Amp and PreAmp, stick to the same brand?


Hi, I’ am new here.
 l have just bought an Amplifier : McItosh Mc8702. I’have bought it used.
Now, I’am tinking of a PreAmp replacement for my home cinema system.
McIntosh Mx122 has some featers that I do not need : streaming for example.
I already have a good streamer.
I was thinking about Krell Foundation 4k as a potential PreAmp.
It is not possible to try the Krell at home with my equipement.
Marantz or Anthem crossed my mind too but they are less highend audio than McIntosh.
A friend of mine told me to never have an Amp and a PreAmp of two different brands.
Any tought  about that ?

Thanks
zzrider

Showing 1 response by auxinput

I have done a lot of equipment combinations and the idea that equipment from the same brand is "designed to work together" is really just a marketing ploy, in my opinion.  That being said, if you want to keep the McIntosh aesthetics to match your amp, by all means get a McIntosh MX processor. 

I generally recommend items based on the type of sonic signature the person is looking for.  In my experience, the McIntosh equipment is very full bodied, but laid back in a sense.

Krell Foundation is going to be very forward with a lot of attack and resolution.  It could be a good match to compensate for the laid back character of the McIntosh amp.

Marantz is very good stuff, especially the AV8802 or AV8805.  Keep in mind that they have a very large sales and distribution network and will be able to sell the item for less and still be able to get a return on investment.  You will get "more per dollar" on the Marantz than you would for a Krell or McIntosh.  It's hard to say what would ultimately sound the best (Krell / Marantz / McIntosh).  The McIntosh does have beautiful front panels, however.

Anthem is well liked.  However, I think it's slightly bright sounding.  It does use switching power supplies.