Sanity check on new system?

I think I would like to hear complete systems. I would have a speaker brand in mind first, and dealers have good knowledge of synergy for that brand or model.
To me, it’s very, very difficult to pick your system without hearing first. If great sound and great value or even resale value is important to you, that can help narrow down the brands to audition. Also listening to as many speakers that are on your list to get an idea of what sounds right to you.
BTW I had failed at buying my first system and it was not until I created about a 90 mile radius of dealers and made a point to set up appt. times and went to each place with music in hand. It took over three months, but I now have the system that sounds good to me.

The MP100 is intended for use with either a separate linestage or perhaps a passive volume control.  You will definitely require one or the other, if you want to use the MP100.  Also, if you intend to source music from CDs, RTR, etc, you may want to consider a "full function" preamplifier, meaning one that has a built-in phono stage plus a linestage with switches to select the source and of course a volume control.  There is something to be said for the latter approach; you will require one fewer pairs of interconnects, and often the interface between a built-in phono stage and its linestage can be electronically simpler and therefore less likely to introduce colorations, compared to linking two separate components.  The signal does not have to pass through pairs of RCA connectors and buffer stages, if you use a full function pre, for example.  If you like McIntosh, maybe consider one of their preamps in lieu of the MP100. Just a thought.

Personally, I am not crazy about B&W speakers, either.

Onhwy61 - good question. This is exactly why I posed the question.   It doesn't look like the MP100 has volume control?  What is the solution to that issue? Thanks for catching that...

Hifiron - I listen to just about anything but if I had to paint myself into a corner I'd be an indy rock guy.

Helomech 805 D3s not 803s :)

erik_squires - thanks for the feedback. Room acoustics will be something I wrestle with soon...

Unless your room is tiny, I'd consider something like a JL Fathom 110 sub.

Mc's can be bright, so can B&W's.

I would listen to the combo first. :) 

Also, when you get it, learn about room acoustics. From floor rugs, to pillows on the floor and thick curtains, all can help your system come up a few notches. A good room acoustically is much more speaker friendly.

Best,

E

I haven't heard the 803s, but from everything I've read, it seems they perform best with high power. My KT88 Cayin amp was modeled after the MC275 and has similar power. I don't think I'd want to pair it with B&W 803s, but if you already own the 275, won't hurt to try it. 

It's best if you can manage to audition gear somewhere, especially speakers, as they will have the greatest influence on your system's performance. You might discover you don't like B&W.

How do you control the volume?

That is a big first system step. I am a big proponent of buy right or buy twice, that said, what is your goal of this setup? What size room? What style music? What do you enjoy most about listening to music?

Thank you for the feedback. As far as not being state of the art - what would be the best bang for the buck to change? In selecting these components I have gone for for a balance between modern components (805 D3, MP100) with high quality vintage components (VPI Classic3, MC275). Speaker and pre-amp technology seems to be the most rapidly changing/updating so I chose recently released components whereas amp and turntable technology seems more stable/slower moving so I'm planning on going with some "classics" there.

I agree with noromance. These are fairly safe bets all around, but might not have the best synergy. If you want headbanging volume levels, you might be better off with a more powerful amplifier, maybe something with KT120 tubes. On the plus side, all these brands hold their value rather well.

If it really is to be your first system, I think you’ll be blown away by the sound. You could do a lot worse.

Looks great. Solid but not state of the art for the money.