Hello,I have one MC500 and tried some Preamps with it like C35, C38, C40,and now the C2200.(speaking of Mac brand). I would say that Mac goes with Mac and that the MC500 is simply astonishing!!! I heard the MC1000's with same set up (C2200, Tannoy TD12) ant it was very very very impressive!!!Would go better with the 501's than the 602 anyway. Speaking of Preamps, it's a matter of GOOD combination with the 500 and 1000's.Would never say C38 and C40 are junks. C2200 is absolutely wonderful and blow away everything else I tried (Levinson, Audio Research, Krell and, Conrad Johnson and even Jadis). I bet the 1201's are even better vs 1000's and will listen soon in NY. I'm a musician (I know how sound a drumkit, piano, guitar, horns live) and the latest thing I wanna hear with high end audio is having my ears exploded with some 300, 500 to 1000 watts Amps in about 10 to 15mn. With Mac you'll be able to listen to any kind of music at FULL power for 2, 3 or 4 hours with NO listening fatigue and truly MAGICAL huge sound. Feel like your in the rehearsal room with the band.. To me, the rest is simply not musical (except Jadis). If u consider re-sell value, Mac is also the King. Mac people are just THE BEST with their Customers. Good luck and listening ! Yannick. France.