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Preamplifier for MC2200

I

IvoCRO

Active Member
Hello all,

I am looking for preamplifier for my MC2200 and I need advice on model. I don't have a chance to compare them so I would like to hear your opinion. I have read a lot of threads about each model and each one has it's own attributes. Here is what I have found and what is available for me, with price recalculated from EUR to USD:

C28 - 1.300 USD
C29 - 1.350 USD
C30 - 1.520 USD
C32 - 1.400 USD
C504 - 850 USD

So, I appreciate your comments, pros and cons and advices.

Best regards,

Ivo
 
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I don't think you can go wrong with any except with the usual admonition of the C28 due its numerous pots & switches and troublesome off/on power switch/ volume control. The others all have an improved precision tracking volume control (separate from the power switch) plus more reliable FET input switching (except the C504).

C32, 33 & 34 also offer tremendous flexibility for recording as well as multiroom playback of material independent of the main listening area.

HTH,
 
C29, C26,C27 and C28 use traditional input selection, that is mechanical switches on rotary wafers.
C32 uses sealed reed type relays.
C504, C30, C33, C34 use JFET switches as do C31V and C35. C37 used reed switches that is continued still to this day.
Some units did use a dual JFET IC for phono switching between PH1 and 2.

Volume controls vary.
 
The problem is we sold so few of them....the market was enamored with, demanded, remote control back then so we sold and delivered far more C31s and C35s.

The last C30 I compared to my reference restored C35 sounded just putrid until I finally got around to doing a complete restoration of it.

Since it seems the unit will be going overseas the switch to 240 volts is more complicated for remote controlled units.
 
Thank you all for your inputs.

Are all of 'older' preamps better match to work with 'older' power amps? I mean will C27/28/32 match better than C29/30/504 or even C35.

I mean each preamplifier will drive power amplifier, but is it, for some reason, better to combine or to avoid combination of different generations? Or preamp generation does not really matter?
 
They will all play well with others, this is Mac gear after all! I love my C30 with my MC2200 but, due to low production numbers, they are overpriced. The C29 has a great reputation as a solid, no frills pre amp. The C504 is the best deal, and has an excellent phono section (if you are into that sort of thing). Every model you mentioned is due for a total recap and cleaning, budget for that!
 
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Agreed. Although there are a some instances in which "x" Mc amp and "y" pre are not compatible, none apply to the equipment in question.

At the prices listed, I would certainly expect all units 100% turn-key.
 
I recently picked up an MX117 whose preamp section is identical to the C504. The JFET source switching is silent and trouble-free, the phono section sounds superb, and there's enough preamp flexibility for most systems. It's just a pleasure to use. So that C504 could be an excellent and cost-effective choice for you.

I also have a C33 in another system. Sonically it and the MX117 seem nearly identical, but the additional switching and features make the C33 worth a bit more. In my opinion the early-1980s McIntosh equipment hits a sweet spot of price to performance.
 
Hi all,

the choice is down on c32 for rather high price and c28 for far more affordable price. Now I know that each of us has different taste in the sound that hear and it is hard to say which one is better. I read that properly restored c28 may perform extremely well. Restoration for faint of heart is not a problem to me.

Is properly restored c32 really so much better than properly restored c28? Price difference is about 500 USD.

Regards,

Ivo
 
I liked my C-29, had it for 25+ years , installed everything from C-20's thru MX-135's and C-42's. I would choose a rebuilt C-30 or if you need all the tricks either a C-34 or C-40. I like my C-34, its so flexible and sounds good, too. But do prefer the MX-120 in some respects. But for playing analog LP's the C-34 is a great choice and I love the graphic tone controls. For Digital I find just a touch more sweetness and clarity with the MX-120.
 
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The C32 is a better preamp than the C28. The prices you have listed I believe are too high for a C28, not enough for a C32 assuming both are fully restored. Very few resellers will invest the 4-6 hours of labor cost into resell units. Ask for a internal picture, ussually only 5 screws, to see if they have bothered to recap let alone let alone the other less obvious things.

I keep a C33, C26, and C35 all recaped, around just so the locals can hear for themselves the value of a restoration.
 
I paid 1000 for my fully restored C32, I agree the price is too high....

I would get the C30, newer, better performing.....
 
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