Best 5.1 McIntosh separates

Hitofmisses,

Another option is to look for a McIntosh MHT100 Surround Sound Receiver if you don't have the money for seperates. I picked one up and it is quite good. It does not do the current surround sound modes nor does it do hdmi.

@ Iformorris, Jeffkad: I like your suggestion. In fact I was toying with that idea even before I read your comments.

I'm thinking of using Oppo 93 Analog feed to existing Kenwood receiver (as a Pre/pro) & connect to
- Mc Tube Amp for Stereo (say MC240)
- Emotiva XP-3 for the remaining 3 channels

However, I'm not sure how will that work since MC240 is rated at 40W whereas Emotiva XP-3 is rated at 200W into 8 ohms. Will the surrounds & center overpower the fronts during movies?

Here's the speaker specifications:-
Tyler Acoustics - Linbrook System II (Front & Center)
Frequency Response: 32-25k
Sensitivity: 89db
Impedance: 8 ohm
Power: 30-250wpc

JBL - S312 (Surround)
Frequency Response: 35-20k
Sensitivity: 92db
Impedance: 8 ohm
Power: upto 250w

It will cost you $600+ just to retube a Mac amp. Maybe look at Proceed or Lexicon or Anthem or Rotel separates. You may be able to get a good 5.1/7.1 pre pro and a warm sounding 5 channel amp combo here on the Gon.
As far as Mac goes, I would forget it unless you increase your budget significantly. Newer gear from the above mentioned brands may sound better than the really old Mac gear that may fit into the $2000 budget. I am not trying to steer you away from Mac (I am a proud owner of tube pre and mono blocks), it's just that Mac ain't cheap, and their gear tends to hold their value fairly well over time--meaning that even the older gear is not inexpensive.

Thanks Cajunpepe!

How does Cary Audio Tube Amps stand against the one you recommended? Any specific models to look for?

Again, champagne taste on a beer budget!!
Cary tube amps are not inexpensive. I believe the v12/i/r amps at 120/60 watts still command at least $1500+, and those have not been current for some 4-5 years. And that only gets you a stereo amp. You will need 5 channels, not 2 if I understand correct.
Go for a Proceed 5 channel amp here on Agon. They sound fantastic for the money and can usually be had in the $1000 range depending on power (5x100/125/200).
Have you noticed that there are not many (Butler audio comes to mind) 5 channel tube power amps on the market? Most folks reserve the yumminess of tubes for critical listening through a dedicated 2 channel system. I use the high end Macgear for 2 channel and use a Rotel stack (RSP-1068 pre/pro and 5x125 power amp) for my TV and theater and use the theater bypass on the MC2300 preamplifier to pass through. It works beautifully.
BUT...if you are still hell bent on a 5 channel tube amp, look at Butler Audio. They sometimes come up here on the Gon and may be had for your price range.
BTW, the Butler gear is very easy on the eyes. They also make tube amps for car audio...sweet.