Do vintage Mc amps require a Pre-amp?

[SixCats!]

Hi all,

Tell me please...are the vintage Mc amps INTERGRATED amps or do they require a PREAMP? ( am still waiting to learn what model Mc amp MIGHT come my way). I hope to find out this weekend.
Thanks.

Regards,

SixCats!

 

[Bill Allan]

Hi
McAmps have separate gain controls for each channel so a pre-amp is not required for line sources (CD's etc). You can use the amp this way but you have to fiddle with the gain to reset the balance everytime you change volume and you have no phono preamp. They typically sound better if you use a McPre with them plus you have all the conveniences the pre offers.
Regards
Bill

 

[SixCats!]

Hi Bill,

Thank you for answering my question. At least I know if I do get a Mc amp I could use it without a pre amp.

SixCats!

 

[jt1stcav]

I've used my CD player directly connected to both an MC2100 and an MC250 with excellent results. Sure, you have to fiddle with two gain controls for volume and balance, plus you're stuck with only one source. But it works, and sounds amazingly good!

Of course, now I use a tube preamp (no picture available yet), which sounds a whole lot better, and is alot more flexible.