Preamp Comparo- C46 vs C48 vs C47

4

45Shooter

New Member
Gents- as per my last postings I'm looking to put together my first Mc system......and hopefully my last. lol

My ideal setup is MC152/C47 at a cost of $5850 from AC.

Been cruising my local CL and found a seller who has both a C46 and a C48 for 2500 and 2750 respectively.

AC has the C47 for 2750 also.

My question therefore is how do these three compare for relatively the same purchase price?

Any opinions are welcomed and appreciated. THX
 
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My issue with these three preamps is that one can often find a C100 on the used market for same money ... That's exactly what I did, after considering the C40, C42 and C46. Now if you need the on board DAC, then you simply have to decide whether or not you also need the EQ.
 
C48 is the best buying, 5 band EQ, DAC, and the current modern mcIntosh sound, no brainer.....
Since I have had my C48 I have had no desire to get anything else...
 
The C-46 has more graphic controls, but doesn't have a 10Khz control, So I wouldn't consider that model. The newer the units the less flexibility they have and fewer features. I would go with. the C-48 if not given any. other choices. I already. have a MP 100 so if I had the room I would update from my C-34 to a C-40. What irks me sometimes is there is no balance control on the Newer MX HT processors. I hate having to go into the menus to correct an over strong left or right channel with some DVD's. and CD/SACD in the stereo mode. All I need is about a 4db range on a balance control for a HT processor. Most of the time its 1 db or 0.5 db.
 
twiii et al-

So I'm extrapolating that the c48 is the best fit for me.............is there a better option?

Id like to stay within the same vintage to have matching equipment if that's a consideration........
 
45Shooter said:
twiii et al-

So I'm extrapolating that the c48 is the best fit for me.............is there a better option?

Id like to stay within the same vintage to have matching equipment if that's a consideration........
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Go for it on the C48!! Its an excellent pre-amp, as I say, I've not really wanted anything else after I got mine about 6 years ago.
Sure there may be better options, but that comes at a premium price point though.
Make sure its got the latest firmware and USB audio software...
 
jblnut said:
Sadly, the C220 is overlooked in yet another preamp thread. Pity, as it is an excellent unit....

Jblnut
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Simply due to a lack of owners here (or elsewhere for that matter). Personally, I’ve never even seen one in the flesh ...
 
kevzep said:
The C48 has a superior phono stage to the C220.
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That may well be. I have two external phono stages that are each superior to anything found inside a Mac preamp so I can't comment on the C220's phono capability.

I think there are a few more members with this unit but they don't post in this forum often.

It should be on anyone's radar that is looking at modern Mac pre's...

Jblnut
 
My friend has a C220 wich to him and me sounds better with upgraded tubes but he does not use its phono stage.He likes his external stage better.He drives MC-2301's with it and it sounds very good.He is saving up for the C-1100.
 
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