Wow, thanks for the replies. I heard the C26 has the variable loudness control for low level listening and the 28 does not have that feature.
With the C26, even though it has the leads you don't have to run the speakers from it?
The C28 has a loudness type function. I'm not sure if mine has issues, but I've read it's for low volume level, but when I switch mine on, it makes it sound really muddy. I turn the volume very low, and it sounds ok. That may just be how it's suppose to be?
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On the C-26, you don't have to route your speakers thru the preamp if you don't want to. This completely separate speaker switching function is only useful if you regularly switch between multiple sets of speakers. You can hook it up to your power amp, and run your speakers directly from the power amp. You do not lose any function of the C-26 except speaker switching.
Roger that. I was totally surprised by this result after having read the shade thrown at it in this thread. Of course, mine might've already had the problems fixed prior to my acquiring it. There was an intermittent connection on an output lamp, but that was easy to fix.....I have a C28 and have tried it against 5 other preamps (both SS and tube). It is still sitting in the center of my system because nothing has knocked it off yet.
I dont want to like it, I would rather have something there that is more, say, "fun" that's tubed, but I just havent found it yet.
like I said, it isn't bad as far as how it sounds, it's just that Mac made better ones you can get for a small increase in the amount of money spent. fewer issues to contend with.
Mc preamps beginning with the C30 used sealed potentiometers to alleviate this problem. It didn't, but they're far better.
That proves correct through my experience of the C33. The volume knob and source switches seem bulletproof, which is a joy. I sometimes get a little noise when using the balance control, and less often when using the EQ knobs. In both cases turning the knobs through their ranges several times seems to take care of the problem for a while. At some point I'll open the case again and carefully clean the potentiometers. Meanwhile, it's barely an annoyance. Best preamp controls I've experienced yet.
Thanks, still debating whether to go separate of simple integrated. Their preamps have so many controls, 90% of which I don't use.