2. amps-preamps
  3. 175379-170711

C49- or c8 preamp

I currently own an McIntosh c49 and thinking about switching to a tube preamp. I am not able to listen before I buy. I am interested in opinions on which you prefer (c49 or c8). Also any opinions on the McIntosh c2700 or audio research LS28SE Line-Stage would be appreciated. Tho, not sure I want to spend the extra cash to get one of these 

Thx.

Current set up

McIntosh C49, McIntosh mc312, vandersteen treo CT.

 

 

 

 

 

128x128delmatae
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,426 posts
 

Get the Mac pre-amp you want.  There are a ton of Mac dealers. You can probably find a Mac dealer that would love to take your old preamp in trade and let you take home a new tube Mac preamp. 

goducks44
27 posts
 

I would recommend considering the C22.  I just purchased, updated the tubes - amazing. I am using a Levinson No. 333 amp. There pair very well.

overthemoon
416 posts
 

I used to have C2600 - it helped me rediscover my love of music.

The nice thing about the McIntosh preamps is their internal phono stages are solid.  If you go with ARC you'll need a phono stage

heliotrope132
9 posts
 

Have both SS and tubes. To me, the bottom end on the SS Mac like the current C52 is tighter than the C2700 which is great for rock, jazz and blues but the latter seems to have a nice warmth and girth to the sound that the SS model does not have and it really comes through on music material like classical and vocals RnB. Both sound great and I find they shine well on specific types of music. 

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