Great discussion. I am thinking of Cornwall III and a Mcintosh, which one is the question, just like GS1058.
<Need> Power Cornwall III (so 50WPC)
<Want> Unbalanced fixed output for Analog to Digital capturing
<Want> Upgradable digital stage
MA5300
+ least expense. Has upgradable DA1, 100WPC
- no Unbalanced Fixed Output, single Balanced Variable Output
MAC7200
+ Has upgradable DA1, 2 Balanced Variable Outputs
- 200WPC, no Unbalanced Fixed Output, 40% more than the MA5300 in price, Receiver is not ‘needed’
MA8900
+ Has upgradable DA1, 2 Balanced Variable Outputs, 1 Unbalanced Fixed Output
- 200WPC, more than the MAC7200 in price, 5 Tone Balance is not ‘needed’
C49 & MC152 & Balanced patch cords
+ Has upgradable DA1, 2 Balanced Variable Outputs, 1 Unbalanced Fixed Output, 150WPC and amplifier could be upgraded separate (not as a mono-block)
- Most expensive, suspect 2x MA5300 in cost
My largest concern is that the Cornwalls are listed at 100W MAX, and I would toast them by accident with a simple twist to the right of the volume knob verse the left turn....
