McIntosh C26 advice

[DanBNash]

I would like some advice. Does anyone know if the McIntosh C26 would be a good fit with my other equipment. I am using a Carver a500x power amp that puts out 250 watts. I bought this from an AK'er to drive some Thiel CS2 2's. I also have a Budgie tube phono preamp and a Thorens 125 MKII turntable. I would like to eventually have 2 turntables hooked up so that I could then use the McIntosh phono input for one of them.

Can anyone comment on whether the C26 would be a good addition for me. (I am currently using a Cambridge Audio 840a integrated amp as my preamp).

I like the look and the C26 seems to be reasonably priced. have always wanted to try McIntosh components. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[BilboBaggins]

I love mine and think she's gorgeous! I actually had a C32, the C26, and a restored Bose 4401 on back to back comparison with the same amp and speakers and I couldn't justify keeping the C32 at the time. Now I might say differently, as my ears are now tuned to a better sound. I also really like the controls on her. Dual concentric bass and treble controls, variable loudness, the feel of the controls, and the soft blue/green of the lights in a dim room is pure heaven! I don't see why it shouldn't work well with the carver. And if you get upgraditus, just put the money into a good restore job to replace the old caps and other marginal components. I need to do that on mine when I have the spare cash. I also bought a dead C24 and got it restored at the same time as it was repaired and it is a vintage beauty that sounds really good with everything I've tried it with. It also matches well with my two Bose 1801s in case I ever decide to run them separately.

 

[DanBNash]

Thanks BilboBaggins!