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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
pratorious
125 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
275 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. 
justjames72's avatar
justjames72
66 posts
 
Thanks for all the feedback and I am only considering buying used from Audio Classics due to budget. $5k is the max I can spend right now and that is stretching it :) 

And yes, I will eventually upgrade speakers.

I currently have the MA6600 I think it sounds lovely. However, I’m just getting the upgrade bug as i’m listening to more and more Vinyl and the MA6600 doesn’t have MC phono stage and I’d rather not have to buy a separate phono preamp, but maybe I will in the mean time.

I don’t have enough cash to do all these upgrades at once, hence why I’m buying used.

Cheers!
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