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
ryder
1,690 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
1,690 posts
 

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

 

ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 

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.

$ ≠ SQ.

For the googolth time, it's a system: Change one thing, change everything.

webking185's avatar
webking185
204 posts
 

@erik_squires , I heard Luxman and I knew it was for me.  The L590AX MKII sounds spectacular.  It will be a rare gem down the line if it is not already, especially if they decide to stop making Class A.

papyneau OP
31 posts
 

Thanks all for you suggestions. I finally decided to pull the trigger...

I got the Luxman L-509X, second hand but like new. 

It is something... 🤩

It's a significant leap from what I had and I love it. The sound is so pure, so detailed I can believe my ears! It's a bit brighter that the mac, but in a good way. And the sound persist a bit longer so it feel more warm.

Again, thanks for the advices on the good match with the Focal. I audition it before I bought it (it was a very nice audiophile that live 1h drive from where I am) but the system and the room was completely different, so that was a part of the transaction that was a leap of faith that I did because of the consistent advice on that good match (here and other forums).

So I'll probably come less often on this site because I must admit, it gets expensive!!

Cheers,

- Papyneau

 

 

 

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