I made some changes recently. Using (2) 275's to power 2 pairs of Martin Logan Motion series towers. My trusty old C28 has been pinch hitting but it's not really up to par. Looking for a preamp but can't decide whether to go tube or solid state. Whatever direction I go I would prefer to stay away from as much 'technology" as possible. I prefer and insist on knobs and dials for adjustment. Tone controls are mandatory, like the ide of the EQ too. Looked at a C42, C47, C 220 and C 2700. I listen to vinyl, an occasional CD, stream with Sonos and FM via an MR 77. Love to hear pinions and suggestions from you guys. Thanks a bunch.
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Tube or SS Preamp?
- Thread starter Snappahead
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What version MC275s?
I lean toward SS, but have not heard the C2700 so maybe it would sway me.
I lean toward SS, but have not heard the C2700 so maybe it would sway me.
What if any would be the benefit for SS over tubes? I don't think I'm going the 2700 route. It has a lot of circuitry including the upgradable DAC that scares me. I've had nothing but issues with Mc technology. Plus I'm not sure I want to drop 8 grand on a preamp, not sure it's necessary.
Mk IV's
I like tubes, as art. I do have four tube amps currently so I'm not trying to throw shade at them, it's just that the best possible tube amp and best possible SS amp will both sound the same. My taste and preference is to keep the maintenance out of the preamp and just go with the "straight wire with gain" that the preamp should provide, I want absolute quiet noise floor and that's it.
I feel that tubes in an amplifier are more cool glowing glass that I love to look at, and my wife prefers the sound from my vintage Mc tubes so worth the maintenance there.
I feel that tubes in an amplifier are more cool glowing glass that I love to look at, and my wife prefers the sound from my vintage Mc tubes so worth the maintenance there.
That makes perfect sense to me and is appreciated. I keep hearing how great tube preamps are, but my uneducated opinion tells me a tube preamp with a SS amp would provide a more tube like sound. Not sure it would be necessary the opposite way.
It is always worth listening to find what you like, and an excellent tube amp should be quiet also.
I’ve read some who feel that the McIntosh “magic” is in the preamp, so it is likely that everyone has their own taste and each system has its own synergy.
I’ve read some who feel that the McIntosh “magic” is in the preamp, so it is likely that everyone has their own taste and each system has its own synergy.
I think it depends on what tube preamp. I presently use a restored C11, and have also used a C22 and C20. All of them, combined with solid state Mac amps have provided a lot of tube flavor that I'm guessing modern tube preamps might not deliver. But that's just a guess as I have not heard any modern Mac tube preamps. Of course, with gear of 60+ years you would want it completely restored. I got my C11 from them and that's who I would want to buy something this old from.
Anyway, I've been extremely pleased with all 3 of the above pre's, and think that any of them would probably make a fantastic match with your 275's.
Good information. I'm working with tube amps so the question really amounts to whether or not there would be any benefit for using a tube preamp? I'm not opposed to either. All of my vintage equipment has been restored or gone over by very reputable people. Agree this is the only way to go with old stuff.
The biggest issue at the present time is actually finding equipment. Even the big retailers have very low stock. The used market is soft due to the back orders from McIntosh. People are holding onto there older stuff so trade-ins are scarce. I'm very hesitant to buy from private sellers unless I know who they are. I'd rather pay the premium to get what I want and feel comfortable with whom I'm buying from. I have a few options but I can't pick and choose.
Dr. Ears
Super Member
I like mixing SS and tubes, many manufacturers are offering hybrids, usually with tubes upfront and SS power amps.
PS Audio's TOTL mono-blocks use that configuration, as do many others.
I created the hybrid sound by placing the FX Audio 01J in-between my Sansui's SS integrated preamp outs and main ins.
PS Audio's TOTL mono-blocks use that configuration, as do many others.
I created the hybrid sound by placing the FX Audio 01J in-between my Sansui's SS integrated preamp outs and main ins.
I think I'm leaning this way. I also like having tone controls or even an EQ.
twiiii
Lunatic Member
If you can give up a MC input the C-2200 has the warmest phono section similar to your warm C-28. If you want the most flexibility with out a MC input similar to your C-28, you want a C-40. Another pre-amp to consider is the C-22 III which has the same flexibility as your C-28 plus has a MC input in addition and has a clear clean sound with just a touch of tube sound. The problem with tubes they need replacing every so often and you need a few spares in case one splits prematurely. If you want a DAC input. Then you want a C-52, 53 or C2600 or C-2700. The newer the 275's the drier the bass and mid bass with more detailed high end. I owned two of the original 275's back in the late 60's and early 70's. The newer amps I auditioned have improved over the years.
I don't use MC cartridges so that's not an issue. My 275's are Mk IV's. I could care less about a DAC, I have a stand alone DAC. Thank you.
Unfortunately, availability is such that I can't pick and choose. I do business with Audio Classics, spoke to Ryan this week. They have 2 preamps. A new C 2700 and a used C 47. That's it. He always give me a break, but even at that the C2700 is 7 Grand and I really don't want to spend that much on a preamp. That leaves the C47 and there's a C42 available locally. If I could find a C 2200 from a reputable source I'd consider it for sure. But this suplly chain stuff is throwing a wrench into my hobby!
I use a pair of MC275 (Mk 4) to drive Alon Lotus SE Mk ii and am using a Luxman CL 32 tube preamp (fully recapped). I prefer it to my C37, C38 and Luxman 5C50. I was just looking for the best sound quality using components I own, not necessarily SS vs tube preamp. I am now using a Phonomena II and Metrum DAC.
I love my mx110z, would like to try a 11,20,22 but they bring crazy money that may not be any better. I actually thought my mc30 sounded good but nothing spectacular until I got the 110, it’s very engaging and just fun to listen too. I’m sure it’s colored and distorted but it’s really sweet. I rarely use the tuner so I could do without it but it looks purdy too.
I considered going the vintage route. I'm using a C 28 now and I feel like it's not up to snuff. I have to think a more modern preamp would be better.
There's a C200 and a C220 on Audiogon. I think both seem fairly priced. There is a caveat. I bought an MX 121 from AC's about a year ago. Now I have bought quite a bit of stuff from Ryan over the years and he's restored and serviced all of my equipment over the years and is a lot. The 121 lasted about 6 months. To make a long story short, neither AC's, nor Mc could fix it. It's toast. So being the reputable company they are, they will credit me for the 121. The only problem is they don't really have anything. So the decision I have to make is whether I want to spend $3-4 K now or wait until something becomes available,
Regardless, I appreciate your opinion and it did help me make a decision. I think a C200 or similar is the way to go.
Thank you.