McIntosh or BAT amps what is your preference

Ken -- I would definately get the MC352 and C45. I am familiar with the MC300 (nearly identical circuits as those in the 7300) and the there is no doubt - the MC352 is a much better amp. Arthur

The latest Stereophile magazine reviewed the McIntosh C200 preamp and said it tied the VK-51SE overall, but is less expensive as a bonus. I think the Mc preamps are very good and to be fair, Cylinderking shouldn't compare a design that is several years old (C42) with one that is new and costs 3X more! You have better hope you get an improvement for that! lol. Comparing apples to apples, the McIntosh preamps are definately on par with their peers - no doubt in my mind - and they generally are more flexible which I like a lot.

Anyway, I have had several McIntosh and have to disagree with the comment that only the autoformer versions are good. It depends on the model in question. I have a 7200 right now that is absolutely terrific and has no autoformers.

You could see if you can audition the new MC207 which looks really cool with the transformers exposed - it would totally match your MC352. Your 7205 is not Mc's latest and greatest multichannel amp anymore - it was replaced by the MC206 and now the MC207 so you still have a couple options in the McIntosh line. The latest Mcs are killer.

But give the BAT a try too if you feel like a change. I have been impressed by the VK-5i with VK-200 playing Dynaudio speakers in the past. Let us know what you decide. Good luck! Arthur

I replaced my BAT VK-3i with a McIntosh C42 and the improvement is remarkably large for two preamps that were originally close in retail price. The BAT was missing a lot in terms of inner detail and soundstage organization so it never was able to convey the life in music like the C42 can.