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MX112 possible modern alternative

Jbmorrey

Jbmorrey

Active Member
So I have a bit of a problem, if you will. I currently have a McIntosh mx112 preamp and on its way to me is a Schiit Vidar that I plan on using to run a recent purchase of a pair of Magnepan LRS. I already have a McIntosh ma6200 as a pre connected to a McIntosh 2505 for another stereo setup, but was considering making the Magnepan setup a little more of a modern setup with the ability to have a remote control. So looking for a replacement to my McIntosh mx112.
The Mx112 has not had a recent service but seems to be working extremely well. If I was to sell the MX112, I would use those funds to purchase a modern preamp to pair with the Schiit Vidar and Magnepans, anyone have a suggestion that would be equal to the sound quality of the McIntosh preamp, but have the modern connivence of a remote? I could use at least a few connections, RCA for Oppo CD player, maybe a digital connection as I may connect my Bluesound Vault to the modern setup to stream and such.
any help is appreciated.

James
 
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If you'd like to stick with McIntosh and want a lower cost option, check out the C15 preamp. It was their entry level preamp from 1998-2000 but performed well above its price point. It doesn't have the equalizer functions of your MA6200, but it has a remote, slim modern styling and at least equals the MA6200 in overall performance. You can connect to your Bluesound Vault's analog audio outputs. If you want an internal DAC and digital inputs, you'll need something more recent and more expensive.
 
jayvis said:
If you'd like to stick with McIntosh and want a lower cost option, check out the C15 preamp. It was their entry level preamp from 1998-2000 but performed well above its price point. It doesn't have the equalizer functions of your MA6200, but it has a remote, slim modern styling and at least equals the MA6200 in overall performance. You can connect to your Bluesound Vault's analog audio outputs. If you want an internal DAC and digital inputs, you'll need something more recent and more expensive.
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That’s a good suggestion, just need to be patient as they are pretty rare, saw one that sold for $850 on EBay, that would be reasonable.
any other suggestions are appreciated, was wondering about brands like Cambridge audio or Emotiva, are they able to get anywhere near the sound of a McIntosh?
james
 
Jbmorrey said:
That’s a good suggestion, just need to be patient as they are pretty rare, saw one that sold for $850 on EBay, that would be reasonable.
any other suggestions are appreciated, was wondering about brands like Cambridge audio or Emotiva, are they able to get anywhere near the sound of a McIntosh?
james
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Other McIntosh options would be the C712 or the McIntosh D100 digital preamp that has an internal DAC & digital inputs for your CD player and Vault that will improve the sound of those components. If it were me and only intended to use digital music sources like a CD player and digital streamer, I'd go with the D100. It's the most modern piece of the three (sold from 2012-2018), should give you the most sound improvement with its internal DAC, and should pair well with your new power amp. It also has a better headphone amp section if you ever decide to use headphones. If you plan on using a turntable, you'll need one of the other two I mentioned. Although I've heard a few, I'm not very familiar with Emotiva's products. They seem to be nice choices in what I'd call mid-fi. Cambridge Audio also produces fine items in that class. They could provide what you're looking for, but I doubt very much that they'd provide the type of overall performance and experience that you'd get with one of the McIntosh preamps.
 
I’ve used the Emotiva DC-1 Stealth and a couple of others I can’t remember, they make quality gear. The DC-1 was a nice DAC/preamp with balanced out, but no phono input, wish they still made it. They also make a lower/entry-level line.
 
You can just add a McIntosh CR7 to the MX112 for remote capability plus the benefit of having remote switching of power.

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Jbmorrey said:
I had NO IDEA there was such a thing, never seen it before, hopefully they aren’t too rare.

james
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Yes, they're pretty rare and many that are for sale don't include the remote. If you don't mind having another box on your rack and want to save money to get remote control, go for it. As far as preamps, another option that would go well with your new modern amp is the Peachtree Audio preDAC. It's pretty much a do-all preamp with both analog and digital inputs and an excellent DAC. It's a very well built and nice sounding made in America preamp. Another Peachtree option would be the older novaPre which is a hybrid tube preamp. It was designed to tame the more forward sound from digital sources and/or systems with electrostatic speakers. It also has an excellent DAC and is worth checking out. Did you ever check into the Schitt Audio preamps?

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Jbmorrey said:
I had NO IDEA there was such a thing, never seen it before, hopefully they aren’t too rare.

james
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Years ago CR7s were fairly plentiful but not so much lately. @jayvis is correct about remotes often missing so watch out for that. It's an elegant solution for adding modern convenience to a vintage system. The 1,750W total A/C capacity of its convenience outlets is more than enough for all but the largest systems, eliminating the need for separate A/C power switching devices. Another additional benefit I noticed is the moment A/C power is interrupted, the CR7 will shut off (and all components connected to its outlets) will remain off until turned on again manually. This can help prevent damage if main A/C power becomes intermittent, particularly with tube equipment.

I would set up a search on eBay for "McIntosh CR7" and select "Save" and you will receive a notification whenever one is listed.
 
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As far as missing CR7 remotes go, I am controlling mine with a Harmony remote, which works fine. Although of course now Harmony remotes are discontinued so finding those is getting harder too, and the prices are up :(
 
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