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C33 and MC225

audiomaniac

audiomaniac

Active Member
I'm curious if a C33 would work well with a MC225. I've been using an MX110 but no longer use the FM Tuner and I like the flexability of the C33 plus it has the headphone amp. I can't go for the new tube stuff right now (too $$$$). I've also considered a C40 and wonder how it compares to the C33. Thanks!
 
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I can't speak to the 33/225 combo but I know it would be very difficult for me to split up my 110/225 combo....just TOO sweet.

Can't you get a headphone pre to plug into the 110?? Or am I off base here since I don't listen through phones? Does such a "box" exist??
 
Yes, you can get an outboard headphone amp. But good ones will cost several hundred dollars and upward toward $1k.
 
IMHO, the MC225 and C33 are pretty far apart in vintage. The C33 is a VERY flexible preamp with its own built-in 20w/20w power amp (headphone amp) of sufficient quality to drive speakers for low level/background listening. It has a 30Hz EQ pot that can be used somewhat for speaker deep-bass compensation, and a 10kHz EQ pot for rolling off material with harsh treble energy. After some recent upgrades here, the C33 seems to sound warm. Will be cabling in the C26 (a downgrade) just for comparison sake this weekend. Not wanting to hijack this discussion, but I'd be interested in some opinions on upgrading from the C33 to a C40.

If you decide go ahead with a C33 or C40, you'll likely end up with a new POWER amp to match, and then re-mating the MX110 and MC225. Few have regretted buying more Mc but many have regretted selling. :)

-Gregory
 
audiomaniac said:
I'm curious if a C33 would work well with a MC225. I've been using an MX110 but no longer use the FM Tuner and I like the flexability of the C33 plus it has the headphone amp. I can't go for the new tube stuff right now (too $$$$). I've also considered a C40 and wonder how it compares to the C33. Thanks!
Click to expand...

I've got a C40 and I think it's a great pre-amp. The 20w monitor amp makes my headphones come alive...I almost bought a separate headphone amp but bought the C40 instead and killed two birds with one lump of cash (so to speak). The EQ, Compandor and variable loudness allow me to tweak the sound quite a bit. I wanted a headphone amp and a pre-amp for my 352 so the C40 was a good purchase...I think up until '98 it was McIntosh's TOTL pre-amp and cost over $3k.
 
MacDogg said:
I've got a C40 and I think it's a great pre-amp. The 20w monitor amp makes my headphones come alive...I almost bought a separate headphone amp but bought the C40 instead and killed two birds with one lump of cash (so to speak). The EQ, Compandor and variable loudness allow me to tweak the sound quite a bit. I wanted a headphone amp and a pre-amp for my 352 so the C40 was a good purchase...I think up until '98 it was McIntosh's TOTL pre-amp and cost over $3k.
Click to expand...

I have this exact same setup: C40 and MC352! I assume you like the sound.:yes:
 
MacDogg said:
I've got a C40 and I think it's a great pre-amp. The 20w monitor amp makes my headphones come alive...I almost bought a separate headphone amp but bought the C40 instead and killed two birds with one lump of cash (so to speak). The EQ, Compandor and variable loudness allow me to tweak the sound quite a bit. I wanted a headphone amp and a pre-amp for my 352 so the C40 was a good purchase...I think up until '98 it was McIntosh's TOTL pre-amp and cost over $3k.
Click to expand...

The C40 has balanced output jacks? Are the compandor speed switch and level match control on the back panel? Can someone generally compare the sound of/between the C33 and C40? The C40 uses newer solid state devices, one would presume.. of what type?

-Gregory
 
I'd certainly think they'd sound good together, those who only think things match by the era of build are really missing the point of the hobby. No offense intended here, more of an overall thought; everyone knows how successful the 275 has been.

I've got a C-29 that goes well with any of my tube gear, although I'd have to give the sonic edge to my Marantz 7 over it in most cases.

I've also got a C-34V that practically hasn't been out of the box since it was bought in the 90's. The 33 and 34v are excellent examples of Mcintosh engineering at the time, and the best way to find audio excellence, legendary reliability, and reasonable cost goes with this series of preamps.

I'd pan a few items of that time, but the C-33 isn't one of them.

As usual, YMMV.

Mike
 
Has the MX110 been rehabed? If not then it isn't operating at it's potential. A few new signal caps and some new power supply caps and diodes will really make the unit sing.
 
audiomaniac said:
Back to the C33. I bought it. I just love the classics! :banana:
Click to expand...

Sounds like a good move. The C33 is an EXCELLENT instrument. You'll love it!!

See the PDF brochure: http://www.berners.ch/McIntosh/Downloads/C33_bro.pdf


C33 front panel view from Berner's site:

C33_Front_01.jpg


ANd.. a C33/C34V refurb page written by Ron-C

http://home.comcast.net/~mc_audio/C34V_Love.htm
(background Mc image with permission from Roger-R)


-Gregory

MR80, MCD7007, C33, MC2205, Thiel CS3.5
 
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