2. amps-preamps
  3. 1235955340

Need advice picking a preamp.

So, I have been looking to add a preamp to my setup, right now I am running Bel Canto Dac3, ran directly into (2) Bel Canto Ref1000s. I am wanting to add a preamp that has a good built in phono stage. So far I have been looking at a few different tube preamps from Mcintosh.
C220
C2300
Then the Modwright SWLP.

A bonus for the Mcintosh preamps is that they have good headphone amps.
The C220 only has a MM phono, but is almost half the price here on agon.
The C2300 has many more options, but I am not sure if its worth the extra money.
One other plus the Mcintosh preamps have over the swlp is the balanced inputs/outputs.
One negative of the of the SWLP is it rarely comes up for sale on agon. Although I have heard it is great.

Also one other thing is that all the Bel Canto gear will be replaced over the next year, possibly based on which preamp I choose.

So anyone have any experience with these preamps? Also any other suggestions with built in phono stages within the price ranges of the listed preamps.
tmesselt

Showing 1 response by pops

pops
2,275 posts
 
You have lots of options, are you dead set on a 1 box unit? Both of the Mac's you've listed are very nice, haven't heard the modwright. The Mac's will give you a more linear, cool for tubes, presentation especially the 2300. If that's what your after the 2300 is hard to beat IMO. Stevecham had an interesting suggestion with the PV10 which is excellent for the $$ especially if your interested in a warmer, more liquid midrange type presentation, but not the last word in detail. Your speakers come into play here. You could even get the PV 10AL or whatever model is line stage only and get an outboard phono stage for the same money or less than the Mac's.

It really depends on your listening preference, I have always been a fan of outboard phono stages.
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