Tough amp decision

Sorry for the typo. Make that tubes not tunes. 

Thanks much. Comments and discussion has me being more careful, rather than jumping on the deal for the used 8950. Reviews seem to indicate the included DAC is not as good as my Qutest, and that I can do better with a separate phono stage. The 8950 has a pre to power amp jumper so during audition should be able to try my tube LS25 pre with the power amp section of the 8950. Thanks for all the helpful discussion. 

Also seems the Parasound JC5 might be a good choice. I like classical music and also some rock and jazz. Reviews indicate JC5 could be better for instrument timbres and soundstage. Said to have better bass dynamics too. 

Comparing the JC5 and the Mcintoshes precisely because they are so different. Not so easy for me to get to a dealer and have to screen based on reading (and what you say!). Everything seems to point to Qutest being better than the McIntosh internal DAC. In the long run think I will go separates due to versatility and better sound quality given what I already have. Was hoping to extract pieces for a second system, but would kick myself later. Several folks say the standalone amp with my pre would sound better than the integrateds. 

Overwhelming choices here! Thanks everyone for the advice and my now long list of amps to consider. I was able to get Mcintosh integrateds into the house. Not much else available to audition locally. We enjoyed the 312 (tube pre, solid state power) and were amazed at how a new amp could remove the harshness we heard on some recordings for the old B and W. Many other improvements too. However, most telling was auditioning the 8950 (both sections solid state). It had a jumper between pre and power so we could try combining our ARC LS25 mkII pre with the power amp of the Mcintosh. We really enjoyed the music more with the LS25 pre.  Much more defined bass, better imaging, and overall more musical sound. Also our Qutest DAC was better than the one built in the Mcintosh. I should add that this is all for our ears of course. Listen to a lot of classical, jazz and some rock. Here is the issue: My current best option is to pay $6800 for a Mcintosh 312. I can also get a pair of Parasound JC1+ for about 10K open box. Our budget only really stretches to 7K but we could try to pull together more. Is it worth auditioning a JC5 by mail? Based on discussion here seems that would be smart before committing locally to a Mcintosh. I might take road trip and audition things with B and W 703 s3, which are probably most like my old B and W 803 matrix series 2. I already threw out my back with the 8950, but I think that is just a learning experience for beautiful music with amps like these. Thanks everyone for your help.

Hi ghdprentice - Your advice has been really useful - Thanks! Especially the part about taking a weekend audio trip with my wife :) She has agreed so may in fact be the elusive audio babe. 

I will try to get a chance to listen to the AR Amp. It is amazing how much of the sound comes from the preamp. Do you think solid state AR will be OK (if they even make those?). Auditioning the JC5 this week - wonder what your thoughts are on that amp with an ARC pre? Thanks again.

That is indeed what drew us away from the mac - simply asking what we wanted to sit back and enjoy. Thanks for looking into the JC5. It is on its way so we will see. I will follow your advice and try to hear an all ARC on the road. That will mean used ARC but nothing wrong with that. Appreciate your time and comments beyond technology.