McIntosh MC2205 - Finding a Preamp

[mozcho]

I have just acquired a used 2205. I'm looking for a preamp for it. There are these on offer from different sellers:

Marantz 1060
McIntosh MX118

Ignoring the difference in price, which one would give better sound when paired with 2205? My speakers are Spendor SP1/2, Hitachi HS-330, and Klipsch KG4.

 

[Pio1980]

Depends, the Mac might make more sense from an esthetics point of view, but would be more to purchase and refurb.
Otherwise, listening to a line level source straight into the amp via it's channel level controls vs thru a preamp would give a sonic baseline for what the effect the preamp actually has.

 

[c_dk]

The MX118 was a bare bones A/V control center from the mid 90s. The compendium sticky has it listed under such.

Has no phono input or digital processor but does have 6 channels of theater sound.

Very very obsolete as a modern AV unit many have advocated using them as a stereo preamp as a good budget entry into a Mac front end. They typically sell at a steep discount.

Should really need no restoration at this time which a period correct C32 or C33 typically can use.

The Marantz being even older than the MC2205,if my memory is correct, will certainly need refreshing to get it back to where it was when new in the early 70s.

 

[damacman]

Keep shopping. Patience is a virtue.

 

[62caddy]

My preference would be a C32 or C33 (restored of course).

 

[JosephH]

I used both the C39 and MX-132 with my pair of 2205s. I thought the MX132 did a fine job as a 2 channel preamp. It also had the FM tuner pack, which added to its utility. Of course an as designed Mac 2 channel preamp is preferable, but they are way more money. There are mint 132s out there for less than a grand, one was available at Audio Classics recently. Quite a bargain IMHO.

 

[TSmith8605]

Why limit yourself to those two choices? You can get any preamp your budget allows - just may take time to find.

 

[mozcho]

Why limit yourself to those two choices? You can get any preamp your budget allows - just may take time to find.

I'm not in the US. we don't have many choices in the used market, and these two are available at the moment. initially I'm not shopping for a Mac preamp because most of my fund is spent on the 2205 already, but this MX118 just popped up and is sold at half the price of those mainstream Mac preamps, hence.

 

[TSmith8605]

I'm not in the US. we don't have many choices in the used market, and these two are available at the moment. initially I'm not shopping for a Mac preamp because most of my fund is spent on the 2205 already, but this MX118 just popped up and is sold at half the price of those mainstream Mac preamps, hence.

You might find it helpful to list your location in your profile or posts along with your system list in your signature. This information will give people here more info to better help you and maybe someone local can give help / resources specific to your city or country.

Anyway good luck with your search and have fun.

 

[jeanmarie]

I use a MX110Z with my MC2205 the sound iis amazing!

 

[Yamaki]

Be on the lookout for a MX119. Great 2-channel section, lots of good inputs for other sources, the unit is very versatile and performs as a pre-amp/processor.

Where are you located?

 

[onemug]

but this MX118 just popped up

My advice: Get the 118. The other one you listed, the Marantz 1060, is an integrated amp (amp and preamp combined). It probably has pre out jumpers, if so, you 'could' use it as a just a preamp by removing the jumpers. It just seems like a mess that way, might sound good though.

The 118 is what I would choose. It's remote controlled also.

 

[onemug]

I thought the MX132 did a fine job as a 2 channel preamp

Indeed it does.

My 132 has been laying around idle for a couple years. I had an extra 8b laying around also, so... 1+1=

It has a 'pure stereo' mode and they make nice music together.

 

[twiiii]

Mac amps from that period have two sensitivities .75 volts and 2.5 volts so they will work with most SS pre-amps and tube pre-amps with a lower impedance output. That said you will get the best signal to noise with the 2.5 volt setting with a pre-amp that is designed to drive that. level. The C-37 was the 16" wide pre-amp with the best performance. The C-34 and 33 were close behind and had the best flexibility.

 

[Pio1980]

Mac amps from that period have two sensitivities .75 volts and 2.5 volts so they will work with most SS pre-amps and tube pre-amps with a lower impedance output. That said you will get the best signal to noise with the 2.5 volt setting with a pre-amp that is designed to drive that. level. The C-37 was the 16" wide pre-amp with the best performance. The C-34 and 33 were close behind and had the best flexibility.

Without an active preamp, it should work fine with a passive controller at the sensitive setting.

 

[mozcho]

You might find it helpful to list your location in your profile or posts along with your system list in your signature. This information will give people here more info to better help you and maybe someone local can give help / resources specific to your city or country.

Anyway good luck with your search and have fun.

Thanks for your kind advice. I am at Malaysia. My collection includes MC2205, Teac AG-3000 integrated amp, Spendor SP1/2, Hitachi HS-330, and Klipsch KG4, Rega Planar 3 turntable, Marantz CD63.

 

[mozcho]

My advice: Get the 118. The other one you listed, the Marantz 1060, is an integrated amp (amp and preamp combined). It probably has pre out jumpers, if so, you 'could' use it as a just a preamp by removing the jumpers. It just seems like a mess that way, might sound good though.

The 118 is what I would choose. It's remote controlled also.

As much as I can read from the web, the 1060 does have jumpers, so it can be used as a preamp or as a poweramp.

 

[seacliffe301]

I have just acquired a used 2205. I'm looking for a preamp for it. There are these on offer from different sellers:

Marantz 1060
McIntosh MX118

Ignoring the difference in price, which one would give better sound when paired with 2205? My speakers are Spendor SP1/2, Hitachi HS-330, and Klipsch KG4.

If it were me, I'd go with the McIntosh hands down. There would be no comparison in build quality, not to mention sound quality. Add to that, 5 line level inputs, variable loudness control, what's not to love.

 

[stereocuuple]

Look no further. Mine will have to dug up from my grave.

 

[David_NC]

I've got a couple 1060's, and they're fine for what they are. I actually like them a lot. However, I'd definitely go with a McIntosh if possible. I bought a C31V a couple months ago. That model, and the later (but similar) C35 and C37 tend to be the best deal in a used McIntosh preamp... especially the first two. I think one reason is that C31 and 35 have push buttons for the volume control vs a knob. A couple good points about this particular design is that it has a remote control, and mine has zero noise when adjusting the volume - not many preamps close to 30 years old can say that. Plus, it's got lots of inputs, a phono input, 5 band equalizer, etc. I couldn't find anything with classic McIntosh looks in good condition for anything close to the price of the C31V.