• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Looking for my first Mac component, preamp

mrdrew

mrdrew

New Member
Morning AK folks and Mcintosh fans,

I'm sniffing around to get my first Mcintosh product. I've always been a fan of this classic brand. I spoke with Tom over at http://www.mcintoshaudio.com/, he steered me towards the older equipment for what I was looking for: manual control, classic Mcintosh sound, repairable (not the newer ones), two channel hifi preamp. He mentioned: C26, 28, and 29. Also C30, 32, 33.

I already have two class D VTV Purifi monoblocks, RCA and XLR inputs. Sources will primarily be Allo Digione Signature > Denafrips Ares II ladder DAC; also a Technics turn table. I'm aok getting an external phono amp if the Mac Pre doesn't have one. Those VTV amps are super no-personality amplification, and I'd like to bring some grit and personality to my system.

There are several units on eBay, only 1 or 2 from anything resembling a reputable seller: typos, bad pics, <20 reviews, no returns accepted sort of listings: certainly flippers.

Anyhow: I'm going to continue creeping over Tom's posted inventory. Any other reputable outfits you might recommend for getting a reliable old Mac preamp? Besides the obvious things I mentioned above, things to look out for?
 
Register to hide this ad
I see a C38 on evilbay at a reasonable ask (OBO), this is a fairly simple preamp with balanced (XLR) outputs and a remote, with the classic look. The switches are electronic as are some of the attenuators, lower maintenance.

The same seller has an MC7300, ... would make a great amp-preamp combo at a reasonable (OBO) price for the pair, and enough power for welding.

The C38 does have only one phono-in if two TTs is important to you.
 
mrdrew said:
. . . Anyhow: I'm going to continue creeping over Tom's posted inventory. Any other reputable outfits you might recommend for getting a reliable old Mac preamp? Besides the obvious things I mentioned above, things to look out for?
Click to expand...

Usual caveats apply:
1. The preamps recommended are old and may contain components that are past their design lifetime and have drifted or failed. So an electrical restoration is needed to ensure that your getting proper performance. If you buy one that's not been restored, include budget to have it done. If the seller says it is "serviced," you will want to know details like, when, by whom and what specific work and testing was done. Reciepts for the work would be nice. A seller just saying it is "serviced" really means nothing.

2. Some of the older preamps have their power switches on the volume control so the user for the last 30 or 40 years has rotated the volume control down and back every time the unit is powered off and on which wears out the volume control. These controls are nearly impossible to repair or replace. So be aware of that issue.

3. If the seller ships one of these preamps, it will likely arrive with broken glass or other shipping damage. You can mitigate this risk by purchasing proper shipping containers designed for the specific preamp from McIntosh or Audio Classics. If a seller says he's super great at packing, decline the offer. If buying from a private party or eBay, local pickup would be advised.

4. Many of the preamps are designed to mount in McIntosh wood cabinets using the panloc mounting hardware. Make sure you are getting that hardware with the preamp and the correct cabinet, if a cabinet is offered in the sale. The compendium (link in post 5 above) lists the proper cabinet model number for each preamp (that had optional cabinets).

5. Don't jump on the first one you see thinking they're super rare - wait for a good one, they're out there.

So, I second the recommendation for Audio Classics as source. No affiliation, but I have dealt with them a few times. They will cover all the issues listed above (except they also have to cure for item 2). They will send you the unit in proper shipping container, provide a 12- or 14-day return-for-any-reason policy and and guarantee full factory performance for one year. If anything is not right (include shipping damage), they will promptly make it right with no hassle.

Would have saved me a bunch of time and money if, when I started buying vintage McIntosh 16 years ago, I had told myself all this stuff.
 
mrdrew said:
Morning AK folks and Mcintosh fans,

I'm sniffing around to get my first Mcintosh product. I've always been a fan of this classic brand. I spoke with Tom over at http://www.mcintoshaudio.com/, he steered me towards the older equipment for what I was looking for: manual control, classic Mcintosh sound, repairable (not the newer ones), two channel hifi preamp. He mentioned: C26, 28, and 29. Also C30, 32, 33.

Anyhow: I'm going to continue creeping over Tom's posted inventory. Any other reputable outfits you might recommend for getting a reliable old Mac preamp? Besides the obvious things I mentioned above, things to look out for?
Click to expand...
Does Tom have a C33? You can stop right there, his presale preparation and restoration is as good as it gets. If he has multiples, purchase the one with the best cosmetics. Unless something has changed in the last couple of months, his components go through a thorough electronic restoration before the sale. Warranties apply. I would suggest giving him a call and have him explain the details.
 
The C33 is nice, but the C38 is nicer/quieter, and has balanced output, and a remote. If you want the extended tone controls of the C33 with a balanced out and remote this would be the C40, but unless you're a knob-tweaker and don't have a proper EQ, five vs two tone controls really isn't a huge advantage IMO.

Personally I'd choose a quieter / newer preamp with your amps, and balanced (XLR) output.
 
Having moved through a number of Mac preamps (etc.), beginning in the late 1970s to, basically, current production, I agree that newer is generally better—for all the obvious reasons.

That said, I’m regularly impressed by older Mac equipment (as long as it’s brought up to spec). My first Mac pre was a C28. I loved it, but I wish then I’d been more concerned with what features I required (it had more than I needed then) than that it was a McIntosh.

Now, I’m using a C22MKIV. I wish it had some features from earlier Mac preamps I owned and have given up: more tone controls; expander/compander; variable loudness; L/R bass/treble. But I’m very impressed with its sound, aesthetics, remote, mode (L, R, L+R, Stereo, Reverse, etc.), balanced outputs, and its MC/MM adjustable-load phonostage, etc. I can add other components to the chain for other functions.

Get a Mac pre in great cosmetic condition that has been serviced and brought up to spec (from Audio Classics, for example). But choose it for its functionality—your needs. Mac preamps vary there considerably.
 
I have had the C32 and I still have an optimized C26 that I absolutely love. I love black faced vintage gear but Sansui is harder to see in a dim room. As has been mentioned, everyone has different needs to be addressed. When I had the C32 I had also just gotten the C26. Also the C24. Got 3 of them at the same time for a killer price! I ABed them (C24 was dead) and just loved the way the controls are on the C26. I liked them much more than the C32. So I kept the C26 and asked LeeStereo to restore and optimize it. He did a great job!

As has also been mentioned, choose the best cosmetics along with the type that meets your needs. With McIntosh gear, unless you way over pay, these continue to appreciate. I've been doing this for 12 years, and a lot of gear I have had is now selling for double or triple what I got for them. Cosmetics is everything in vintage audio resale assuming it is made by a desirable company like McIntosh.
 
seacliffe301 said:
Does Tom have a C33? You can stop right there, his presale preparation and restoration is as good as it gets. If he has multiples, purchase the one with the best cosmetics. Unless something has changed in the last couple of months, his components go through a thorough electronic restoration before the sale. Warranties apply. I would suggest giving him a call and have him explain the details.
Click to expand...
Tom does not have a C33. I did chat to him on the phone, and boy can he jaw-jack with the best of us. But: a real wealth of information, and some salesman in there as well. 'course after spending almost a half hour on the phone with me, he recommended to not buy anything he had!
 
One other option, I'm not totally committed to these class D mono-blocks. I could sell the preamp, and monoblocks and go all in on a Mac integrated.
Audio Classics has an MA5100, MA6100. The other stuff looks newer and 2x the price. buuuuuuut I could also sell more equipment and probably get on the wagon. With a DAC: adios Denafrips Ares II. It would slim down the hifi rack substantially. I'm doing this pretty much cold turkey and all-in, so please steer me straight.
 
There’s also the 6200. And newer—if you’re willing to go integrated. Give AC’s Ryan a call. Tell him what you have and what you’re thinking of. Mac has integrated amps with good DACs, too.

Better yet, make an appointment and do an overnight trip to Vestal: audition some Mac equipment and tour the McIntosh Factory Labs while you’re there. Inexpensive motels. AC can set up a tour. Much easier to make the right choice when you can audition, A/B, handle, and compare pieces side-by-side. AC will make you a better deal than their list prices. And they’ll gladly work with you and your budget. No upselling.
 
Last edited:
mrdrew said:
One other option, I'm not totally committed to these class D mono-blocks. I could sell the preamp, and monoblocks and go all in on a Mac integrated.
Audio Classics has an MA5100, MA6100. The other stuff looks newer and 2x the price. buuuuuuut I could also sell more equipment and probably get on the wagon. With a DAC: adios Denafrips Ares II. It would slim down the hifi rack substantially. I'm doing this pretty much cold turkey and all-in, so please steer me straight.
Click to expand...
If I were looking at a McIntosh integrated amp today, the oldest I'd be interested in would be the MA6800 which was produced until 2000. After that, most McIntosh integrated amps have received worldwide acceptance and admiration. Get one that has the features you want the most. The first McIntosh item that I bought new was the MA6500 integrated, and I sold my separates to get it. It's gone now but it was enough to keep me on the McIntosh bandwagon up to this day.
 
The very rare C-37 was the best performing of the 16 inch units before they went bigger. It had the best signal to noise, the lowest distortion the lowest cross talk etc etc. But I prefer the knobs and switches and the flexibility of the C-34 with its processing loops, graphic tone controls and solid state switching. So the only controls I have to worry about getting noisy are the balance, and Loudness controls. That so much better that mechanically compromised C-28, though if you want a warm romantic phono stage with out having to deal with tubes thats the one to pick of the 16 inch units.

If I had the space I would have a C-40! It does everything my C-34 does only better! Can't beat that. I do use a MP100 with my C-34 so I can use MC cartridges which I prefer over MM types. First is extended bass and clearer cleaner highs . Not bright highs just cleaner highs. Like the difference between a direct to disc album versus a regular LP. Or more like a DVD-A or SACD versus a regular CD. Not always a night and day difference but a good difference all the same. If you do buy a newer preamp make sure it has the 10K graphic control and the 2500 HZ controls. They will get a real workout. Not having all the controls I wanted on the C-34 I added a MQ112 to the system onIy it is not a room EQ. It doesn't have the necessary controls above 1000 KHZ to qualify. But it makes for a great program EQ! If you are into fine tuning the sound it is the answer! The little tilt control is can preform magic almost very quickly. But use it sparingly is what I have found.
 
Last edited:
mrdrew said:
One other option, I'm not totally committed to these class D mono-blocks. I could sell the preamp, and monoblocks and go all in on a Mac integrated.
Audio Classics has an MA5100, MA6100. The other stuff looks newer and 2x the price. buuuuuuut I could also sell more equipment and probably get on the wagon. With a DAC: adios Denafrips Ares II. It would slim down the hifi rack substantially. I'm doing this pretty much cold turkey and all-in, so please steer me straight.
Click to expand...
Personally I would move past both the 5100 and 6100, but a 6200 is well worth considering. Power guard, 5 band EQ, flexible switching options, outputs for 3 sets of speakers plus rated at 100w/ch which is probably more like 140/ch. Also can be used as a dedicated preamp for your mono blocks.
 
I have an MA-6200. I quite like it. Currently using it as the bedroom system driving a pair of Kef 103.2s. I asked LeeStereo to restore it, and he did a fine job on it. I used mine for a while as the power amp portion of my living room system when the MC-2205 needed servicing. It was driving the Cornwalls adequately, but the MC-2205 made them sound more full bodied.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom