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MC30 pre amp recommendations

P

PK Vintage

Active Member
Hi All.

I just picked up a set of MC30's and am seeking advice on buying a pre amp. I would like to stick with McIntosh. I have several sets of speakers I will be using. Tannoy. Audio Note, Cornwall's.

This is the first step for me into the world of Mcintosh. I have been mostly into Audio Note gear. Cost is not an obstacle. I just want the right pre amp for these beautiful blocks.

All comments and advice is most welcome.

Thanks
 
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First thing that comes to mind: if it has not been done already and recently, the MC 30s need to be electrically restored. These or 50 to 60 years old and so may not be running at the correct performance level because of worn or failed internal components. Were they mine, I'd have them recapped and have all other components checked or replaced as needed. Also contacts and controls need to be cleaned and tubes tested. The amps should then be bench tested to prove they're meeting factory spec. Hopefully yours or restored, but if not, that would be the first order of business.

My experience with Mc preamps (I own 4 that span about 50 years) is that, while they do sound somewhat different, I like the sound of all of them. Given that, you're decision on which Mc preamp to get depends to a large extent on what features you want. Do you want the vintage look and all-tube sound? if so, you need a C11, C20, original C22 or even a C8/C8S. These preamps are all 50-ish or more years old and will need to be completely restored and will require on-going maintenance (mostly occasional cleaning of controls and contacts.)

Note that some of the SS models from the early '70s have issues with the volume controls that seems unfixable. Ask in this forum before buying.

More modern preamps have measurably less noise, improved performance and require less maintenance. If you're a tube-purist, note that most of the more modern Mc tube preamps are hybrid SS/tube preamps with the C2200 being the most purely tube modern preamp. But in my opinion, being a tube purist is not required with Mc preamps if your goal is great sound.

So do you want modern, in-between, or vintage? Tubes or SS? And what features do you want?

McIntosh have made a lot of great preamps since the '50s and I recommend that you start shopping here where they're all listed and described: http://www.mcintoshcompendium.com/mp-pre-amplifiers.htm

If you narrow down your search to a few specific models, you can check back on this forum to get more model-specific advice from the forum members here.
 
Thank you very much for the quality reply. They are are original with is a bit of a mixed bag of tubes. They will be going in for a recap and check/service. I do that with all my vintage gear.

I generally run tubes. Audio Note is all tube. I am currently running 300B mono blocks and M6 tube pre. I wanted to bring in something different for my other system and Macs were my only choice.
Vintage look is very important as is sound quality. I beleive I can get the sound quality I want with all Vintage tube. With my other tubes I have often swapped in SS power but always left the tube pre in place. I never really thought about having a SS pre with tube power. That could be an option though, I guess.
 
Other option is you can go rouge and use a Marantz 7..... I have a completely stock 7 and it works very well with the MC30s, MC60s, MC225, MC240 and MC275....
 
First (tuner) preamp I used with my MC30s was an MX110 which is a beautiful unit but 6 trips to Audio Classics over 7 years got a bit tiresome. What a relief it was when I finally replaced it with an MX113 which not only performs just as well, has a far better tuner and never again needed to be put on the bench after its first servicing six years ago- while costing less than half the price of an MX110 in similar condition.

Of course there are the C11, C20 & C22 (and C8 & C8S) but again you're getting into some $$$ that frankly could be better spent elsewhere, IMO.
 
I think the mx110z in a walnut case is about the most gorgeous piece of vintage gear i have ever seen. It just looks right. I think mine sounds great, and sounds better than my old mx114, but i haven't compared it to other mcintosh tube pres. A c11 or c22 would be my choice if you want just a preamp.
 
I've had a couple 110s for over 12 years now and they are wonderful units. Unlike many, we have a fantastic local FM station that plays classical music 24 hours a day, so I still get plenty of tuna time. However, they will occasionally need a tune up.
OTOH, I also have a recently acquired C22, but I haven't restored it yet, so I am unable to give you an opinion on that piece at this time....
 
If fully restored a MX-110 will have a sound you might just fall in love with instantly. I loved the sound of a MX110 and MC225 when new. But the MX-110 wasn't flexible enough for me and I wanted a better tuner, so, I got a C-22 and MR-71 to go with my MC 240 and MC 60's. Then I added another 240. Traded the 240's for 275 to bi amp my Grands.
 
I concur on both the MX110Z and, the Marantz 7, both of which have mated well with my refurbished MC30's. I recently moved my MC30's to my first floor system which utilizes a conrad-johnson PV-8. Wonderful synergy with this preamp, too. The Marantz 7 is now driving my MC60's upstairs.
 
I find my original early sixties (purchased off eBay in 2000) C22 works and sounds wonderful with either my MC 30s or MC 225, or Dynaco Mk IIIs, depending which amps are in rotation for driving my sunroom`s DQ 10s..

Though my unrestored & totally original C22 does take a ~ 1/2 hr. of running/playing music to warm up and sound its best as that tube system doesn`t get turned on unless we have cool ~cold weather here in NE. FL..

When I bought my MC 30s in 1974 the purchase came with the C8/C8S preamps and the combined system sounded very nice until the equipment`s all original caps started going south a few yrs. later.
 
I preferred the feel pf the controls on a 7C for sure being so smooth and silky. I liked the choice of settings for the HF filter, too. But as I had Mac amps and preferred the look of the C-22 thats what I bought., Having Davie come by every year and change tubes was a good deal, too. Yes the 240's and MC 60's ate the most tubes, but a C-22 every now and then needed a complete set. I will say this the C-28 and C-29 were better sounding units and even the the little C-24 phono section could just surpass a C-22 section with grace, style, and very firm solid bass. Davie use to make demo tapes that he would bring for Amp clinics. The first time I heard a C-24 vs a C-22 were were all amazed. by the improvement in clarity and bass. I didn't like the controls on the C-24 so kept my C-22. But I was ready when the C-28 came along. Its a shame they had so many issues. But the C-29 I got a long just fine for many many years.
 
mnmmt said:
I think the mx110z in a walnut case is about the most gorgeous piece of vintage gear i have ever seen. It just looks right. I think mine sounds great, and sounds better than my old mx114, but i haven't compared it to other mcintosh tube pres. A c11 or c22 would be my choice if you want just a preamp.
Click to expand...

How can this thread not even have pics?

11-MX110-Z-walnut-burl-cabinet.jpg
 
My 110z just came back from service, caps replaced and selenium rectifier removed ,it is driving a pair of mc30s. I can tell you that although I have other tube preamps that sound fine with the 30s, I just thought they were “ok” until I got the 110. Matter of fact I was gonna sell the 30s because I thought they were no better than my Eico Hf60’s, but that 110 brings a synergy to the system that is dynamic and engaging..just fun to listen to. I know these units have there drawbacks and I’ve never tried the likes of a c-20,c-22 etc.. but I’m perfectly happy with this combo.
 
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