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 1 response by tweak1

tweak1
3,561 posts
 

No simple answer, but;

While I agree integrateds are a compromise, the Technics SU R 1000 COULD be the one to own

I do not own your kit, but my Audio Alchemy DDP-1 + PS 5 is a pretty good preamp/dac. Last 2 years I tried a lot of power amps, and they all sounded different. The one that stood out from the crowd is my LSA Voyager GaN 350 (MSRP $3000 (same tech as in the Technics)

hth

 

 

More to discover