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Is My McIntosh C52 Pre-amp The Weak Link?

I currently stream music, from Qobuz, via an Aurender N10 streamer into a McIntosh C52 pre-amp for D/A conversion, analogue output, into a McIntosh MC312 power amp, driving Magico A5 speakers. SQ IMHO is outstanding/perfect, but, I am an audiophile, so there is no such thing as perfect! Time to upgrade something. It is my opinion the C52 built in DAC is the weak link in the system? Thinking of upgrading the Aurender N10 to an Aurender A20 (streamer with built in DAC) and feed the analogue output into the C52. Your thoughts please, have I correctly identified the weak link in the system?

mgattmch

Showing 1 response by fastfreight

fastfreight
680 posts
 

Is it the DA1 in the C52?  If so I believe many have identified this as subpar.

I found the C52 dull in my system, but many love the MC sound.  I would think keep the N10 and try a separate DAC.  With the warmth of your pre and amps, something like the Tambaqui would light up your world!

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