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
pesky_wabbit's avatar
pesky_wabbit
1,183 posts
 

agree, get rid of both and buy a decent integrated. There‘s lots to choose from, some good ones have already been mentioned. If you aren‘t after big power the Leben CS600 is pretty special.

papyneau OP
31 posts
 

@erik_squires & @webking185 : ll fair points on the Luxman. I need to listen to it to forge a real opinion. I know it is very-well regarded. 

@yyzsantabarbara . Yes, the Sopra have Beryllium tweeter, and the Krell K-300i is one I definitely have my eyes on as well. 

Thanks all for your suggestion so far. Your feedback make me realize my initial tough of replacing both pieces by a good integrated was the right one. I'll add the Krell and Luxman to my short list. But if I got down the integrated route, the MA8950 would be the default contender as I'm very please with SQ of my mac gear.

Evaluating alternatives (Krell, Luxman, Hegel or Pass Labs) is always tricky for the usual reasons: not available to test in Montreal areal, different speakers, different room, ... I wish it exist a service to test any gear at home for two weeks, even for a fee!

 

 

 

webking185's avatar
webking185
204 posts
 

@papyneau , McIntosh MA8950 is a fine choice.  Figure you have this brand already and would like to try something else.  I think the Luxman is a better match for the Focal Sopra 1.  Maybe you can demo in stores?  If I had to choose, Luxman for sure, either the 509 or 590.  The 590 is on my list for sure.

erik_squires
16,398 posts
 

OP:
 

I don't want to bias you too much, but there was another recent thread on Mc vs. Luxman here as well.  Listen for yourself, but of all the possible comments I could see thrown at Luxman, analytical or cold are not the one's I'd use.  Certainly not what I'd buy either. :)

Best,

 

Erik

overthemoon
444 posts
 

@papyneau If you are in Quebec.  I highly suggest you include Moon by Simaudio in your comparison.  

I have owned Mc amplification and when it was time to get more power I compared McIntosh & Moon - I was comparing MC 462 to Moon 330A.

I went with Moon because I thought the sound was more dynamic and detail presentation was better. 

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