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Can I Pair Audio Reseach Ref 3 w/ the McIntosh MC2505 Poweramp?

Hey there Brothers in Arms,

I already own a McIntosh MC2505 Solid State Power Amp and I'm trying to match this amp with the best tube Preamp I can get. My budget is $4000. I'm currently considering either a McIntosh C2300/ 2500 or the Audio Research Ref 3. I have a good opportunity to buy the ARC Ref 3, but how would this match up with my McIntosh MC2505? Any thoughts? Should I stick with matching Mac with Mac?
reubenruppert
phd
1,319 posts
 
I've owned a few Mac amps in the past and have paired them with other preamp brands, tube and solid state with very good results. The Reference 3 is a very good choice but the Hovland HP 100 may be a better sound and is in your price range if you can find one.
reubenruppert OP
7 posts
 
Enter your text ...Really?  Even better than the ARC? Should I be concerned that I havea vintage Mac Power amp? It has a very warm, tube-like, sound meant to mimic the early tube power amps that Mac originally produced. I hoped a well-matched tube pre and warm sounding solid state power amp could complment each other.
brf
1,715 posts
 
Sorry, IMHO the 2505 is not one of Mac's better efforts.  Matching a high end pre will not make the Mac 2505 any better, but only highlight it's shortcomings. You may taking a big step backwards.
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