Thoughts on adding a McIntosh C12000 preamp to my AVM90 Home Theater Processor....


I currently use an Anthem AVM90 processor for my 2 channel music as well as my 5.1 Home Theater.  I know some people use a premium 2 channel preamps such as the beautiful McIntosh C1200 for 2 channel audio.  To be honest I'm very happy with the improvement in audio quality when I upgraded my home theater processor from an AVM60 to the AVM90, but I'm considering the C12000 route for music.  

Anyone have experience or thoughts on this - or is it just adding cost/complexity for minimal if any benefit?

Any advice appreciated!

128x128whitesarhara

You know in this game you hear what you want to hear, I believe it clearly sounds better - would more intelligent people without the love of gear?  Not sure, but its only my ears that matter!

@whitesarhara .. ha … the forums are so filled with haters and their sine waves (smile) .. so I hear you. After all, confirmation bias still means we gain something from the experience right?

Thanks for the info and sharing. Appreciate it. A C12000 it is to round out the system.

My only last dive will be power. I have a “hum” in my mid on the Amatis with the monoblocks which is driving me mad. Have tried high end Audience Front Row, iFi and a range of other power cables .. bought a Niagara 5000 with their high end cable .. tried direct into the wall and on and on .. and still there.

Just came across this “mad” dialogue on lithium batteries .. where he reviewed a $20K Stromtank vs a “get it at Amazon” Goal One Yeti …. And the reviews are mad.

How this discussion is not everywhere is perplexing.

 https://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0119/Goal_Zero_Yeti_400_Lithium_Portable_Power_Station_Review.htm

 

Interesting you have "hum" - we virtually have the same system and mine is dead quiet. I use a Niagara 5000, but to be honest I don’t think I’d have a problem if I removed it. Whether I’m using the 2 Channel system with the C12000 or the home theater system with the AVM90 w/"passthrough" of the C12000 - same, quiet! Same amps, same speakers. I am using AQ Pegasus interconnects and AQ Thunderbird Zero/Bass cables - but that would have nothing to do with hum being introduced to your system...

Good luck figuring that out.... maybe a PS Audio regenerator??