2. amps-preamps
  3. 175809-166561

Best upgrade: amp or pre-amp?

Of course, it depends...

So here is my setup:

  • Amp: McIntosh MC7100
  • Pre-amp: McIntosh C712
  • Others: Focal Sopra 1 and Bluesound Node

I was thinking to upgrade to an integrated (McIntosh, Hegel or Pass Labs are on top of my list), but I might decide to go for the long game: get the best amp/pre-amp for the same budget as the integrated (max 10k CAD) and update the other half later, in 5 years-ish..

So I'm open to suggestion! But remember a suggested a pre-amp, must match the MC7100 and an amp must match the C712 as I plan you have them together for a little while.

Thanks for the hive mind. I realize this is a tricky question!

papyneau
papyneau OP
31 posts
 

@rocray : There the itch, but the amp/pre-amp are are borrowed long-term to a friend so I want to get my own gear. I'm not in actively in the hobby for a long time, so it's hard to me to articulate "what I want to achieve sonically". I must say the setup I have amazed me every time I'm listening to it, but I'm realistic: it can certainly be better! I listen to jazz, blues, female signer, piano, pop and the occasional edm. Not into rock/hard-rock/punk /metal.

@erik_squires : I considered Luxman, but from what I read (never listen to them), Luxman is very clean/analytical and I fear with the Sopra that share similar attributes, it might be too much. I realize I might be totally wrong.  

  

erik_squires
16,056 posts
 

I considered Luxman, but from what I read (never listen to them), Luxman is very clean/analytica

I would never in a million years use those terms.  Listen for yourself.

bigtex22's avatar
bigtex22
84 posts
 

I’d consider an integrated amplifier.  You’ll get more bang for your buck.  If you’re comfortable sharing a budget, I’m sure folks could better help with suggestions.

webking185's avatar
webking185
195 posts
 

@erik_squires +1 here. Luxman is a superior made product and will probably be and end game integrated Amp.

yyzsantabarbara
4,810 posts
 

If the Focal has Beryllium drivers, then to my ears, the KRELL K-300i integrated will be an upgrade. The K-300i is a single box with optional internal DAC and ROON READY. This unit is a killer piece. I sold my recently only because I bought the KRELL Duo 175XD stereo amp in the same lineup.

The used amp listed below is what I wanted to buy but I could not make the money work, so I ended up getting the lower powered KRELL 175XD instead.

Krell DUO 300 XD | Solid state | Covina, California 91724 | Audiogon

I am not sure how this would work with your MAC preamp, but even a $2500 Benchmark LA4 would work great with that used KRELL Dou 300XD and the Focal. I know because I tried the 175XD with the LA4 preamp.

Though for the sake of simplicity and sound the K-300i is my fav integrated amp. I considered the Luxman 509x but the K-300i was more to my tastes. It sounded smoother (90 watts Class A) and had good bass power. You will not get fatigue with the KRELL. There is a recent thread on this integrated amp.

BTW - Luxman is not analytical. It is warmer than the KRELL I am recommending.

 

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