Help choosing a preamp

[K-mart]

Hi hope everyone is doing well.
I'm looking to purchase a preamp in the near future, and I am interested in the opinions and input from experienced Mcintosh users. I mostly listen to heavy metal/hard rock stuff on VINYL through VMPS Super tower r speakers,with a Mc352 power amp, spinning on a Marantz 6300 TT.
Any help will be greatly appreciated
Thank You!

 

[homebrew]

I recently had the good fortune to acquire a C-36 preamp NIB at a ridiculously low price. I am stunned at the quality of sound I have been missing. I upgraded from an MX-113. Now the music just seems to materialize from a totally noise-free background. I'm guessing it's due in large part to the electronic switching of the amp as opposed to mechanical switching from the older Mac equipment. As I understand it, McIntosh changed over to the newer electronic switches beginning with the C-29. So my recommendation would be to start there and work your way up. Of course in your case, a phono input is something you should look for and Mac has phono inputs all the way up to at least the C-40.

 

[musichal]

I noticed an AKer recently posted a C-32 for a very fair price in Barter Town; could be worth subscribing here for that reason alone. I once used one for a month or so, and I believe it would be a very nice choice for your needs, if no one's scarfed it up yet; even if that specific one were gone, good preamps appear there pretty often.

 

[K-mart]

Hey thanks for the advice guys. I've read good things about the C40 but it seems to be a tough one to come by.
As far as the phono stage in the Mac preamps are there particular models that out perform the others?
THANKS