2. amps-preamps
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Pre-amp to combo with Mccormack DNA 0.5

Just bought the Mccormack DNA 0.5, after ALOT of research. Thank you all who helped me choose.
Anyway, my second step on the upgrade now will be to buy a pre-amplifier. I have some cheap options available, but I want something that will make me satisfied for years to come, so research, again is necessary.

My "easy" options are:

Mccormack TLC-1 ($500) - Same brand, some say it'd be a good match, some say it's passive and has got no personality. I heard it myself and liked it, but no pre-outs, meaning I'd not be able to plug my Rel Strata II subwoofer in it. No remote either.

Carver C-4000 ($200) - Legendary choice, don't know much about it, except it's a classic.

QED Vector Reference ($600) - Another passive unit, at least this one gives me a remote.

Basically I need something that will make my sound better, or at least not change it. And then some pre-outs would be good, Remote is a plus only. Price tag can't surpass $900, and territorial limitations should be respected, as I live in Brazil and cannot get certain brands.

Any of you has a suggestion?
jmabe
jmabe OP
34 posts
 
Thank you for warning me, I use mainly more agressive music, so I could have problems with the passive unit. WHat do you think of Mcintosh C36 or C40 instead?
jmabe OP
34 posts
 
I've got a chance to acquire either a Quad 99 pre-amp or the acclaimed Adcom GFP-750 instead. How do those sound?
davebachmann
94 posts
 
A comment on using a McIntosh with McCormack. I have a C38 pre mated to a DNA 1/B, and before that it was used with a DNA 0.5. While the sonics are solid - at least to my ears - there is an issue with gain. There are a very limited range of volume settings, at least with my speakers (ML SL3) and room. 8 o'clock is relatively soft, 9 is fairly loud, and 10 is beyond my comfort level. I use a universal remote and it's not always easy to adjust the volume up or down by just a little bit.
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,756 posts
 
Jmabe
Yes, I definitely use both the passive and buffered outputs of the TLC-1 simultaneously. The passive go to the DNA 0.5 and the buffered to the line-level inputs of an HSU sub. It's worked perfectly like that for more than a year. I'll check the manuals at home tonight but I don't recall any warnings about using both.
stevemcx
166 posts
 
Hello Jmabe -

Just FYI - you absolutely can use both sets of passive and buffered outputs on the TLC-1 simultaneously with no problems of any kind. As Sfar points-out, using the passive output to drive your amp and the buffered output to drive a powered subwoofer is one of the useful options the TLC-1 provides.

If you need any further information on the TLC-1 (or an owner's manual, perhaps) please contact me directly.

Best regards,

Steve McCormack
www.SMcAudio.com
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