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Will McIntosh C2600 tube preamp solve my problem?

I'm a newby, having resurfaced to hifi after 35 years of raising a family and all the expenses associated with that.  I recently purchased B&W 802 D3 speakers because I loved their clarify and crisp high-end sound.  Soon after, my 35 year-old Adcom amp died so I replaced it with the Rotel RB-1590 that I have paired with my 35 year-old Rotel preamp.  The sound is very good, but I'm looking to warm it up a bit.  My weak link is my preamp and a local McIntosh dealer recommended the C2600.  Due to my lack of knowledge, I'm clueless of tubes versus solid state and even more uninformed of how the C2600 would pair with my Rotel amp.  Any advise would be helpful.  And please, keep it as simple as possible.
rickbyrd
freediver
1,033 posts
 
Welcome back...My first recommendation is sell the amp,put the funds together and get yourself a good Tube Integrated Amplifier!For your speakers I would say something from Primaluna,Rogue Audio,VTL(IT85) or Cary(SLI80)...
Unless you have a big system & need lots of inputs you save space & eliminate an I/C & power cord...
Ag insider logo xs@2x
greginnh
382 posts
 
+1
rhljazz
1,250 posts
 
I don’t think a tube integrated is a good match for 802D3’s, and especially for someone who purchased said speakers for their crisp highs.

The C2600 is $7K.  The review from Enjoythemusic.com noted that the C2600 was limited at both frequency extremes.  So, probably not the right tool for what you want to do. However, if the dealer will let you try before you buy, why not!

Do you really need a dac included?  That’s part of the price of the C2600.

Do you only want new, or open to purchasing used?  How about other features such as a remote, phono stage, true balanced outputs?

What are your listening levels and music preferences?  With a lot more information, I and others may be able to assist.


tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 
The C2600 will likely warm things up a little. Does the dealer offer a return policy? Is this the same dealer where you purchased the B&W’s? and the Rotel? One of the higher powered McIntosh integrated amps would be a great idea, however I cannot recommend an all tube integrated amp. The measurements and comments in Stereophile’s review of the 803 D3 suggest it is a demanding load and not suited for a tube power amp.
rickbyrd OP
7 posts
 
All good questions.  Yes, I'm open to used.  And yes, good suggestion to "demo" the C2600--I'll ask.  You ask about dac, yet sorry, not exactly sure what that is (I was serious about being limited in knowledge--much has changed in 35 years). No need for phono stage.  Don't know what "true balanced outputs" are......  Listening levels are low to medium and I listen to 70s classic rock, jazz, some contemporary musicians with strong vocals like Adele, Bareilles, Norah Jones, Krall--a wide variety of interest, but nothing heavy and loud. 
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