McIntosh preamps

I once had a C39 with my MC352 and it was a good fit. But McIntosh is always improving so a newer pre might help. Are you considering tubes or wanting to stay solid state? If you are, and it sounds like you are, just using 2 channel there are a number a great pre amps to choose from. Also are you wanting new or used?
Another avenue to explore is cables, what are you using now? When I had my 39/352 combo I went thru a number of cables and wound up using Cardas, but you may have different experience with your speakers. I had Infinity Kappa 7’s then on to Revel F32’s. If you try cables get ahold of The Cable Company and try their lending library, John is great to work with there.

Good Luck

Theo

PS, as Jeffry mentioned Audio Research plays well with McIntosh. I have a MC402 now but have had 3 Audio Research pre’s and don’t plan to change.

I have a MC452 with a C47 now and seriously thinking about a new C22 mk 5.

Thanks for the input everyone it’s much appreciated.

I use a MC312 with a C52 preamp, the combination works perfectly for me. I am sure the MC352/C52 combined action would also work very well. Besides, it's McIntosh gear that sounds and looks spectacular IMHO.

I think it comes down to what inputs you use and need. The DACs have gotten a lot better over the years but some other aspects may not have.

I have heard the 2700 and C49 in different systems. honestly they both sound fine. You would almost have to hear them back to back to hear the difference. The C53 would be my choice as I don’t like to mess with tubes. I feel the 2700 does not have a strong “tube sound” anyway. It is subtle.