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
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antigrunge2
1,401 posts
 

Since you are talking of updating: move to Class D amplification with either a Legacy or Atmasphere amp. Feed directly from a DAC with a decent output stage and forget about the preamp.

ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 

When I listened to the Sopra, it was love at first sight.

I knew it couldn't be the sound. 😏

ryder
1,689 posts
 

This is just my personal opinion. Solely on sound quality, separates only have the advantage if the speakers are a difficult load (big power or current requirement). Nowadays high quality integrateds costing up to $20k or more are capable of stellar performance, surpassing the quality of separates in the same price range. There are many great sounding integrateds in the $10k mark thereabouts.

My experience is only limited to integrateds costing up to $10k. The sound quality of the $9k integrated which I currently own actually surpassed the performance of the costlier separates costing up to $15k, which I also own.

In summary, in my book you need to spend considerably more to beat the performance of a good integrated amp. If the integrated costs $10k, you may need to spend 20k or more to beat it. A $10k separates will likely sound worse or inferior to a $10k integrated amp.

ryder
1,689 posts
 

3rd or 4th Erik Squires. The integrated that I have is a Luxman.

 

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