2. amps-preamps
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Mcintosh c-28 Where do i go from here?

Hello fellow 'Goners. I have been listening to my recapped Mcintosh C-28 for some time now and find it pleasant to listen to but I believe that I am still missing out from newer 2 channel preamplifiers. Although the c-28 has a pleasant sonic signature, it can sound a tad too dry, clinical and edgy especially during long acoustic (guitar) passages (William Ackerson's in search of the turtle's navel comes to mind).

I know that my c-28 has impressive resale on the pre-owned market (around $600). What would I replace this preamp with? What are your thoughts? As an FYI, I am not willing to spend over $600. My other components consist of a Mcintosh MC-2155, CAL Genesis cd player, and dali suite 1.7's.

Thanks in advance.
splittie

Showing 2 responses by sufentanil

sufentanil's avatar
sufentanil
782 posts
 
There are several preamps in that price range that I either currently own or am very familiar with. For something on the warmer side, the Audio Mirror T-61 is excellent. An older Classe (DR-5) for instance, sits on the other end of the fence; not quite "clinical", but more neutral with a little more detail. A notch toward warmth from the Classe is a Musical Fidelity A3cr, and another notch toward the Audio Mirror is a Marsh p2000t.

All are excellent preamps, and can be had used for about your desired price.

Michael
sufentanil's avatar
sufentanil
782 posts
 
Splittie, you find "the build quality on the classe and musical fidelity gear to be sub par"? Have you seen the two models that I made reference to (Classe DR-5 or MF A3cr)? They are built like a tank, and some of the better built components to have ever graced my system. The MF A3cr preamp weighs as much as my current POWER AMP.

I've never had a McIntosh preamp, so I can't compare it to units that I have owned or heard, but I will defend the build quality of the Classe and Musical Fidelity preamps.

Michael
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