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McIntosh Preamps

I have a pair of Sonus Faber Grand Piano Home speakers (about 18 years old and in fine shape) and an old NAD RECEIVER (about 30 years old) that recently went kaput!

The NAD never allowed me to listen to the full potential of the Grand Pianos, so I want to power the speakers to their peak.  Specs say they are rated up to 200 watts.  I have a friend who has offered to sell me his McIntosh MC452 power amp (450 watts).  It is way more than I need at the moment, but it might be good to build on into the future.

I cannot afford NEW McIntosh equipment, so if I purchase it, I have to find a suitably matched USED pre-amp.  What preamp model from McIntosh would best match the 452.(assuming I could find a used one in good condition)?  

mr04654
elliottbnewcombjr
5,529 posts
 

I want to encourage you to upgrade your speakers, then change equipment.

IF you keep efficiency in mind when selecting speakers, then you would never need that much power.

One day, you will want to try tubes, perhaps both preamp and amp or integrated tube unit. Efficient speakers will be your friend then as well.

It’s about smaller: cost, unit size, unit weight, heat produced, placement options, it all makes a difference, including number and length of cables.

As for recommended preamp, I absolutely love my McIntosh mx110z tube tuner/preamp from the 1960’s, recently overhauled by Audio Classics.

http://www.berners.ch/McIntosh/en/MX110.htm

It's MM Phono (2 inputs) stage sounds terrific, I use a SUT for MC, and I get remote volume from the amp.

 

oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 

I have a lot of Mac gear. I like all the old stuff, the issue for me is the remote. :-)

 

I like my C2500, Yup. Love that remote

 

Regards

nosualc
99 posts
 

I have a C2600 with that amp. I bought it as a demo for a fairly reasonable price. A C2500 or C2700 would also work nicely. All are relatively new and commonly available. 

Post removed 
mrklas
441 posts
 

Any McIntosh preamp will be a good match for the MC 452 and there are a lot of non-McIntosh stuff that would work as well.

What are your sources?  And do you prefer solid state or tube?

The C2600 I bought as a demo was awesome - tube preamp with phono stage and DAC.  There's also solid state preamps like the C47 that are an option.

Good luck in your journey.

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