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MC30 preamp suggestions

Pantflapper

Pantflapper

Member
Hi everyone,

So I was fortunate enough to have come across a set of MC30 amplifiers. I am considering a preamp to go with them but unsure what might be a good match. I currently have a C32 that could work in the interim or some vintage receivers but was thinking on trying a fully valve setup.

Would like to try and stay all matching with McIntosh so perhaps dual c8, maybe c11, c20, c22 vintage or reissue, etc…

Would anyone have suggestions for preamps to consider as a match to the MC30 and what benefits it offers over others. Your experience with various preamps is always appreciated.

For context I enjoy a slightly warmer sound and I am currently using CV speakers that are 102db sensitive (15 inch driver, titanium horns). May consider upgrading in the future if I find something I prefer over these. Recently came across a set of Tannoy DMT 215 mkii locally so might be a future option or could always go newer.

Anyway thank you everyone in advance for any feedback you may be able to offer on a recommended preamp match. Feel free to throw in some Mc30 speaker suggestions too, if you feel inclined.
 
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I currently use an MX110z, which I love because it’s all tubes. I have used a C28 and C26 and would use them again without hesitation but the MX 110z is my personal favorite.
 
Nice score!!! I don’t have 30’s but have MC225, MC275VI, and MC40’s. I’m using a C11, MX110Z and Ampex 550 and like all of them very much.
 
If you are a collector of early microgroove recordings, 7, 10 or 12 inch, then you want a C-20 for all the different equalization curves. If you want a smooth SS sound you want a C-28. I prefer the later C-33 and 34 for their flexibility, loudness control and graphic equalizer. Also prefer a record selector switch, HF and LF filters, and a full functioning Mode selector switch. If you like moving coil cartridges then you will need a MP-100 with the older pre-amps. Because I would want the LF filters I guess I would want a C-22 CE. But make sure it has been restored or updated with new caps.
 
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70's Silver said:
Nice score!!! I don’t have 30’s but have MC225, MC275VI, and MC40’s. I’m using a C11, MX110Z and Ampex 550 and like all of them very much.
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Could you please describe your experience of the 225 vs. the 275VI? I have the 275VI but have always pined after a 225–which many believe to be the sweetest amp Mac ever made.

***
I’ve had several Mac preamps. Each sounded great and different. I’d go to Audio Classics if you can and audition as many as you can.

I prefer tubes. I like that the reissues are new. Each preamp offers different features, so it depends on what you need. My favorite Mac preamp is the C22MKIV, which I now use. But I miss some of the features of earlier preamps. Good luck.
 
Bushikan said:
Could you please describe your experience of the 225 vs. the 275VI? I have the 275VI but have always pined after a 225–which many believe to be the sweetest amp Mac ever made.

***
I’ve had several Mac preamps. Each sounded great and different. I’d go to Audio Classics if you can and audition as many as you can.

I prefer tubes. I like that the reissues are new. Each preamp offers different features, so it depends on what you need. My favorite Mac preamp is the C22MKIV, which I now use. But I miss some of the features of earlier preamps. Good luck.
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To my ears the 225 is a warm, thick holographic sound which I prefer. The 275VI is almost solid state sounding to me. My 225 and 40’s get much more play time.
 
dinov said:
I currently use an MX110z, which I love because it’s all tubes. I have used a C28 and C26 and would use them again without hesitation but the MX 110z is my personal favorite.
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What makes the MX110z your preferred preamp to the other two you have mentioned?
 
twiiii said:
If you are a collector of early microgroove recordings, 7, 10 or 12 inch, then you want a C-20 for all the different equalization curves. If you want a smooth SS sound you want a C-28. I prefer the later C-33 and 34 for their flexibility, loudness control and graphic equalizer. Also prefer a record selector switch, HF and LF filters, and a full functioning Mode selector switch. If you like moving coil cartridges then you will need a MP-100 with the older pre-amps. Because I would want the LF filters I guess I would want a C-22 CE. But make sure it has been restored or updated with new caps.
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I will keep an eye out for a C22 commemorative. Are they more or less the same as the original, just reissued?

These other factors and conveniences you mention are also important thank you for reminding me of this. If it sounds good but missing key features then it becomes more of an annoyance.

What would you say the differences between a C20 or C22 are from a sonics perspective?
 
I just received the MC30 pair yesterday afternoon and was able to hook them up to an original and unrestored C32. From the quick listen I had after setting them up, the sound was incredible. Completely different than the solid state amps I have (MC2205, sx-1250, citation). Sound seemed more realistic, warm, not as dry and just appeared everywhere in the room

Looking forward to listening to them more this weekend and getting a better handle on what they are doing.
 
That classic ARC is a great preamp too. So is the C32–which I owned and which has a wonderful array of features, some of which I sorely miss. And I’ve heard that ARC and MAC can mate well.

When I first started out buying equipment in the 1970s, the C32 was my dream preamp. If I were in your situation, I’d live with what you have for a while. The MC30s, alongside the 225, 75s, 3500, and 275 (a reissue I currently have with my reissue C22), are considered among Mac’s best vintage tube amps. I’d love to hear a pair of MC30s driving my Klipschorns.

My advice: Get to know and love the ones you’re with. Then, later, assess what might better suit you. Nothing at all wrong with those amps and preamp you have right now. There’s always a better component to chase. This thread could go on forever.

No one but you can know what’s best in your system, with your needs, in your room, with your speakers and sources, to create the synergy you desire.

One of my McIntosh dealers tried to convince me to step it up—to move from Mac to Audio Research, which is more expensive and which they saw as a major move upward from McIntosh to Higher Fidelity. Maybe so.

So, too, might be a pair of $230K SET mono blocks. You have to choose, with your own ears, your own path, eventually.
 
Pantflapper said:
Hi everyone,

So I was fortunate enough to have come across a set of MC30 amplifiers. I am considering a preamp to go with them but unsure what might be a good match. I currently have a C32 that could work in the interim or some vintage receivers but was thinking on trying a fully valve setup.

Would like to try and stay all matching with McIntosh so perhaps dual c8, maybe c11, c20, c22 vintage or reissue, etc…

Would anyone have suggestions for preamps to consider as a match to the MC30 and what benefits it offers over others. Your experience with various preamps is always appreciated.

For context I enjoy a slightly warmer sound and I am currently using CV speakers that are 102db sensitive (15 inch driver, titanium horns). May consider upgrading in the future if I find something I prefer over these. Recently came across a set of Tannoy DMT 215 mkii locally so might be a future option or could always go newer.

Anyway thank you everyone in advance for any feedback you may be able to offer on a recommended preamp match. Feel free to throw in some Mc30 speaker suggestions too, if you feel inclined.
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What is your budget for a preamp to be used with the Mc30s?
 
I rebuilt a pair of MC 30's 3 years ago that had been boxed for 40 years, untouched from the factory, and our dry Wyoming climate left them with no rust. Now I needed a preamp. My needs were as many inputs as I could find, tone controls, tape loop for my multiple R2R's, cassette, and cd recorder. I also had a pair of monoblocs that I built in the 1970's using 6BG6 output tubes. I wanted to keep using them. I bought a NAD 165BEE preamp. I really didn't want solid state, but this filled all my needs. It had 2 preamp outs, one is adjustable so I could compensate for the different gain levels between the MC30's, and the pair that I built, and the different speaker efficiencies. The pair that I built has more gain than the MC30's, so I could turn down the input to them so they match. It had enough inputs for CD, cassette, tuner, phono, (selectable for MM or MC), and for my laptop, so I could record from that. Picked up an external switch to go from the tape loop to my multiple R2R's (3 Pioneer RT909's) I changed R35 (input) in the MC30's from 180K, to 100K to better match the lower impedance output of the solid state preamp. Perfect? Not quite, but close as I could find. Would it work for everyone? No, but it fit my situation. If what you have fits your situation, then it is the right one. I sure wouldn't criticize. Too many variables. Paul.
 
I have a C20 that I got from the original owner about 3 years ago. Earliest version, had it completely recapped and have never used it. I have the matching MC60's as well, consecutive SN all restored as well. I also have the original C20 and MC60 caps that were moved , as well as manuals and schematics. The MC60's are staying with me for now, I use them from time to time.

The C20 I would part with.

FWIW, I tried the Audio Research stuff many years a go and it was kinda high maintenence and never stayed in the system long. You can do much better.

Below is a pic of my C20.
 
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