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C-24 Preamp

drillher

drillher

Super Member
I am going to look at a C-24 preamp.in working condition.I am going to use it with a MC-250 after my Cizek Model 2 speakers are re-foamed.I have not seen any posts on the C-24 preamps.Are they decent preamps?The seller wants 300.00 for it.Thanks,
David
 
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The first gen C-24 does not get much respect from the Mc crowd. It is am okay preamp. Expect top spend some dollars going through the caps if not already done. Unless I really wanted a vintage Mc system I'd pass and spend a few dollars more for a C28 that was considered by most to be the first Mc level preamp or on the late successor to the C-26, the C-27 that seems to get no notice whatsoever or the C29 that replaced the C-28. Some are reporting the C-26 to be satisfying after having them gone through but again not quite up to the 28, 27 and 29.

For $300 you can get some really nice preamps. For that price I'd prefer the Philips Lab Series as it is a heck of a preamp.

The MC250 will show up the limitations of a preamp and is worthy of getting as good a front end as possible. I used mine with my C28 for 30+ years and sidelined it only for the big brother MC2105. It really opened up with the Philips that seemed like instead of listening to the music through a window to moving me outdoors where the music was.
 
Thanks for the information.I would like to eventually buy a tube preamp.I am thinking about a Hagerman or Bottlehead kit eventually.If I buy the C-24,do you think that I would be able to re-sell it in a year or so when I get or build something better?Thanks again for that information.
David
 
I've not followed the pricing of equipment for the most part, especially as to MC as I'm so satisfied with what I already have. Probably the thing to do is check the you know where site for completed auctions and places like Audio Classics. My gut is that the price might be a bit high and you may not recapture the final investment especially if you have to recap or do other things with it to get it to spec.
 
You might find that the MC250 is about as 'tube' sounding an amp as you'll find. Recapping it would be my first order of business (whether you do it or send along to someone like Terry DeWick). Based on design and construction, I would recommend the C29. Has the discrete resisitive volume control (quiet) and endless opportunity for upgrades (coupling caps and op-amps). That is the preamp inside the MX117 that I've grown quite fond of. And it generally sells for considerably less than the C28. Also, you might want to look at the MX114 (there was one one on eBay this morning), which is a mix of the MR73/74 and C26. It is a great sounding piece (sold mine when I got the MX117 - very close between the two) and gets you an excellent FM tuner in the bargain. The older MX-11X models generally sell for much less than the preamps for some reason, and they are excellent and will respond to a recap and alignment just like the separate pieces will.
 
Thanks again.I should probably pass on the C-24 and just use the MC-250 with my CD player until I buy a higher grade preamp.
David
 
I wouldnt be so quick to dismiss the C24 altogether. If you can get it for a good price you may be pleased. I've got a C24/MC2505 combo and its a nice little setup.

Yes the C24 was improved upon with each succeeding generation (C26, C28, C32) but we're still talking Mac here which means it will outperform 95% of anything else out there (my very biased opinion).

Plus the C24 has that cool retro look leftover from the tube preamps... will look great with your MC250.
 
too much. I bought mine a few years back for $150 and then put another $300 into a total restro.
 
I bought the C-24 for 250.00.I probably paid too much,but I hope to use it until I buy another preamp. or perhaps build a kit tube preamp eventually.My speakers are stilll being re-foamed,so it will be another week before I can listen to the Mc-250 and the C-24.
David
 
Most likely recoup your $$ if/when you decide to move on. Since you have a week, unless you know that the controls (pots and switches) have had a shot of Deoxit, you might want to do to insure all the oxides are cleaned off the wiper/contact surfaces. I also like to spray a bit of ProGold (another Caig product) in a Q-tip and go around the RCAs to clean them. Same on the RCAs and screw terminals on the MC250. Enjoy!!
 
Thanks for that information.The seller sprayed all of the pots and switches,but I should buy those products to have since the old controls will probably need a shot from time to time.
David
 
The volume control is a bit noisy in the C-24.I can spray it again,but am wondering how to go about finding a replacement ganged pot...
David
 
drillher said:
The volume control is a bit noisy in the C-24.I can spray it again,but am wondering how to go about finding a replacement ganged pot...
David
Click to expand...
Sometimes the source of noise on a pot is DC voltage getting to it because of a leaky capacitor. Replacing the capacitors before and after the pot will often clear up the noise problem.
 
I have been in this hobby for 45 yrs and one thing I have found is, dont buy a piece to save money. In the long run you wont, because if that piece doesn't have a good rep. you wont be able to sell it or you would sell it for less than you bought it for. Always buy a piece that has a good rep. one that is popular and people want. It will be easyer to sell and mite go up in price as demand goes up. Just something to concider:thmbsp:
 
The leaky caps sounds like a possibility.I have good soldering skills and only a basic electronics background.I think that I could change out some or all of the caps.,but don't know where to start.
David
 
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