McIntosh MC402 and MC501

Always many different factors involved with audio auditions. Try the MC2102 and see how you think it compares.
One thing thing I absolutely agree on with you though - if the MC402 sounded only "slightly better" to you then they are as you put it "ridicuolsly overpriced" for you.
andy

Rumney510, before buying the MC402, I compared it to the MC2102. I liked the MC402 better, as I liked the C200 better when I compared it to the C2200. And I think the Halcros are "ridicuolsly overpriced", not the McIntoshs

Hassel, I have heard both in many occasion. I also have the C200 pre. It is one of the best. I had the BAT VK-51SE prior to the C200 and the C200 just has much better synergy with the McIntosh power amp. Comparing the MC501 to the MC402. The MC501 had more of everything, it has a more extended top end, better dynamic and a bigger and tighter bottom. It compares well and better many high end offering that I have heard and I've heard a lot. For the price it was asking it seems reasonable. That make many other high end offerings seems totally/ridiculously over price. I think the Stereophile write up was right on, say no more! My speaker is the JM Lab Alto, nice synergy there. It was an accident I came across McIntosh couple years ago. I have my nose up and my leg and eye cross. My audiopile friend who has an all Spectral MIT system makes (force) me listen to it. I am glad that he did and now I am a fan.

given your mc402 expertise here... I'm thinking of an mc402 amp (more than likely paired with mx134 pre-amp and an mc206 to power center and rears, with the mc402 for the fronts). rears will be ceiling mounts (not ideal i know, but it's the concession i need to offer to my wife in exchange for what i want in the front). center to complement L/R. mc206 would allow me to upgrade rears later if i wanted.

main question, i need a good front pair to complement this. have seen folks enjoy b&w 802/801/800 with the mac402, my dealer is telling me great things about the new(ish) mac xrt28 but i haven't heard it yet and i've never heard anyone rave about a mcintosh speaker, should i trust them? very open to good suggestions for the front pair. i also need good night-time performance (i have kids who need to sleep), so a flexible speaker counts too. ideas???