• Please note that Audiokarma will be offline briefly for updates early on Monday morning, September 28th.

McIntosh C504 preamp?

John in MA

John in MA

Respect the gamba tuba
The way some of the audio market's downing down recently I've gotten serious about getting a Mac preamp. Mainly looking at C27/29 and C32, but I was wondering what the general opinion is of the C504? Looks nice for a possibly sub-$400 unit, but not simple enough to be a barebones PITA like some compact pres.

Thoughts?
 
Register to hide this ad
I'm looking for a pre for a big but straightforward system. Use probably 60/35/5 CD/vinyl/tape.

Does the C504 have low-level swtich? I do a lot of my listening where it's helpful to have an attenuator like that.
 
C504-009s.jpg


I think you'll be pleased... it does have a good phono stage and has the features you say you need... just use the AUX input for your CD player. I'm very happy with mine.
 
How about that low-level swtich? I have the problem of a tiny room and huge speakers. Usually means the first or second tick on a normal preamp's volume knob is as much as I want.
 
Anyone know how this might compare to a C712, sonically? I can get one for $75 more than the C504, but the front glass is has a single crack and there's no remote.

Edit: Screw it, I got the C712 for $424 shipped. The balanced outputs, extra line-level inputs, remote capability, and mechanical-vs-semiconductor switching got me.
 
The C712 is a great preamp and has a really nice phono section. Order a replacement faceplate and use hell out of it until the new faceplate arrives. It specs better than the C504 BTW.
 
I can live with the borked faceplate for now. Doesn't look so bad in the photos, as long as it doesn't get smashed up more in shipping. The only reservation I had buying it was that I get the feeling it's part of the newer generation of Mac gear that might be a departure from the older ones, but I'm not really sure about that. I'm looking for something more laid back than my Adcom pre to settle my system a little.

912-1.jpg
 
John in MA said:
I can live with the borked faceplate for now. Doesn't look so bad in the photos, as long as it doesn't get smashed up more in shipping. The only reservation I had buying it was that I get the feeling it's part of the newer generation of Mac gear that might be a departure from the older ones, but I'm not really sure about that. I'm looking for something more laid back than my Adcom pre to settle my system a little.
Click to expand...

It's part of the older generation (7XX series) but has most of the advantages of the new products, including having pretty neutral sonic characteristics. It will probably sound warmer and fuller than an Adcom or similar pre, just not to the extent of some of the boutique offerings out there.
 
Thanks, I was wondering about that. By "newer" I meant more in comparison to the C29/C504 vintage gear.

Any ideas for a cheap remote to use this thing with?
 
John in MA said:
Thanks, I was wondering about that. By "newer" I meant more in comparison to the C29/C504 vintage gear.

Any ideas for a cheap remote to use this thing with?
Click to expand...

That is a great price, even with a broken face plate. Order your new glass, or have it sent off to get replaced and while they have it open have them install new bulbs.

I paid quite a bit more for my C712 than what you did, and I like it very much. Mine arrived in the original factory box and actually looks like it was NOS. I use it with my mc7270 for my bedroom system.

My MC7270 has the variable input sensitivity selector on the back of the amp. What should I have it set on?

Should it be set to 0.75 volt or 2.5 volts? :scratch2:

Thanks,

Michael
 
Well, I just bought a C502 off ebay for about $305 including a PayPal discount I get. Looking at the photos already posted in this thread, it appears I purchased the unit "John in MA" was originally considering. I plan on refurbishing the unit by, at a minimum, replacing all the caps. I am trying to get a service manual. Can someone tell me if this preamp uses op amps or is it strictly discrete? Is there remote signal switching like the C34V or direct front panel switching like the C28? Does it use bayonet type bulbs behind the glass or miniature solder-in bulbs? Thanks
 
That's the unit. I was going to buy the thing once he restarted the auction but decided the C712 might be worth a shot. Good deal with the PayPal discount, I couldn't find one this month.

The C504 uses remote FET swtiching as far as I know. Not sure about the rest.

C712 uses remote reed relays and opamps. I'm not big on opamps, but I trust the generally positive opinions on this one. It's post Roger-Russell, though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom