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  3. 170719-158255

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
ghasley
2,499 posts
 

@mr04654 Why pay Mac for an average (thats being generous) dac? Why not stick to your separates are better strategy?

mrklas
441 posts
 

I think you will be pleased with the MC312. I have the MC 302 and it's very satisfying. 
 

I would consider an external DAC/streamer.  
 

And enjoy your new system 

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,887 posts
 

Nice stuff, I was playing with a C49 the other day..   I contacted  McIntosh .  Got a nice reply from Chuck Hinton of McIntosh .    He told me they are working two shifts , 6 days a week !!!   So be patient they are working hard to crank out those babies.  Enjoy

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,914 posts
 

Enjoy in good health ;-) i write this as i listen to a seriously upgraded 1961 MC240 ....sublime fun....

steve59's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
steve59
1,778 posts
 

Bump, my c49 comes with the da1 and I’m going to enjoy it until some current owners can tell me the difference. I’m not from the bits is bits camp but since the highest rez I can stream is 24/192 and the module isn’t going anywhere why rush? Talk to your dealer also, since mac is so rigid about pricing ( I heard a local dealer lost the line for getting caught offering 15% discount!!) I would ask for trade value for the da1, worst case they say no.

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