New preamp or new integrated?

[CM275]

Hi, I use a MC275 mk.IV and a Clearaudio Ambient TT. Have a Clearaudio Basic riaa in between. Volum is set on the MC275.
I also have a preamp, Hegel P20, but have the feeling of it "beeing in the middle" and maybe not in a good way.
Speakers are JBL Array 800
Question:
Will a new C2800 be a good upgrade in sound? Or will I be better of going for the MA8959?

 

[frodaddi]

I've been enjoying my new MA8950, so I can vouch for it as a good product. You could connect your MC275 to the second pair of outputs and use it as a preamp for your 275 or use the integrated solid state amp, depending on where you hook up the speakers. In fact I do exactly this, although I have an ST-70 tube amp connected up (FWIW I use the MA8950 amp far more often than the ST-70). So it has that flexibility going for it, along with a nice 5 band equalizer if you like that kind of thing (I do, and use it often).

On the other hand the C2800 would keep you in all tubes, it has more balanced inputs / outputs and a second turntable input, along with some nice new features like the processor loop and bass management for subwoofer which the 8950 lacks. The C2800 is certainly easier to move about given that it weighs close to 50 pounds less than the 8950.

Then of course you might also consider the new C55 preamp which has all the same features as the C2800, plus an 8 band equalizer but in solid state rather than tubes.

Whichever you choose you get blue meters and the DA2 module. All are priced at $9000 so I guess it's up to you which feature set you prefer. Personally I don't think you could go wrong with any of the options.

 

[jayvis]

Or, if you don't want or need digital inputs, want 200 Watts into 8 Ohms/340 Watts into 4 Ohms of solid-state power, and tube preamp all in one box, check out the MA352 integrated amp.

 

[damacman]

Well, how does the system sound with the Hegel as your preamp?

 

[DogsPart2]

The 8950 is an end game Integrated.

 

[twiiii]

Now remember a C-2800 is a hybrid and not totally tubes. If you want totally tubes you are going to have to go back to the second or third model C-22. But they it won't like the low input impedance of a MK VI 275. So you will need the buffered outputs of the 2800. If you can give up the MC inputs I would look for a C-2200 which has a totally tube phono section. The new pre-amps use transistors and maybe IC's in the MC section of the phono pre-amp as tubes are just to noisy for that application. Personnally I love Graphic tone controls. You could always add MQ 112 like I did to my system. Some LP's really need a lot of help and the MQ 112 does the job nicely and should work with any pre-amp you choose. Some CD's need taming, too, and the MQ 112 does that..

 

[62caddy]

Unbalanced input impedance of the MC275 VI is 47,000 Ω which is only slightly lower than the 50,000 Ω specified minimum of the original version C22. First reissue, C22 CE specified to work into 10,000 Ω or greater so no problem there or with any subsequent version C22.

That aside, may as well shop for a preamp rather than an integrated if satisfied with the MC275. I can't see buying an integrated to use as a preamp.

 

[jayvis]

Now remember a C-2800 is a hybrid and not totally tubes.

I think that's an advantage.