2. amps-preamps
  3. 125863-85386

Replace C28 with... ?

In my previous thread regarding a power amp, some of you commented that replacing the McIntosh C28 preamp would make a huge difference. However, what was missing was any elaboration how why you made the recommendation, and with what to replace it.

So, let’s get down to it.
McIntosh C28
HiFiBerry DAC+ Pro (Yes, I know... sacrilege, but it’s all I’ve got for now)
Bryston 4BST
Dahlquist DQ10
Polk PSW650 sub

Need guidance from you guys on whether I ought to be looking at SS, Tube or even a Passive unit. Since I have some skill with a soldering iron, I'm not above entertaining the idea of a kit.

I’ve seen the Tortuga LDRx and that concept looks pretty interesting. My worry is that the DQ10s can be a bit aggressive on the high end with that ribbon tweeter, so I’d like to hear your thoughts.

Thanks again in advance!
parabolic
parabolic OP
106 posts
 
Budget is roughly $1000, perhaps a little more depending on the opportunity, but less is better if I can find something great (read: non 'mainstream') or a 'deal' and save money.  I'm only spending that much, because my hope is to sell the C28 when I find something I'll be happy with.

On the upper end, I have my eye on a Krell KRC-3.  It's more than I wanted to spend, but hopefully I won't have to do this again for many years.  Besides, if I were to get something less expensive in the $800-ish range and have to re-cap it, I'm up in that price range anyway.  Then, on the lower end, the Threshold is in the $500-ish range.

Good to know that tube are still being made.  I had visions of spending lots of money for a paperweight if tubes were no longer available.

Narrowing it down to a handful, prices all over the map:
Krell KRC-3
Conrad Johnson PV14L
BAT VK3
Promitheus Reference TVC (not 'mainstream')
Threshold FET1


parabolic OP
106 posts
 
Can anyone comment on the differences between a Krell KRC-3 vs KSP-7B and if you think it'd go well with this system?
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

It's probably a wash between these two.  KSP-7B is from 1990.  KRC-3 is from 1995/96.  The both would need to be re-capped. 

KSP has an external power supply that is easier to recap, and has a phono preamp. 

KRC-3 may have slightly better input stage, not sure.  I would probably lean toward KRC-3. 

parabolic OP
106 posts
 
Hmmm...

So, then if anything high-end that I could afford will be older and would need a $300-ish recap job, there’s some question about whether or not I should be looking at tube units so I could (theoretically) replace them more easily and even experiment with different tubes to change the characteristics to ’tweak’ the unit.

Still on the fence. Cripes.

Maybe I’ll just keep the C28 and buy some good Scotch instead.

Let me re-frame the question.

Given the preamps I listed above (there's also a very nice Threshold FET1 available...), what sort of improvements do you guys think could I expect over the current C28? I have an idea of what I *hope* to hear, but would like to hear your opinions on what changes I can look forward to.
mhztweaker
13 posts
 
I did something similar a few months ago.

I purchased a KRC-3 from eBay in March for roughly $1100 and spent less than $100 for 4 new Neutrik XLRs, 54 Nichicon Muse and ES Audio capacitors from Mouser. The Nichicons are actually an upgrade for this already fine line stage preamp. The orginal KRC-3 cost was $3,000 at introduction and had climbed to $4k by the time it was discontinued. The best way I can describe the "sound" of it is that it has little sound of its own. If the source material has gobs of depth then that is what I hear. The KRC-3 is feeding a McIntosh MC352 amp which powers Martin Logan Prodigy speakers.
A lot of my stuff is used because I want a certain quality but honestly I cannot afford these items new. I built my own PH-16 tube phono stage from Tube4Hifi.com and heavily upgraded it while building it. The PH tube sound is liquid and GLORIOUS!!! It sounds like music.

The BAT VK3 preamp was on my short list as well.

I run Balanced connects from my DAC  (Gustard X20u + Xingster SU-1 DCC). I also am cabled with XLRs to the amp as well.

I really wanted a McIntosh C2300 or C2500 but once again...budget.
I also looked into passive preamps but few ever showed up used and the cost new for a good one in the $2k-$4k range.

http://i988.photobucket.com/albums/af10/MHzTweaker/KRC-3%20Recap.jpghttp://

http://i988.photobucket.com/albums/af10/MHzTweaker/June%2020%20%202016.jpg
More to discover