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McIntosh Preamps-Which one would you keep if it was FREE!

McIntosh Tube Preamp Choice for your system-Which one to pick if they were free?

  • C-22

    Votes: 17 22.7%

  • MX-110 Preamp/Tuner

    Votes: 6 8.0%

  • C-220

    Votes: 4 5.3%

  • C-2200

    Votes: 39 52.0%

  • Ma-2275

    Votes: 9 12.0%
  • Total voters
    75
barrynsue

barrynsue

Super Member
Just curious what you folks would do if you were offered the following options and it would not cost a penny. We will assume the the units are all cosmetically mint and operationally excellent.

I don't know how to post a poll but will just read through and see what the group says. It will help in making the decision as what I out into my main two channel system. Assuming it will either be matched using a McIntosh MC-225 and/or MC-275 Mark V amp excepting the MA-2275. Running Khorns and Altec 19's:

1) McIntosh MX-110 Preamp/Tuner w/ case

2) McIntosh C-22 Preamp All Telefunken Tubes w/ case

3) McIntosh C-220 Preamp

4) McIntosh C-2200 Preamp

5) McIntosh MA-2275 Integrated

Just curious what you would do if you faced the same dilema and not making the decision based on price and overall resale value.
 
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I picked the Ma2275,as im sure you know its the same pre section as the c-2200 plus you get the amp as an added bonus,im running a c-2200 right now & i like it alot but i wish i had bought the Ma2275 just to run as a preamp instead,i love how beefy it looks & its the most gorgeous looking peice in the current line up aside from the Mc2102.
 
I would take the C-22 with the Teles and case. I'm a sucker for the vintage gear - and this takes no back seat in terms of performance. An outstanding preamp in it's own right......but then the position of this preamp in the history of audio makes this THE choice for the poll.

Since cost is an object for me, I have an MX-110 and plan to keep that for the long haul. If cost weren't an object, I would have a C-22 in my system.
 
I picked the C22, of course. If it helps, take the Telefunken tubes out; I have plenty, thanks.

You know my address, Barry. Just send it right along..
 
howiebrou said:
MA2275 :music:
Click to expand...

No wonder we are buddies, we think alike ......MA2275 ...... wow! Luckily, I did broke my back (of sorts) but not like the movie brokeback mountain! That becomes serious!:D :D :D
 
Jerry Seh said:
No wonder we are buddies, we think alike ......MA2275 ...... wow! Luckily, I did broke my back (of sorts) but not like the movie brokeback mountain! That becomes serious!:D :D :D
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This movie I would watch :banana:

brokeback2.jpg
 
Howie and Jerry,

You guys crack me up! Love the Poster too.

I would have to agree that on looks alone, the MA-2275 is the nicest looking piece in the bunch, and the C-22 is giving the 2200 a run for the money.

Guess not as many folks are interested in the tuner/preamp combo although the MX-110 is one of my all time favorites for the money. Does not quite have the same depth as the the C-22 but them again, it costs quite a bit less and is still a great piece.

I will see how many responses are received as I am using this as an election of sorts. Some things have to go and I am gauging this poll to make the decision of what stays and what goes.

Thanks for the replies.

Barry
 
I already have an MX110 so I think i'd take the c22, would go well with my MR67. The MX110 is a fantastic unit, especially after some cap upgrades and power supply restoration, awesome looking also.
 
When deciding on a pre-amp to mate with my MC 30's, I talked with a guy who works on this stuff. Plus, I checked alot of equipment profiles and the one that came up the most was the MX 110. Got one, love it.
 
tstew said:
When deciding on a pre-amp to mate with my MC 30's, I talked with a guy who works on this stuff. Plus, I checked alot of equipment profiles and the one that came up the most was the MX 110. Got one, love it.
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I was hoping you would vote so that the poor MX-110 category wouldn't be so lonely!
 
It appears by the poll that the largest majority of the folks responding would be to go for the C-2200. I am surprised that the 2275 did not get more votes as it is a beautiful unit and one I truly have enjoyed.

So it looks like I will keep the C-2200 (still unopened) and have the C-22 as a back-up. I am thinning the herd so I guess the others will go.

Carl, I too like the remote and that is my only issue with the C-22 and the other vintage units. However, they are still wonderful pieces of audio nirvana and there is probably none much better when it comes to vintage audio.

Thanks to all for replying to the poll!

Barry
 
I've had a C2200 for five years and enjoyed every day. Great sound and a remote! If it had a variable loudness control it would be perfect.
 
barrynsue said:
I am surprised that the 2275 did not get more votes as it is a beautiful unit and one I truly have enjoyed.

Barry
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Following the crowd does not always take you to the right place. Integrated McIntosh amps/pre amps do not get the respect they deserve. The MA2275 is a magnificiant piece of audio equipment.
 
MA-2275 use

Hi - for those of you using the MA-2275 Integrated, can you use the preamp section alone to drive separate amps without powering on the internal amp (and burning the tubes)?

I looked breifly at the owners manual, but couldn't find a switch fot the power amp section

thanks!
 
barrynsue said:
Carl, I too like the remote and that is my only issue with the C-22 and the other vintage units.

Barry
Click to expand...

Barry/Carl, have you guys try the CR7? I hooked one up for a while but went back to manual since I like playing with the knobs.:yes:

LN
 
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