Sanity check on new system?


I'm looking to piece together my first system that is looking like it'll have the following components:

TT: VPI Classic 3 
Cartridge:  Ortofon Cadenza Bronze
Pre: Mcintosh MP100
Amp: Mcintosh MC275
Speakers: B&W Diamond 805 D3

As the title states, I'm looking for a sanity check on this setup.  Any concerns I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance...
harp

Showing 1 response by lewm

The MP100 is intended for use with either a separate linestage or perhaps a passive volume control.  You will definitely require one or the other, if you want to use the MP100.  Also, if you intend to source music from CDs, RTR, etc, you may want to consider a "full function" preamplifier, meaning one that has a built-in phono stage plus a linestage with switches to select the source and of course a volume control.  There is something to be said for the latter approach; you will require one fewer pairs of interconnects, and often the interface between a built-in phono stage and its linestage can be electronically simpler and therefore less likely to introduce colorations, compared to linking two separate components.  The signal does not have to pass through pairs of RCA connectors and buffer stages, if you use a full function pre, for example.  If you like McIntosh, maybe consider one of their preamps in lieu of the MP100. Just a thought.

Personally, I am not crazy about B&W speakers, either.