2. amps-preamps
  3. 146311-124283

Should I replace my Conrad Johnson PV-2 with a McIntosh C-28

Have a chance to buy a Mcintosh C-28 preamp at a good price in excellent condition.  Current set up is Conrad Johnson PV-2 to go with two McIntosh MC2100 as monoblocks driving a pair of Dahlquist dq-10 and a McIntosh MC2105 driving two JBL L100s.  Play mostly vinyl.  Like tubes better, but I will admit it - I am a sucker for the look of the Mcintosh. 

Wondering if anyone out there thinks the C-28 is an upgrade over PV-2?  (dont want to buy it just to try it).  My heart says YES, but my head tells me it will be another piece of gear in my current graveyard of unused gear and I will go back to the CJ.   
fredyl
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
well then, stick with the old stuff then...I sold a bunch of the PV-2 but owned a Premier 3..... no comparison.....back then...
just my $.02

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,833 posts
 
My buddy has a c28, I relamped it for him and cleaned the controls.  I put it in my system and it was pretty good for it's age, it had a recap 5 years ago so it was in good order but I don't think it would better the PV2.   The PV2 was one of tje better sounding preamps of it's day .
fredyl OP
3 posts
 
thanks, decided to stick with PV2
mjcmt's avatar
mjcmt
710 posts
 
You'll never know if you like it better until you live w/ it for a while. If you're able to buy a nice example of the C28 for a good price, you can buy it knowing that in a few months or more you can resell it if it doesn't satisfy while making a few bucks for your trouble. You will also be more experienced and wiser too. Mac synergy is well known, so you may find that it is everything you are hoping for. My 2¢
More to discover