2. amps-preamps
  3. 175809-166561

Best upgrade: amp or pre-amp?

Of course, it depends...

So here is my setup:

  • Amp: McIntosh MC7100
  • Pre-amp: McIntosh C712
  • Others: Focal Sopra 1 and Bluesound Node

I was thinking to upgrade to an integrated (McIntosh, Hegel or Pass Labs are on top of my list), but I might decide to go for the long game: get the best amp/pre-amp for the same budget as the integrated (max 10k CAD) and update the other half later, in 5 years-ish..

So I'm open to suggestion! But remember a suggested a pre-amp, must match the MC7100 and an amp must match the C712 as I plan you have them together for a little while.

Thanks for the hive mind. I realize this is a tricky question!

papyneau
yyzsantabarbara
4,909 posts
 

If the Focal has Beryllium drivers, then to my ears, the KRELL K-300i integrated will be an upgrade. The K-300i is a single box with optional internal DAC and ROON READY. This unit is a killer piece. I sold my recently only because I bought the KRELL Duo 175XD stereo amp in the same lineup.

The used amp listed below is what I wanted to buy but I could not make the money work, so I ended up getting the lower powered KRELL 175XD instead.

Krell DUO 300 XD | Solid state | Covina, California 91724 | Audiogon

I am not sure how this would work with your MAC preamp, but even a $2500 Benchmark LA4 would work great with that used KRELL Dou 300XD and the Focal. I know because I tried the 175XD with the LA4 preamp.

Though for the sake of simplicity and sound the K-300i is my fav integrated amp. I considered the Luxman 509x but the K-300i was more to my tastes. It sounded smoother (90 watts Class A) and had good bass power. You will not get fatigue with the KRELL. There is a recent thread on this integrated amp.

BTW - Luxman is not analytical. It is warmer than the KRELL I am recommending.

 

rocray's avatar
rocray
1,448 posts
 

Why not stay with Mac gear? 

overthemoon
425 posts
 

My initial impression is first step if preamp or amp is the amp.  And depending on your budget there are some excellent integrated amps

The second thought I have is if you can listen to different manufacturers.  All pieces are slightly different.  I've owned and love McIntosh.  I also appreciate other brands both SS and tubes. 

pesky_wabbit's avatar
pesky_wabbit
1,183 posts
 

agree, get rid of both and buy a decent integrated. There‘s lots to choose from, some good ones have already been mentioned. If you aren‘t after big power the Leben CS600 is pretty special.

papyneau OP
31 posts
 

@erik_squires & @webking185 : ll fair points on the Luxman. I need to listen to it to forge a real opinion. I know it is very-well regarded. 

@yyzsantabarbara . Yes, the Sopra have Beryllium tweeter, and the Krell K-300i is one I definitely have my eyes on as well. 

Thanks all for your suggestion so far. Your feedback make me realize my initial tough of replacing both pieces by a good integrated was the right one. I'll add the Krell and Luxman to my short list. But if I got down the integrated route, the MA8950 would be the default contender as I'm very please with SQ of my mac gear.

Evaluating alternatives (Krell, Luxman, Hegel or Pass Labs) is always tricky for the usual reasons: not available to test in Montreal areal, different speakers, different room, ... I wish it exist a service to test any gear at home for two weeks, even for a fee!

 

 

 

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