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

@andrewmland Have heard the C22 Mk V multiple times and when compared to the C1100 I could not claim the C1100 was better. Also like the more "purist" aspect of the C22 less circuits to get in the way of the music. Paired with the MC 462 you will gain a very high level of synergy with the B&W 803 speakers.

   Are you basing your opinion of the Rogue without changing the tubes ? FWIT Rogue is not soft and syrupy. A big part of the SQ with Rogue is JJ signal tubes suck ! Period ! Unfortunately you’ll have to pony up for 4 NOS tubes to realize the full potential. While my comment sounds brash and one shouldn’t have to spend $500-$600 on NOS tubes for a new item, that’s the unfortunate fact. I’ve recently moved to the Hera ( discontinued ) from the RP-1.  Back when I bought the RP-1 new I tried about half dozen brands of NOS. It’s like Goldie Locks having her porridge just right. On top of that Rogue recommends NOS Mullards which I personally don’t care for. But don’t feel too bad, I just spent $3500 to have my Rogue M-180’s upgraded to DARK statues and now that they are back I’ll need to trash the 3 pairs of signal tubes and install 6 Tekefunkens at a cost of about $900, and buy an Octet of KT -120’s from Upscale currently $1100 delivered. FWIT the fellow I obtained the Rogue gear from went to Bryston and now runs McIntosh. I guess being a tube addict can be a vicious cycle. And please forgive me if I come across as condescending, that’s not my intent. Regards , Mike B. 

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.