Mc & Audible illusions

[CineDave]

Hey all, I am currently on the hunt for a new preamp and am seriously considering revisiting the Audible Illusions m3a. Previously I tried one out with my Mc2205 and Vandersteen 3A's. That pairing produced a very forward sound and undid much of the laid-back sound charateristic of the Vandys.

Now I am listening to Mc tri-amped maggies and am thinking it might work out far better.

Any one out there try the Mc/AI combo? Thoughts?Feelings?

Dave

 

[PHC1]

Can't help with direct experience of AI and Maggies but I did have an Audible Illusions preamp back in the day of Martin Logan SL3's in my system. Paired up with McCormack DNA .5 amp at that time I thought they had great synergy together. No it wasn't a mellow combination but it was not very forward or aggressive sounding either, good balance of detail, speed, transparency, dynamics and a very generous soundstage. Of course the McCormack did not have that refined, liquid midrange of my current 501s but overall a very enjoyable combo. I don't think the results will be horrible. Give it a try.

 

[Gregory]

Hey all, I am currently on the hunt for a new preamp and am seriously considering revisiting the Audible Illusions m3a. Previously I tried one out with my Mc2205 and Vandersteen 3A's. That pairing produced a very forward sound and undid much of the laid-back sound characteristic of the Vandys.

Now I am listening to Mc tri-amped maggies and am thinking it might work out far better.

Any one out there try the Mc/AI combo? Thoughts?Feelings?

Dave

I think the obvious solution would be a McIntosh preamp. Not sure about the compliment of amplifiers that you have but taking the 2205 into account the best preamp match would be the C32 in terms of `year introduced.´ I'd like to suggest that the BEST preamp for the MC2205 is the C33.. an improved C32 with more powerful monitor amp and a dynamic compressor/expander (COMPANDOR.) The C32 had a dynamic expander circuit.

Check out this fine brochure: http://www.berners.ch/McIntosh/Downloads/C33_bro.pdf

I must also comment on the Vandersteens. Their design philosophy is similar to Thiel in placing emphasis on the time and phase alignment properties. Their impulse and step response are very good. The 2C's that I had only lasted a month since it became apparent that the vertical `dowels´ of the 2C's were unnecessary and created a cabinet response that is added to ALL music they reproduce.

Was able to sell the 2C's for just about the price I paid.

So a McIntosh preamp is the logical choice. A good match is one from the same era.

-Gregory