C33 vs C34V; Any real differences?

[jlovda]

The C34v claims to an "Audio/Video Control Center" but; unless you have the the video switch box; appears to be almost identical to the C33. Both have 20wpc monitor amps with PowerGuard, both have compression and expansion in the compandor circuit. In fact, the C33 has two independent phono preamp sections whereas the C34V has only one.

For two channel stereo, is there any reason (except the 3-4 yr age difference) why a C34V would be preferable over a C33?

Thanks,
John

 

[CruzBay]

Hi John, you've summed things up pretty well on your own; for your uses, they're nearly identical.

 

[forzaroma]

The C34v claims to an "Audio/Video Control Center" but; unless you have the the video switch box; appears to be almost identical to the C33. Both have 20wpc monitor amps with PowerGuard, both have compression and expansion in the compandor circuit. In fact, the C33 has two independent phono preamp sections whereas the C34V has only one.

For two channel stereo, is there any reason (except the 3-4 yr age difference) why a C34V would be preferable over a C33?

Thanks,
John

When I bought my c34v (used, $800 some 2-3 years ago) I looked up the differences and you pretty much summed them up. I would gladly trade the Video in for another phono :yes:.

I love this preamp. It's nowhere near as detailed/dynamic as the newer Mcs, but it's soooo warm and soothing, and forgiving of pretty much any music you throw at it. It's playing right now in my living room (driving an MC250) and I'm lovin' it.

Alberto

 

[Vintage Pete]

C33 very nice preamp

When I bought my c34v (used, $800 some 2-3 years ago) I looked up the differences and you pretty much summed them up. I would gladly trade the Video in for another phono :yes:.

I love this preamp. It's nowhere near as detailed/dynamic as the newer Mcs, but it's soooo warm and soothing, and forgiving of pretty much any music you throw at it. It's playing right now in my living room (driving an MC250) and I'm lovin' it.

Alberto

I'll just chime in and say I'd like to upgrade my C32 in my Florida Room system to a C33....

Pete

 

[ron-c]

32 to 33 is a very good upgrade.

Ron-C

 

[chathamdad]

The C34v claims to an "Audio/Video Control Center" but; unless you have the the video switch box; appears to be almost identical to the C33.

And I have one of those, an MVS2 with composite and S-Video capability. It is rare that one can say that one has a product by McIntosh that is completely and irretrievably obsolete, but this one is. Been collecting dust in my closet for five years.

 

[forzaroma]

The C34v claims to an "Audio/Video Control Center" but; unless you have the the video switch box; appears to be almost identical to the C33.

It is rare that one can say that one has a product by McIntosh that is completely and irretrievably obsolete, but this one is. Been collecting dust in my closet for five years.

With input labels for: VCR1, VCR2 and Laserdisc (!) the C34V dates itself more than most for sure , but don't let that hold you back.

Old technologies have been replaced by others, I use the C34V video inputs for digital servers (e.g. Squeezebox, Sonos) iPods, etc. - good thing that the industry was smart enough to agree on a standard connector (RCA) and output/input voltages.

Alberto