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mcintosh c2600 and ma6600 question

My Mcintosh c2600 has just arrived. Still waiting for my c452 amp. Anxious to try it out. 

1. Is it possible to connect Macintosh c 2600 to my ma6600 integrated while I wait for my amp? 
2. Would there be any sonic benefits? Or introducing a 3rd component would degrade the signal from my source? 
3. If indeed possible, how would I actually do it? Which volume control should I be using? I have an mcd550 as a source. 
4. Are there any dangers in doing this? 
5. I also have a krell kav500 amp, would  this make a good pairing with c2600? Speakers are VA Mozart. 
ei001h
justjames72's avatar
justjames72
66 posts
 
Mike at Audioclassics suggested I trade in the MA6600 for a C47/MC275 combo saying that would be a big improvement. What do you think?
ei001h OP
290 posts
 
Depends on your speakers. If you’re going the tube route then why not go fully tube and get a tube preamp as well. I’d go for the new C70 or C2600. A C22 would be a nice match to mc275, buy I think they discontinued the line. Whats does the rest of your system look like? 
justjames72's avatar
justjames72
66 posts
 
Speakers are B&W 702s2 

Metrum Ambre- Streamer
Metrum Onyx- Dac
Project Debut Carbon Espirit- Will be upgrading to Rega P6 very soon

And yes , C2600 is an option as well, it will just depend on how much this all costs. Audioclassics quoted me at $5k for MA6600 trade it for C47/MC275 combo.

I initially wanted to try c2500/c2600 with the integrated to see how I liked it, but your experience is leaning me away from that. I would eventually sell MA6600 for a power amp of some sort if I did go the C2600 route.


pratorious
128 posts
 
I agree with Mike at Audioclassics but I always agree with Mike at Audioclassics.

I also agree you should consider the new C70 since its an all analog design and you don't need a built in DAC with your Metrum. Of course, if you go with the MC275 you will be pining for your blue meters so you might consider a C70/SS amp combo if you decide to trade the MA6600.

I recently traded in my C42 for the new C70 and I am pairing it with an MC2205. I am loving the sound and after a few weeks of testing it has now replaced my EAR 834P phono stage.
ei001h OP
290 posts
 
I sold my ma6600 for 3k here. If you’re buying brand new Mcintosh from a dealer you should get at least 15% off MSRP, at absolute minimum.
If I was in your situation, I’d go for an all tube system and a preamp without a dac (c22, c70)
you won’t regret it.
Keep in mind that if you get the aforementioned Mcintosh system, you’ll end up with amplification that would outmatch your speakers by a long shot. You’ll eventually want to upgrade your speakers to BW803D3 or similar to let your amps really shine. Ideally you should optimize your speakers prior to upgrading your amp/pre. This was the mistake I made, I had a 15k system driving 2.5k speakers. When I finally got my SF
Elipsa se, I was able to get the most out of my amps. I found that ideal ratio of money spent on amp to speakers should be 1:4. Thus, for your speakers I'd just get a integrated amp for now until you're ready to upgrade your speakers. 
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