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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
sufentanil's avatar
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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
zenblaster
504 posts
 
Have you ever heard a CJ pv10- I have never heard it described as clinical or edgy- quite the opposite actually. Warm and musical are usually describe it. The looks might not fit your tastes, with a clean, 3 knob, thick, gold tone aluminum faceplate. Sound and CJ quality both attractive, don't knowh ow it would look in the Mac family. Hard to beat in the $500- range
splittie OP
14 posts
 
How will the musical fidelity preamp mesh with the mcintosh 2155? The 2155 is typical MAC- laid back, tube-like, with a hint of solid state edginess.

Does anyone have a musical fidelity preamp that is interested in trading with my Mcintosh C-28 (original box, mint aesthetics, cannot find a scratch on it).

Thanks.
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