2. amps-preamps
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Shindo preamp with Mcintosh MC252

Anyone out there with this combo? I'm in the market for a tube preamp and I was wondering if the entry level Shindo will be a good match for the MC252?

On that note, what are some of my options in the $2000 - $2500 range? Used is fine. I love a wide, holographic soundstage. Clarity and detail are important, but I prefer a bit warmth and liquidity over neutral sounding equipment to be honest. I prefer gear that's easy to listen to for a long time, with great pace and rythm, and a huge 3D soundstage.
nitewulf
9 responses Add your response
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 
Why not use a McIntosh C220? They are designed to go together. Should be a perfect match. I have a friend using this combo, and he loves it.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Nitewulf,
Based on the qualities you seek I think you would be very happy with the Shindo Aurieges. If you find one used go for it, the used ones are sold pretty fast when available.Personally I`d prefer Shindo to the MAC preamp.
Good Luck,
nitewulf OP
422 posts
 
Thanks for the responses guys,

TIs49, actually I am looking to try something else besides a McIntosh preamp.

Charles, thanks, my only worry is the high output impedance of the Shindo Aurieges, and I am wondering if it'll work well with the MC252.

I am also interested in Conrad Johnson and the Dehaviland Ultraverve, but I'm not sure if the modern CJs and the Dehaviland are more neutral and less tubey.
onemug
784 posts
 
Nitewulf,

Definitely check out the impedance ratio between the Shindo and the Mac. Some Mac amps are as low as 10K, some preamps can be over 1K, not a great ratio.

I like CJ's newer preamps. I know the CT-5's output imp is spec'd at 800 and their ACT and ART's are 500. I have them and use them with my Pass ss, SET's and even a Class T amp, every pairing gives me great results.
gopher
499 posts
 
If the Shindo pre you are eyeballing is good match to that amplifier, I'd say give it a shot for sure!

I grew up listening to my dads Mac gear and acquired a Shindo Aurieges-L for myself a couple of weeks ago and suspect the pairing could be something special based on sonic signatures.
lewinskih01
909 posts
 
Never heard the Shindo's, but I'm running a Lamm LL2 deluxe with my McIntosh MC275 and love it. It's priced used within your range. I think the Lamm beats the C220 in sound (I tried it with same amp and speakers), but the Mc interfase is a lot more friendly (remote, display, source level matching, etc). Can't argue with the sound quality, though!
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
I agree that in terms of preamp features and flexibility the MAC has it all over the Shindo which is more a purist design. When Art Dudley reviewed the Shindo in Stereophile he prefered it to his Lamm(which he really did like alot).The main issue is The impedance matching compatability of the pre/amplifier combo.
keithr
1,306 posts
 
most Mcs have low impedance, so doubtful this is a good match.
mikeyc8
174 posts
 
Is the 252 a SS amp? If yes the impedance may be an issue, but if I recall correctly there was a similar thread where Jonathan Halpern, the Shindo distributor debunked that Shindos had high impedances.

However, I can attest that when my friend connected my Aurieges to his MC275 it was a magical combination, he instantly fell in love with the sound of that combo and bought a Monbrison.
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