2. amps-preamps
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Preamp Shopping - Parasound, ML, McIntosh

I am looking to replace my MiniDSP SHD with an Analog preamp. Trying to keep well under $7k - contenders are Parasound JC2, Mark Levinson No. 5206, McIntosh C49. RE: the JC2 - I know that I would also have to get a DAC and Phono Pre to have "apples to apples" here, but I can get by with my current DAC and phono pre for a bit if I went that route.

Current components are as follows:

  1. Revel F226be speakers
  2. SVS 3000 Micro sub
  3. Parasound A21+ power amp
  4. Denon DCD-1700NE SACD / CD Player
  5. Parasound XRM Phono Preamp
  6. JVC QL-A7 Turntable with AT VM540ML Cart
  7. Streaming with Roon (Tidal and Qobuz) as well as DSD and FLAC files on my NAS

Essentially, I want DSD Capability (SHD does not support DSD), and do NOT want to digitize / sample my analog sources. With MiniDSP, everything is converted to digital @ 96khz. I love the convenience of the SHD, but I am hearing some artifacts / popping at certain bitrates using Roon and feel that I am not getting the most out of my analog sources. Also, I thought I would have a transformative experience with Dirac Live as my listening room is "complicated", but I wind up preferring the sound without Dirac, despite innumerable measurements taken. Same goes for bass management- I thought it was a must, but am loving the sound with my Revel speakers fullrange and the lowpass on the sub itself set to 55hz or so.

The Mark Levinson 5206 pre is especially tempting right now due to the large discounts - however that gives me pause. I see very few reviews on this and very few discussions about it on the forums. Is there a performance / quality / reliability issue with this model? Anyone have experience with it? It is also the most expensive of my current options.

I think I understand both the Parasound JC2 and the McIntosh C49. But I would like to hear if people are having any issues with the DA1 DAC in the C49 with ROON.

Also - I assume that the Phono pre in either the Mark Levinson or the McIntosh will be better than my Parasound XRM. Is that a correct assumption?

jazzman999
jheppe815
60 posts
 

I can only speak to the C49 preamp, but one feature (which I'm sure you are aware of) is that the DAC (DA1 in this instance) can be swapped out as technology changes. I have two McIntosh units with both current modular DACs (DA1 and DA2) and they are good sounding DACs.

There is something to be said for synergy between components.  Might the Parasound preamp be a nice match for your current Parasound amp and phono pre?

 

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,531 posts
 

There is a used Mac C2700 on for $5800, now that's a great deal on a fantastic preamp, DAC2 board installed as well so that covers your DAC needs and has ARC input if you want to integrate your TV into the system.  Tube though but preamp tubes last for a long time. 2 x phono stages as well as more inputs/outputs then you'll ever need. 

I have one and am very happy with its performance and build quality/ functionality. 

laaudionut
246 posts
 

Aric Audio Motherlode. I cannot recommend him, and his wonderful tube gear, more highly! Call him and I can almost guarantee you will have him build one for you. And you will be within budget...

yyzsantabarbara
4,571 posts
 

The CODA 07x is a tubey preamp. It is a bit noisier than I am accustomed to so I sold it. I have a CODA #16 amp so this was a surprising move by me.

The Schitt Mjolnir is my headphone preamp but works with 2-channel. I find this one way better than the Schitt Freya+ that I sold. The Mjolnir is not uber detailed but a really fun listen.

The Benchmark LA4 is my reference preamp (Livingroom with #16). I love this one.

My other reference is my office preamp, Holo Serene. Love this one too. Very similar to the LA4 with a touch more warmth.

I would not trade the LA4 or Serene for any preamp at any absurd cost. I want a preamp to not add to the sound (too much). The Mjolnir does add to the sound, and it is great for short periods. For long-term, I need the LA4 or Serene.

 

steve59's avatar
steve59
1,665 posts
 

The A21 is built so well at its price, but it isn’t neutral and added an obvious chestiness to recordings in my system. Revel speakers, especially the newer ones can present a load and the a21 does drive them easily, but when I had the A21 driving my revel salon 1 with a classe pre (can’t remember model) they were handily outmatched by a hegel H360. Today I would look at a used H390 for the newer dac, but a mac c49 retails for the same as a h390 and with the a21 anchoring the system will still leave you short of your goal.

 

Sorry, just reread op and saw the + on the a21 and cannot speak to the new model.

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