2. amps-preamps
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Conflicted with Preamps

This post is a spinoff of these past two postings.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/preamp-with-variable-loudness-control-remote-control

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/preamp-options-under-3500

(not sure if I posted the links correctly, please advise)

I ordered a New style Quad 33 preamp end of February or beginning of March. As of May 1st. No ship date on the Quad. In the meantime, a good deal came up on a McIntosh C49 Preamp so I purchased it. I always wanted to try the Mac sound. I kind of like this thing. The DAC seems a bit better than the Denafrips and I also eliminated the Schiit DAC from the TV. Now the issue, the Quad will be arriving sometime in the future. Do I open it and audition it, hoping I will like it better that the Mac or do I leave it sealed in the box and post it for sale? I am curious of the soundbut it might bring a bit more $ unopened.

chippieboy

Showing 1 response by helomech

helomech
1,799 posts
 

FWIW, I have owned both the Quad Artera Pre and the Mac C49. The C49 is better—more dynamic and refined. The C49’s onboard DAC is pretty good as you noted. However, as for pure transparency, I actually prefer the Topping A70Pro to the C49 for preamp function. If you place high value on transparency and detail, you owe it to yourself to try one of the Topping preamps or headphone amps (that can function as a pre). If “made-in-China” is something you avoid, try the Benchmark LA4, it was clearly superior to the C49 in my system. 
 

Another good American preamp is the Bel Canto Pre5. 

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