McIntosh Preamps
I have a pair of Sonus Faber Grand Piano Home speakers (about 18 years old and in fine shape) and an old NAD RECEIVER (about 30 years old) that recently went kaput!
The NAD never allowed me to listen to the full potential of the Grand Pianos, so I want to power the speakers to their peak. Specs say they are rated up to 200 watts. I have a friend who has offered to sell me his McIntosh MC452 power amp (450 watts). It is way more than I need at the moment, but it might be good to build on into the future.
I cannot afford NEW McIntosh equipment, so if I purchase it, I have to find a suitably matched USED pre-amp. What preamp model from McIntosh would best match the 452.(assuming I could find a used one in good condition)?
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Any McIntosh preamp will be a good match for the MC 452 and there are a lot of non-McIntosh stuff that would work as well. What are your sources? And do you prefer solid state or tube? The C2600 I bought as a demo was awesome - tube preamp with phono stage and DAC. There's also solid state preamps like the C47 that are an option. Good luck in your journey. |
Thanks to ALL responders. I have read so many reviews of various Mac equipment and yesterday was finally able to make the 4 hour trip to my nearest Mac Dealer to actually listen to some of it. Depending on when Mac (and the dealer) can actually get the equipment to me I have decided to go SS (and new instead of used). In making that choice I am compromising somewhat. I have decided on the C49 Preamp and the MC312 Power Amp (300w instead of the 450w on the used MC452). I really loved the Integrated MA9000 which (new) cost the same as the two (new) pieces I selected. I just felt it was more important to me to separate the equipment into to pieces. Just so much more flexibility and I have the space for both pieces. The only thing that pi...es me off is McIntosh. It is highway robbery in that you have to buy the NEW Preamp with the DA1 and then also buy the DA2 separate and have the dealer change it out. Having to pay for both DAC pieces (when you don't want the DA1) is not a good way to do business if you wish to cultivate repeat customers. And to add insult to injury, nobody will buy the DA1 now that the DA2 is out there, so that is a complete waste of $1,000 that goes straight into the pocket of McIntosh. That makes them a common thief in my book. Given the fact that I have virtually no hearing in my right ear, and it gets worse every year, I think this will be more than I can fully appreciate probably for the rest of my life. |
@mr04654 Why pay Mac for an average (thats being generous) dac? Why not stick to your separates are better strategy? |
