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McIntosh C22 2-Channel Vacuum Tube Preamplifier Opinions?

I had a C220 a few years ago and I really liked the idea of turning off the tubes for the phono section...not a vinyl guy. :rolleyes:
 
Yes thats also a good point about the C220, I believe they do have SS output buffers...which is not a bad thing....
But if you are a purist.....
 
I'm seriously considering getting the C22. It would probably be prudent for me to wait and see what McIntosh has to offer over the next 3-4 months, but it looks like the C22 is the least likely candidate for obsolescence. I'm hoping it's on the warmer side of neutral.
 
joeinid said:
I'm seriously considering getting the C22. It would probably be prudent for me to wait and see what McIntosh has to offer over the next 3-4 months, but it looks like the C22 is the least likely candidate for obsolescence. I'm hoping it's on the warmer side of neutral.
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I would doubt it'll go anywhere. There really isn't much in their catalog that fills the niche of the 22.

The only reason I wouldn't get one is the front panel phono adjustments. If they replaced those with tone controls like the old ones (so you'd have independent L/R adjustments), then I'd probably go for it.
 
I'm sorry, I guess I meant to say that there's no DAC that will need updates or similar. The C22 looks like it's a stable product.
 
Owned the C220, C2300, C52 and now the C22 reissue. I prefer the C22 reissue over them all. The classic look, dac free, ease of operation without menus and the match with my MC275 mk. VI won me over. It works great with my VPI Prime, Ortofon MC and Spatial M3 Triode Master speakers. Highly recommended.
 
Hmmmm, that did cross my mind. Time to look around.

Although having a single box preamp is more convenient.

damacman said:
For that kind of money, I'd be looking at the C500t on the used market ... Fully balanced from input to output.
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The new C22 reissue -- commonly tied to the MC75 reissue -- is a very interesting piece of McIntosh preamp hardware. The original C22 is also a very interesting piece of McIntosh hardware.

I really love McIntosh products, and I was able to sit down with a C22/ MC75x2 setup last time I was in Colorado. It was really enjoyable. I was lucky enough to enjoy it with some of the better Kentucky Bourbons from the previous year's Derby. Great stuff.

My enjoyment of the system was intense. It was like a drug. I would have to sacrifice a large amount of my lifestyle to afford the intensity of that enjoyment.

I have wanted a C22 ever since.
 
When you talk about soundstage and whether this setup puts you at the front of a performance or in the center of the pit, we are all chasing aural experience. There is a level of pay to play involved.
 
joeinid said:
I'm seriously considering getting the C22. It would probably be prudent for me to wait and see what McIntosh has to offer over the next 3-4 months, but it looks like the C22 is the least likely candidate for obsolescence. I'm hoping it's on the warmer side of neutral.
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I highly doubt they will stop making the C22. I see it as being very similar to the MC275 that McIntosh has been making for decades. Sure, there will probably be updates under the hood similar to the updates versions of the MC275; I think it will also continue to look very similar on the exterior.
 
Supposedly the C22 is on a 3 month backorder currently. There had been rumors it was slated to be discontinued - nobody seems to know for certain.
 
When i was auditioning 1K speakers at Audio Classics using a MC 602 , they connected a C220, and I wasn't happy. We ended up using a C-46 the first day and a C-2200 the second. I preferred the 2200 over the C-220 and the C-46 the most. The 1k speakers have a very bright high end, and it tends to show off HF issues and some detailing I didn't like about the C-220. The IK did the same thing to a 2300 pre-amp in Phoenix, AZ using MC 1.2 k amps. IK with 2301 amps and a C500T pre-amp was almost tolerable. The 500T and 2301's with Snells A7 speakers was a great combination in a smaller room.
 
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Hmmm, wonder how the C1100 would be on my MC303 ?



twiiii said:
When i was auditioning 1K speakers at Audio Classics using a MC 602 , they connected a C220, and I wasn't happy. We ended up using a C-46 the first day and a C-2200 the second. I preferred the 2200 over the C-220 and the C-46 the most. The 1k speakers have a very bright high end, and it tends to show off HF issues and some detailing I didn't like about the C-220. The IK did the same thing to a 2300 pre-amp in Phoenix, AZ the spring using MC 1.2 k amps. IK with 2301 amps and a C500T pre-amps was almost tolerable. The 500T and 2301's with Snells A7 speakers was a great combination.
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