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Can I Pair Audio Reseach Ref 3 w/ the McIntosh MC2505 Poweramp?

Hey there Brothers in Arms,

I already own a McIntosh MC2505 Solid State Power Amp and I'm trying to match this amp with the best tube Preamp I can get. My budget is $4000. I'm currently considering either a McIntosh C2300/ 2500 or the Audio Research Ref 3. I have a good opportunity to buy the ARC Ref 3, but how would this match up with my McIntosh MC2505? Any thoughts? Should I stick with matching Mac with Mac?
reubenruppert

Showing 2 responses by brf

brf
1,715 posts
 
Sorry, IMHO the 2505 is not one of Mac's better efforts.  Matching a high end pre will not make the Mac 2505 any better, but only highlight it's shortcomings. You may taking a big step backwards.
brf
1,715 posts
 
I was also considering biamping the 2505 with another 2505, and using the c2300/2500 to feed signal to both power amps
Why would you take the weakest link in your system and add another 2505?  The 2505 was Mac's first solid state design, and they have learned a lot since it's introduction.  In addition, IIRC, you cannot bridge a 2505 to run in mono, you need to run each amp in mono parallel which only increases current and not voltage, therefore, you system will not play louder than your stereo setup. 
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