Harman Cardon Citation II, what a PreAmp can make better?

C

cassetten

New Member
Hello VintageLovers,

I m now 50years young ^^ and found out during the last 10years - that I love vintage HiFi.
I m not a native speaker and try to write some "international english" ...

I was lucky to get a Harmon Cardon Citation II this year as a 2nd Gear to my Mcinthosh MC240 Setup with Mcintosh C-11 Preamp. Speakers: Tannoy Devon / Tannoy Legacy Eaton (the new ones)

I m testing the Citation II AMP in my Bedroom with the Tannoy Legacy Eatons and a direct connection to my Computer using a usb box connected to the Citation II Tube AMP.

I really dont like that Setup but it sounz ways better using the Mcintosh C-11 Preamp connected to the Citation II.

My Question:
I m now thinking bout which PreAMP wud fit to the Citation II Tube AMP?

May be a there is a Forum Member who has some experiences with this Amp and differend PreAMPs?
And can help to suggest a PreAMp doing a better job compared with the USB Box?

Finally I want to use my Turntables ^^. The MC240 and C-11 sounz great with a Phono Section.

Some suggestions:
I dnt really understand why the MC C-11 doesn´t sound good to my ears...when connected to the Citation II?
Sure there are many possibilities why ^^... I tested in 2 rooms.

When the MC 240 is connected direct to the Computer with usb box, the MC240 sounz "bad" iin the low frequencies. When using the C-11 connected to the MC240 its sounds real "great" to my ears. The Citation doesnt sound "great" connected to with C-11 Pream, the Citation sounds better "great" with Computer directed connected via USB the AMP, hope u can see the Setup I m testing now in the pictures.

I cnt believe xD.


Any help and suggestions a very welcome.

Thx
Carsten


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The HK Citation 1 was the preamp made for the Citation 2 power amp. There was also the Citation IV preamp, still all tube but with a few less features. Those were the only two Citation tube preamps - the next model was the Citation A, their first transistor model.
 
I have 2 Citation 2 amps, Both modded beyond stock. To Run in Triode. Your Tannoys will reward you with a much more Lush engaging sound.
They are powerhouse amps, They in particular don't sound as good with Kt88's.
I was lucky enough to buy 2 Quads the Real EI KT90's.Search them out BTW they eat output tubes for breakfast, I run mine on a Variac no more than 117 Volts. Amp runs cooler and get much longer tube life
But the cit-2's are a little sterile sounding as compared to some other premium Vintage amps.
They do indeed need a quality Tube Pre-amp with Balls. with - No pre-amp why even bother burning output tubes horrible sound.
Not sure of your budget but most Vintage pre-amps are pricey and not cheap to upgrade. Cit 1,4 both VG, Fisher 400cx, Mac tube units,
I love my Audio Research Sp3a , all good but pricy
Of course the Famous Marantz 7c stupid high prices
 
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