Mcintosh MX120 vs Pioneer Elite SC Series?

digitalvideo

Hi, should I go with a Mcintosh MX120 or a Pioneer Elite SC Series?

I have a friend who is selling his Mcintosh MX120 for $4000 and was wondering if I should spend that much or go with a cheaper Pioneer Elite SC model? Would the Pioneer be better bang for the buck in SQ? I'm going to be matching it up with B&W 802 speakers and either an Elemental Designs or Epik Conquest or SVS sub.

Face

The Mac will sound better, but your friend's price is way high: http://cgi.videogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?prea71ch&1329938226

digitalvideo

Face wrote: »

The Mac will sound better, but your friend's price is way high: http://cgi.videogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?prea71ch&1329938226

Thanks for the reply. I was wondering if the 4 digit price tag of the Mcintosh is worth the SQ over a $800 to $900 Pio Elite SC07 ? Is the SQ difference so great that the price tag is justified?

Face

Mac uses the same analog sections as their 2 channel preamps in their HT processors, which is much better than what you'll find in any receiver. If you plan on using it in a rig for both 2 channel and HT, it's the best solution outside adding a separate source and pre with HT bypass.

Drenis

digitalvideo wrote: »

I'm going to be matching it up with B&W 802 speakers and either an Elemental Designs or Epik Conquest or SVS sub.

Just a FYI, Elemental Designs went out of business this year.

EndersShadow

Drenis wrote: »

Just a FYI, Elemental Designs went out of business this year.

And went out with what I would call one heck of a bang to boot!

leroyjr1

For $4000 you be better off with the pioneer SC series AVR and a seperate pre for music.

digitalvideo

leroyjr1 wrote: »

For $4000 you be better off with the pioneer SC series AVR and a seperate pre for music.

I'd like to know all of your recommendations for a good quality pre to add to a Pioneer SC avr? If buying the Pioneer and a seperate pre is going to cost more than a Mcintosh then I will just go with the Mcintoch. I seen a Mcintoch for under $3000.

digitalvideo

I just want to do an amp with a avr/pre. I don't want to do an amp, pre and avr. Below are 3 combo's I'm thinking of for HT and 2 channel music. I'd like your opinions and recommendations.

1.)
avr/pre - Sunfire Theater Grand III
amp - Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature Series II

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_10_2/sunfire-theater-grand-three-4-2003.html
http://hometheaterreview.com/sunfire-cinema-grand-signature-series-ii-reviewed/

2.)
avr/pre - McIntosh MX-120
amp - Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature Series II

http://hometheaterreview.com/mcintosh-mx-120-av-preamp-reviewed/

3.)
avr/pre - Pioneer Elite SC Series
amp - Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature Series II

Problem is I don't think the Sunfire Theater Grand III processor has the latest Dolby and DTS or HDMI for bluray. DAMN! Any Sunfire pre/pro's have HDMI?

Tankman

I too have been on EBAY and all over looking at SunFire's too,I don't think they are MasterHD or True HD,But not really sure about that.Ebay has some really great deal's on a few used unit's I didn't find one with the Master HD or True HD I would have jump on one if it had.Maybe EndersShadow would know?

digitalvideo

This is the description of the Sunfire Theater Grand Receiver TGR-401 below:


HDMI Compatibility & Video Capabilities

The Sunfire does not do ANY audio decoding through the HDMI connections! It is necessary to hook up optical or coaxial digital cables for all the digital audio sources unless you use the multichannel analog inputs.

In a unit capable of decoding Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio it is just a matter of connecting a single HDMI capable to the receiver and video and audio are handled all together. With the Sunfire, in order to take advantage of these formats, it is necessary to use the multichannel analog input assuming that your Blu-ray player offers multichannel outputs, some of them don?t. If you have a separate DVD-A or SACD player then you will need to invest in a multichannel switcher like the Zektor reviewed back in April of 2004.

I will need a bd player that has multi-channel outputs. I have the Pioneer Elite BDP-23FD and it says it has 7.1 multichannel outputs:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/Blu-ray-Disc/Elite-Blu-ray-Disc-Players/BDP-23FD

So I could hook my Pio 23FD to this Sunfire and and watch blurays and get the latest Dolby Tru HD and DTS-H Master Audio?

Pioneer's website description of the 23FD quote: "7.1 Channel Analog Audio Outputs: For compatibility with non HDMI equipped receivers and preamps."

So am I all set?

mantis

digitalvideo wrote: »

Hi, should I go with a Mcintosh MX120 or a Pioneer Elite SC Series?

I have a friend who is selling his Mcintosh MX120 for $4000 and was wondering if I should spend that much or go with a cheaper Pioneer Elite SC model? Would the Pioneer be better bang for the buck in SQ? I'm going to be matching it up with B&W 802 speakers and either an Elemental Designs or Epik Conquest or SVS sub.

You have B&W 802's and they require way more power then the Elite can put out not to mention this is a complete mis match. Also even with a external amp , I'm not really feeling this setup. It might work out for yeah but it's not how I would go.

Here is my design IF you plan on going HT and Music together.

I like the McIntosh pre , they sound incredible and worth the 4k asking price. But current market value your a strong 3k so if your friend will bend , then it's a pretty damn nice score. I would also suggest going with McIntosh amps like the MC205 . It's a beast and sounds amazing.If your going 7 channels use the MC207. They are a perfect match to the pre and a full McInstosh / B&W system is to die for. One of the most amazing setups one could have. Yes you will have to dig deep into your pocket to achieve sonic perfection but you already dug in when you decided to go with 802's which are one of the worlds finest speakers.

Now if your not willing to spend McInstosh money(Which I can't see why you wouldn't) then consider a full NAD system. NAD sound quality is unheard of at thier price points. I'm shocked every single time I put one together. Even there receivers are way badass. Crazy detail and power with beautiful sonic reproduction. The NAD M15HD2 would be a beautiful fit along with their M25 amp. You'll be extremely hard pressed to beat this combo at the full retail price.

As far as a sub , I would use 2 DD12's from Velodyne. Quick strong powerful pressure yet delicate warm and wonderful bass will be reproduced. This pair will perfectly blend in with your 802's and fill your room with heart shaking bass. B&W's subs are also very nice and worth checking out like a pair of DB1's.

If you didn't have 802's and had the likes of the CM9's , your choices open up alot more with a less of a budget. Going on a more budget mind with the 802's you'll never get out of them what they can do. They are one fantastic speaker and need proper support like any speaker to perform. No reason on the planet earth to own them if your not going to built with them. I would then suggest selling them and dropping down to the CM line if your budget doesn't allow for the proper gear.

Wish you well with your system build , you have the start of a dream system.

digitalvideo

Used B&W 802's are going for $7000 to $8500 on audiogon.

What do you think of a Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature Series amp with a Sunfire pre/pro with those speakers or instead of the Sunfire pre/pro use the Mcintosh MX120?

mantis

digitalvideo wrote: »

Used B&W 802's are going for $7000 to $8500 on audiogon.

What do you think of a Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature Series amp with a Sunfire pre/pro with those speakers or instead of the Sunfire pre/pro use the Mcintosh MX120?

I think the Sunfire amp and preamp would get the job done , just note the Sunfire is about as featureless as it gets. But sound quality is pretty damn awesome. Very powerful amp 2 which is what you will need to get those speakers to sing. it's not a bad way to go.