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Selecting Preamp for MC452 amp seeking most enjoyable experience possible in price range

It’s been over two years that I’ve heard my B&w 702 s2 because after hearing them once Playing with a friends class a amp I could never go back to listening to them on my integrated amp rotel ra-1570  . Hard to go backwards in listening experience once that veil had been lifted :-) I recently was given a McIntosh 452 for my birthday & wasn’t quite planning to go that route but thankful nonetheless to have it . Now I’m wondering how to intelligently choose a preamp that is musically satisfying, has numerous input options , system matching,  and also best value for lower end component range of 3500. To 6000. (Hard to believe 6000. Is ever considered a “lower” range but in audio I see it is Apparently the case when I flip through Sterophile or The Absolute Sound Mags . 
I was told by a local retailer to look into the Anthem Preamp as a solid all around choice hmmmm .? Was wondering what other preamp options I may be overlooking or unaware of used or new . I really was hoping for one that has Phono-Stage and perhaps use it with my stand alone 2Qute Chordette DAC & Velodyne Direct Drive 18 Sub.  But mostly I am hoping for purchasing a component that sonically pairs well between the MC amp and the B&w speakers and just get down to the actually listening to the music and getting by vibe on :-) Any advice would be so appreciated as you guys on this forum seem to be in it for the love of audio .
128x128kristiemcp
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,499 posts
 
There are a million preamps available including several McIntosh preamps in that price range.  The McIntosh C22 is brilliant at the high end of your price range and would be one of my first choices.    

Alternatively, there are other brands that you can match.  Audio Research makes amazing preamps and until very recently was a sister company of McIntosh.  None of they preamps new is in your price range but an LS26, LS27 or LS28 would be a good option and should be in that range used. 

The SP-20 is another amazing unit from ARC that I would consider.  Here is a review.  I have a used one of these coming available very shortly.  Firm price will be $4250 plus shipping and CC/PP fee.  

https://www.stereophile.com/content/audio-research-sp20-preamplifier
 
Another option would be a German brand called AVM.  The AVM Evolution PA 5.2 is a modular preamp that has a few cards that can be added for DAC/Phono Stage/FM Tuner but are not required.  Without cards it lists at $5495 and is a superb option.  This unit has variable output sensitivity for improved matching with external amps. 

There are at least 100 other options from Parasound, Musical Fidelity, Rogue and countless others.  

PM me if you have any interest in the ARC SP-20 or the AVM.  Otherwise good luck.  
kristiemcp's avatar
kristiemcp OP
4 posts
 
Thank you for your direction on components . I will research your suggestions and definitely read up on the Arc so-20 you have coming available! I’m just curious how do those you mentioned above diff from like the McIntosh C49 Stereo Preamplifier? I guess I should be able to differentiate the qualities that make your recommendations key things to be paying attention to 
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 
The topic of preamps has been exploding on this site lately! There are many good posts recently, with careful discussions and comments about criteria, brands, combinations, and more. Try searching a bit and see!
mtmug
14 posts
 
No doubt that Audio Research makes some impressive preamps and there are references on various web forums of people using AR preamps with Mac amps with good results. However, this does not match my experience.
To the OP, when you do your research, make note of the input impedance of the MC452. At 22k ohms, it’s pretty close to the minimum load recommended by AR for most of their preamps. Also notice the 452 requires 4.2 volts on its balanced inputs to reach its rated power output. With a typical Audio Research preamp, this might mean you could end up cranking the volume higher than you expect for normal listening but finding the sound balance pretty thin; lacking in dynamics and bass slam, depending on your source. At least, this is what I have experienced.
Both the tube and solid state Mac preamps have fairly low output impedances and robust voltage outputs . Some also have decent phono stages, IMO, with adjustable loading. Try before you buy would be good advice in all cases but is especially in this one.
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