2. amps-preamps
  3. 175809-166561

Best upgrade: amp or pre-amp?

Of course, it depends...

So here is my setup:

  • Amp: McIntosh MC7100
  • Pre-amp: McIntosh C712
  • Others: Focal Sopra 1 and Bluesound Node

I was thinking to upgrade to an integrated (McIntosh, Hegel or Pass Labs are on top of my list), but I might decide to go for the long game: get the best amp/pre-amp for the same budget as the integrated (max 10k CAD) and update the other half later, in 5 years-ish..

So I'm open to suggestion! But remember a suggested a pre-amp, must match the MC7100 and an amp must match the C712 as I plan you have them together for a little while.

Thanks for the hive mind. I realize this is a tricky question!

papyneau

Showing 7 responses by ieales

ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 

Speakers

ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 

Sopra series are  such good speakers, in my opinion.

If you played something you recorded, you might change your mind by the 2nd bar.

ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 

Can't comment. Manufacturers often have a 'house flavor'. 🤷‍♂️

ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 

Topic: "Best upgrade: amp or pre-amp?"

Recommendation: "Speakers" 

ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 

Are you suggesting the Sopra are the weakest link?

Absolutely.

Over exaggerated upper octave, wooly, indistinct bass, roller coaster step response, impedance and phase.

When I last looked for speakers, my exact words to the salesman:

"You’re joking, right? These are awful."

ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 

When I listened to the Sopra, it was love at first sight.

I knew it couldn't be the sound. 😏

ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 

The sound quality of the $9k integrated which I currently own actually surpassed the performance of the costlier separates costing up to $15k, which I also own.

$ ≠ SQ.

For the googolth time, it's a system: Change one thing, change everything.

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