McIntosh c20 pre with a modern tube amp

[cocovinyl176]

Hi- has anyone had any experience running vintage and modern units together? I’m thinking of purchasing a new tube amp to run with my c20. The 20’has a rebuilt power supply, while the rest remaims original. I have the optIon to pick up some vintage Mc Amps, but like the idea of checking out AR amps or a primaluna. Anyone have any thoughts on the match, or perhaps a recommended killer modern amp. Budget, 2500ish- give or take

 

[mnmmt]

The only thing to watch out for is the input impedance of the power amp. I am not sure what the c20 requires, but my mx110 requires a minimum of 100k ohms, which limits the choice of ss amps.

With that budget you may be able to get a sorted mc225 or mc240. There is an absolutely mint mc225 on bt now for that. I think you would be hard pressed to top that sonically in that budget with new production.

 

[cocovinyl176]

The only thing to watch out for is the input impedance of the power amp. I am not sure what the c20 requires, but my mx110 requires a minimum of 100k ohms, which limits the choice of ss amps.

With that budget you may be able to get a sorted mc225 or mc240. There is an absolutely mint mc225 on bt now for that. I think you would be hard pressed to top that sonically in that budget with new production.

I’ve thought about grabbing a 240, but heard the AR and Prima, both sound lovely. I’m only looking for a tube amp, no SS.

 

[gmfgmfgmf1]

Everyone has their favorites ...... I think the C-20 is McIntosh best pre-amp

I have 2 C-20 hooked to MC225s (bridged) and to MC30s - both outstanding performance to me

I can't imagine why any modern tube amp will not work just fine

 

[cocovinyl176]

Everyone has their favorites ...... I think the C-20 is McIntosh best pre-amp

I have 2 C-20 hooked to MC225s (bridged) and to MC30s - both outstanding performance to me

I can't imagine why any modern tube amp will not work just fine

Agreed. Not sure there is a right or wrong answer. Everyone’s ears sit differently on their head. I Think I’ve narrowed it down to 3 different amps- PrimaLuna prolouge Prem, PrimaLuna dialogue prem HP, or Audio Reaearch vs115. The last 2 all depend on the price I get from the seller. The AR sounds great, but I’ve read ARs are tube killers as they push pretty hard.

 

[onemug]

Anyone have any thoughts on the match, or perhaps a recommended killer modern amp

You shouldn't have any problem matching your 20 with just about any modern tube amp. You will want to find the 'best' amp to match to your speakers and tastes.

fwiw...I have used a Marantz 7 with SET and PP tube amps, even a Pass XA30.5 ss amp (input impedance 20K) with no problems and great results.

 

[cocovinyl176]

You shouldn't have any problem matching your 20 with just about any modern tube amp. You will want to find the 'best' amp to match to your speakers and tastes.

fwiw...I have used a Marantz 7 with SET and PP tube amps, even a Pass XA30.5 ss amp (input impedance 20K) with no problems and great results.

I have a number of speaker options a couple maybe a bit too hungry. aR3 and AR3a, but may try a set of JBL 4311.

 

[62caddy]

According to the manual, the C20 main outputs should be used with amplifiers having input impedance of 50K ohm or greater.

The current MC275 has input impedance of 47K ohm which is probably close enough. Earlier tube models are 250K and higher which would be better suited.

 

[cocovinyl176]

According to the manual, the C20 main outputs should be used with amplifiers having input impedance of 50K ohm or greater.

The current MC275 has input impedance of 47K ohm which is probably close enough. Earlier tube models are 250K and higher which would be better suited.

Thanks. Now I’ve narrowed down to two: the Audi reaearch vs115 or PrimaLuna dialogue premium HP.