Tube pre-amp upgrade from Mcintosh C2300

Tube rolling - let me save you some time. For the C2300 get some Psvane Treasures from Grant Fidleity (Ian Grant) OR some Gold Lion reissues (Jim McShane). I must have tried 10 different sets of tubes (Amperex, Mullard, Telefunken, Mazda, Sovtek, etc.) and the best have been the two mentioned above. The C2300 is a great preamp and using with your MC402 should lend great results. I use mine with a MC252 and looking fwd to upgrading to the MC402 (if I can find a NIB leftover) or MC452. Don't give up on the Mc. Tubes will require some burn in time - be patient.

You'll have to roll the C500T if you want the best out it. If you don't want to tube roll, and ARC and Shindo don't need it, audition those two brands, choose one, and be done. Sounds like you've pretty much answered your own question.

Yxlei, I'm with you - I am tired of changing cables too - I am so done with that. Good luck with your decision on a new preamp, I am about 1 year behind you.

I put late '50's vintage RCA's in my c2300....WOW!!!