2. amps-preamps
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Vandersteen 2ces, McCormack 0.5 and which pre-amp

Vandersteen 2ces and a McCormack 0.5 amp seems like a pretty popular combination among people on this forum. So, my question for the Vandersteen 2ce/McCormack 0.5 people is, which pre-amp are you using with this combination and why? I mostly listen to classical and opera, am currently using a Rotel integrated amp as a pre-amp and am thinking about making the move to a pre-amp. I play CDs only.
davetroy
narrod
1,064 posts
 
Being CD only I recommend either a quality passive volume control or a CD player with volume control. No preamp is better than no preamp.
jamnperry
123 posts
 
I use the Modwright. Great preamp and will really bring out the best in the McCormack and Vandy's. There's some really good deals here now. (No, not selling or affiliated). I've had a few preamps and the Modwright is the keeper and best I've had or could afford.
soundwatts
221 posts
 
How about a nice tube preamp like a Conrad Johnson pv12 or audio research?
beheme
231 posts
 
McCormack TLC in passive mode of course! $350 and what you get is extra clean "no-sound" preamp that can be used active (buffered) if needed.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
Even if you play only CDs, a step up in pre amp quality is going to bring you much greater satisfaction to the music listening experience. As Soundwatts suggests, a Conrad Johnson PV12 or similar model will amaze you by what you will hear as a far as depth of soundstage, extension and detail go.
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