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McIntosh Amp mix with off brand pre

My audio journey is in an awkward puberty stage.

I have been using a Parasound C1 for HT. It's also a very neutral 2 channel preamp. I've been doing more 2 channel listening. But I'm not ready to build out a dedicated 2 channel system.

I'm dabbling with the idea of bringing in a better amp for my 2 channel listening. The MC452 seems to be a good value now that it's no longer the current model.

Question. Do McIntosh amps pair well with other pre amps? Or is this it just a wasted Frankenstein? Thanks.


gpixels
bwguy's avatar
bwguy
216 posts
 
My guess is russ69 was referring to the MC 402, which was a few generations ago
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,759 posts
 
That could be. I had one for a couple of months and was disappointed in it too and sold it.
ddude003
161 posts
 
The MC452 is a 450 watt solid state amp... Circa 2015... Quad balanced... With Autoformers... A very nice bit of kit... It is now replaced by the MC462...

You might try a tubed preamp by McIntosh or another manufacturer with it although your current preamp should be fine...

And my MC152 sounds great with my PrimaLuna tubed preamp...
mrklas
441 posts
 
I believe you can have different manufacturers with preamp and amps - not every combination will work though so I'd want to audition before making the decision.

I like the MC 452 and I know there's other amps around the price point worth auditioning.  I'd allow my ears to select the versus matching manufacturers.
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