McIntosh Amp mix with off brand pre

I'm just not a fan of the big Macs. I had a Mac MC4XX and never cared for the way it sounded. Much happier with a Parasound A21. 

Yes they do.  The MC452 is an excellent sounding amp and will work quite well with the Parasound preamp.  Later on, you could get a Mac preamp, either SS or Tubes. 

russ69,
What is a Mac MC4XX? I never heard of it so I googled it and came up with nothing.

I can't remember the exact model. 400 watts X 2 amp.

That’s not a Mac model. A 452 is an awesome amp. You’ll love it. I have all Mac stuff, except for speakers. They make excellent equipment. The stuff hold it’s value. I buy and sell pieces all the time and rarely lose money. How many brands do you know of that you could buy an Amp in 1985 for $500 and it’s worth $3000now? Whenever I have a problem I called the service line and I always get somebody. They are very helpful even if you call them up and tell them that you bought it used they will still help you through any problems that you have. It’s a great place to park $4000 into an amplifier. Guaranteed if you don’t like it you’ll get your money back out of it.

I knew that wasn't a real model number.

My guess is russ69 was referring to the MC 402, which was a few generations ago

That could be. I had one for a couple of months and was disappointed in it too and sold it.

The MC452 is a 450 watt solid state amp... Circa 2015... Quad balanced... With Autoformers... A very nice bit of kit... It is now replaced by the MC462...

You might try a tubed preamp by McIntosh or another manufacturer with it although your current preamp should be fine...

And my MC152 sounds great with my PrimaLuna tubed preamp...

I believe you can have different manufacturers with preamp and amps - not every combination will work though so I'd want to audition before making the decision.

I like the MC 452 and I know there's other amps around the price point worth auditioning.  I'd allow my ears to select the versus matching manufacturers.