McIntosh C8 (new) vs C26/2700 (used)


After my prior post (and thank you again to all who helped) I ended up choosing the Rogue Audio RP-7 preamp. While it is well built and crystal clear, I don't think it is the right fit for my system. Music is too bright with vocals frequently bordering on, or crossing over into, harsh. It isn't fully broken in yet, but I don't see it being a long-term resident of my system and anticipate sending it back within its return window.

 

For a few reasons, I have decided to try a McIntosh tube preamp next. I am looking at a new C8 vs a used C2600 or 2700. I have found surprisingly few reviews of the C8. Anybody have relevant experience or recommendations? I would love a second set of balanced inputs that the C8 is missing, but that isn't an absolute deal breaker.

 

Appreciate the group expertise!

Current system:

Pro-Ject Carbon Evo (fully upgraded) with Sumiko Wellfleet stylus

ifi Micro iPhono3 Black Label phono preamp

NAD C 658 DAC

Rogue Audio RP-7 preamp (for now)

Parasound A21+ amp

Bowers & Wilkins 803 D3 floor standing speakers 

andrewmland

Showing 1 response by hasmarto

Your Rogue preamp is already a solid performer, and I strongly recommend holding off on replacing it until you’ve at least swapped out the stock JJ tubes. Those are known to be mediocre at best and can severely limit the unit’s potential. Try a pair of NOS Mullard or Amperex in the front positions - you’ll likely be surprised by how much the sound opens up.

As for alternatives, I wouldn’t recommend the McIntosh C8 or C22. I’ve owned both (you can see the pics in my virtual system), and neither impressed me. The C8 feels like a toy, and the C22, while decent, is uninspiring and lacks engagement. If you need tone controls and a built-in phono stage, the Luxman CL-38uC is a far better option - it’s in my system, and it easily outperforms the Mac preamps in terms of musicality. And yes, it also came with JJ tubes, which I got rid of within a week of owning it.

That said, don’t dismiss your Rogue just yet. It’s not inherently bright, and a simple tube upgrade could be all you need to get the sound you’re looking for. As for the Mac 2600 or 2700, I haven’t heard them, but I’d be surprised if they’re a dramatic improvement over the C22.