2. amps-preamps
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Preamp with tone controls?

Hi guys,

I need help choosing a used preamp to match with a pair of Bryston 7B ST's driving a pair of Bowers and Wilkins Nautilus 801 speakers. I was thinking maybe a Mcintosh C-220 or similar as I think a tube would warm up the sound a little and I will definitely be wanting tone controls. I will consider any high end brand. I'm not sure if the Mcintosh will be outdoing the rest of my system but I do like the idea of a tube with tone controls and I love the VU meters and the overall look of the Mc's. My system is set up in a loft room with an angled ceiling on both sides that I have recently treated with some homemade acoustic panels filled with Rockwool and covered with Cara fabric. Most of what I play still sounds a little bright. The preamp must definitely have tone controls.
I'm not sure what the Mcintosh will cost but my ideal my budget is around the £2000 mark. By the way I'm based in the UK
Thank you in advance for any suggestions.
woody24
response34's avatar
response34
169 posts
 
I would also recommend Audio Classics. I am a few miles down the road from them (literally) and as mentioned, they are great people to work with.
They are probably the largest Mac dealer in the world and deal with all corners of the globe. It wouldnt hurt to at least see what they have or recommend.
timlub
2,039 posts
 
I've recommended this before, its a great preamp. Your budget is close, not sure if someone will give one up or not..
Spread Spectrum Technology Ambrosia
Used usually goes $2500 to $3500 USD (I've only seen $2500 once, $3500 seems to be the price)
Wonderful product
bo1972's avatar
bo1972
2,789 posts
 
I sold my 800S in the past to a person with the 7B ST. The control was very good, but the Bryston still has his own sound. I think I would go for a Pass Labs X.5 series amp to replace it for the Bryston. Sell the Bryston and use the extra money for the Pass. The Pass is in every aspect a better amp.
whitecap
121 posts
 
The C220 could indeed do the trick. I suggest do some tube rolling to address your brightness issue (and also room mods, but it seems you have that covered). Tone controls are convenient to have, but they will mask, not address, your fundamental issue. Find the right tube/system synergy in front of your SS amps, and my guess is you will rarely use the tone controls. That said, with the McIntosh gear, you often get both options to play with. And, another nod here to AudioClassics.
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
Bo, in what way is the Pass Labs a better amp than Bryston? I'm strongly considering upgrading from Bryston to Pass Labs too.
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