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Preamp or amp - what matters more (c22 / mc60)

CHATRITOR

CHATRITOR

cattoo
I want to upgrade into tube separates (I use a Luxman tube integrated lx38 right now), anyways I have to choose between a McIntosh c22 or a McIntosh mc60 since my budget only allows for one at the moment.

If I buy the pre I’ll use the Luxman amp section and vice versa.

Which one will make a bigger difference (/ improvement) in the sound?
 
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I’ll upgrade the tubes and keep the Luxman and when funds are available, i’ll buy a Mcintosh preamp and power amp combo.
 
Al Casey said:
I’ll upgrade the tubes and keep the Luxman and when funds are available, i’ll buy a Mcintosh preamp and power amp combo.
Click to expand...
There’s not that much to upgrade on the Lux, power tubes were already stocked w/ NOS nec 50ca10s and telefunken signals which a friend gave me

If I splurge and buy the combo, will it be a significant upgrade? Tube rectifiers are nice
 
CHATRITOR said:
There’s not that much to upgrade on the Lux, power tubes were already stocked w/ NOS nec 50ca10s and telefunken signals which a friend gave me

If I splurge and buy the combo, will it be a significant upgrade? Tube rectifiers are nice
Click to expand...
The only problem I foresee is a possible incompatibility between Luxman and Mcintosh. If you have the opportunity to try out the amplifier or preamplifier before buying, you will know what suits you best.
Luxman uses triodes as output tubes, while Mcintosh uses tetrodes, which are more powerful.
What are you looking for? More power or the flexibility offered by a better preamplifier? The C22 mk3 comes with a remote control.
The combo offers a better resale value should you decide to trade them one day.
 
Usually the closer to the source you are the larger the improvement potential. The MC60 should sound more powerful than the Luxman but depends on what speakers you are using.

If you are really looking for a step up in sonic performance my vote would be for a combo of MC60 driven by a PV-5 or PV-10. You would have to step out of the MAC family to do so.
 
I don't think either of those choices will necessarily be an upgrade. The Luxman is well designed, and 30W/ch is plenty with the right speakers. What are you hoping to accomplish?

Jack
 
TriodeLuvr said:
I don't think either of those choices will necessarily be an upgrade. The Luxman is well designed, and 30W/ch is plenty with the right speakers. What are you hoping to accomplish?

Jack
Click to expand...
Better bass and imaging, I just don’t think Luxman has the best bass control. I’ve tried few other ones who all perform better in that area (Scott, Fisher, HK).
 
Al Casey said:
The only problem I foresee is a possible incompatibility between Luxman and Mcintosh. If you have the opportunity to try out the amplifier or preamplifier before buying, you will know what suits you best.
Luxman uses triodes as output tubes, while Mcintosh uses tetrodes, which are more powerful.
What are you looking for? More power or the flexibility offered by a better preamplifier? The C22 mk3 comes with a remote control.
The combo offers a better resale value should you decide to trade them one day.
Click to expand...
driving Westminster, power not a problem, just bass doesn’t feel like it’s there anymore

Don’t know very clearly about Japanese amps but Japanese speakers always tend to tune down the bass

The lx38 used to drive JBL so it was better
 
CHATRITOR said:
I want to upgrade into tube separates (I use a Luxman tube integrated lx38 right now), anyways I have to choose between a McIntosh c22 or a McIntosh mc60 since my budget only allows for one at the moment.
Click to expand...
Didn't you already do this back in August?

What happened to the Luxman MQ36 tube power amp you acquired as of this past August

Luxman MQ36 Biasing & Ohm conversion

Hi, I have picked up this rare amplifier today at a mouth watering price. Since this is my first time using an OTL tube amp, there are some things i'd like to ask before using it. As I am planning to put in some Tung-sol 6336As (He used some nameless ones that I didnt trust), I will need to...
audiokarma.org

Or the Luxman CL-36 & MB 88 power amps you mentioned a couple of days prior to the above mentioned

Luxman CL36U, MB88U

I currently run the Luxman CL36 with the plug-in moving coil transformers + the MB88 1966 monoblocks. Somehow, a pair of MB88&Cl36 ultimates in pristine condition were offered to me, for my current tube amp set + $2000 (amp/preamp + $1000 each for their respective ultimate version). Now, I...
audiokarma.org
 
Dswankey said:
Didn't you already do this back in August?

What happened to the Luxman MQ36 tube power amp you acquired as of this past August

Luxman MQ36 Biasing & Ohm conversion

Hi, I have picked up this rare amplifier today at a mouth watering price. Since this is my first time using an OTL tube amp, there are some things i'd like to ask before using it. As I am planning to put in some Tung-sol 6336As (He used some nameless ones that I didnt trust), I will need to...
audiokarma.org

Or the Luxman CL-36 & MB 88 power amps you mentioned a couple of days prior to the above mentioned

Luxman CL36U, MB88U

I currently run the Luxman CL36 with the plug-in moving coil transformers + the MB88 1966 monoblocks. Somehow, a pair of MB88&Cl36 ultimates in pristine condition were offered to me, for my current tube amp set + $2000 (amp/preamp + $1000 each for their respective ultimate version). Now, I...
audiokarma.org
Click to expand...
I still have the mq36 though I don’t use it with expensive speakers because of safety concerns, they drive some ls3/5a right now

I sold the cl36 and mb88 along with my old JBLs and some more to fund my Westminster
 
CHATRITOR said:
driving Westminster, power not a problem, just bass doesn’t feel like it’s there anymore

Don’t know very clearly about Japanese amps but Japanese speakers always tend to tune down the bass

The lx38 used to drive JBL so it was better
Click to expand...
The Westminster is a big speaker and I am surprised that you noticed a lack of bass. Maybe an impedance mismatch; connect them to another tap.
 
CHATRITOR said:
I still have the mq36 though I don’t use it with expensive speakers because of safety concerns, they drive some ls3/5a right now

I sold the cl36 and mb88 along with my old JBLs and some more to fund my Westminster
Click to expand...

Okay so just that others are clear you are NOT now just upgrading to tube separates as you have already owned tube separates.
 
CHATRITOR said:
Better bass and imaging, I just don’t think Luxman has the best bass control. I’ve tried few other ones who all perform better in that area (Scott, Fisher, HK).
Click to expand...
Invest in a good powered subwoofer (or two). A well-integrated sub(s) really helps the midrange imaging.

:thumbsup:
 
MIKALIS said:
What would pair well w/ westminster?
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These two came up when I Googled. I would investigate these options, for what you are specifically looking for.

  • SVS SB-3000: A specific recommendation from a Westminster owner for the similar Kensington GR, suggesting a good match for the Westminster's sound.
  • Monolith by Monoprice: The 10, 12, or 15-inch Monolith subwoofers are a good option for adding more bass, especially if you use a stereo setup with two subwoofers.
 
The Westminster is equipped with a 15-inch woofer. Check the connections on the back of the speakers. The two positive terminals must be connected, as must the negative terminals; tighten them.
 
Mr Boochie said:
These two came up when I Googled. I would investigate these options, for what you are specifically looking for.

  • SVS SB-3000: A specific recommendation from a Westminster owner for the similar Kensington GR, suggesting a good match for the Westminster's sound.
  • Monolith by Monoprice: The 10, 12, or 15-inch Monolith subwoofers are a good option for adding more bass, especially if you use a stereo setup with two subwoofers.
Click to expand...
Mr Boochie said:
Invest in a good powered subwoofer (or two). A well-integrated sub(s) really helps the midrange imaging.

:thumbsup:
Click to expand...
I personally have a B&W sub being used in my warehouse right now, maybe it would match well? They do pair pretty well with Japanese speakers

DB1D, 2 12" woofers front and back

Ill go tomorrow and bring it to my house, but maybe one isnt enough
 
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