I am also looking for a pre to match with my Mac 602 and Eggleston Rosa's. I'm running everything through a modified Denon AV receiver with excellent results. I'm pretty happy for now but a good tube pre would really take it to the next level. Because of their dynamic and detailed nature I would think, a CAT or First Sound Pre would be perfect matches, but, like you, I want AV pass through and a remote. On paper I have narrowed it down to VTL 5.5 (used $2,000), Aesthetix Janus (used $3,500), Supratek Chardonnay new ($3,800), and the Mac 200 (used $3,800). I'm also very interested in the VTL 6.5 that's supposed to be coming out this year. If the VTL 6.5 is even close to their 7.5, I think it should be a real winner.
The Mac 2200 was, to me, a little "polite" for my system. I am looking for a tube amp that has little more "bite and resolution" to counterbalance the 602's and Eggy's smoothness.
I am moving in a couple of months, and, therefore, won't be doing any auditioning until I get settled into my new listening room so for now it's all theoretical.
The Mac 2200 was, to me, a little "polite" for my system. I am looking for a tube amp that has little more "bite and resolution" to counterbalance the 602's and Eggy's smoothness.
I am moving in a couple of months, and, therefore, won't be doing any auditioning until I get settled into my new listening room so for now it's all theoretical.