentioned has perfect specs (same as the MF M6prx). I wonder what makes the difference between these and much more pricier amps which have less perfect specs but are 'known' to be 'better' (better to the listener, so let's say for most listeners?) My speakers are self-made/designed 2.5 way Scan-speak speakers (2x7" with 9900 revelator). And the next ones, will be similar but probably will have tighter bass response. I listen to all kinds of music from mainstream to heavy rock. I like clean sound but not harsh. I got one more amp into the list: Luxman Lx505uxii.
bnk OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3 posts 02-28-2022 at 02:22am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I think I'll take the DAC out and just use an external one. Maybe even separate the pre-amp and the power amp (and focus first on an excellent power or integrated). I'll check the Parasound.