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February 11, 2020, 11:41 PM #1
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Am I Doing my new MC462 a great disservice?
I was living in Brooklyn Heights in the 1980s and purchased my first quality system from a man named Elliot of Innovative Audio. It was a Linn Naim system and I loved it. I still have the LP12 though it’s packed away and hasn’t seen daylight in many years.
When home theater became a thing, I sold all my audio gear and went 5.1 channel. I still love home theater but have rediscovered 2 channel audio.
having always wanted a McIntosh, I just purchased the MC462. I love it. It’s reinvigorated my living room which fell into disuse after we built an addition with a non dedicated home theater 2 years ago.
my LR thus has my old system consisting of a Marantz pre-pro 7703, a 7 channel Emotiva amp, a 75” Samsung and the original high end Oppo DVD player. Assorted surround speakers numbering 4 dot the walls. The 3 main speakers are Revel f208 along with the matching center. I have a JL Audio sub in there also.
with that background, here’s my question (with many more to follow).
Am I doing the new McIntosh 462 a disservice by using even pure direct on the Marantz as my preamp and SACDs in the Oppo?
if so, what preamp is recommended? I have never had tubes nor desire them.
I am basically satisfied with how it sounds but I’m sure there is room for improvement.
ty for now.
Mark
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February 12, 2020, 01:20 AM #2
Re: Am I Doing my new MC462 a great disservice?
Source Analog: Kuzma Stabi R w/4point 11 arm | Kuzma 50 Cartridge
Source Digital: Aurender N10 | Brinkmann Nyquist MK II
Amplification: Dan D’Agostino Momentum HD and M400’s | Boulder 508
Speakers: Wilson Alexias
Cabling: Nordost Leif, Norse, V2 and Odin
Power and Isolation: Audio-Ultra Home & Room Power Foundation Performance Package with StromTank S1000 | HRS
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February 12, 2020, 10:50 PM #3
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Re: Am I Doing my new MC462 a great disservice?
Which DAC are you using, Oppo or internal Marantz? Just curious if you've compared.
I don't know about disservice but a dedicated stereo preamp would be a place to upgrade. If you still do HT you can run the Marantz left/right preamp outs into a bypass on the stereo preamp.
I personally would try to use a preamp that is similar is signature to the Mac, if not Mac, then perhaps a Conrad Johnson or Pass. Not that these brands sound alike, they are just on a more musical or romantic side of things.
Another area I would look at, and, probably for me, even before a preamp. I know people like the Oppo but I think you could improve on that for playback. Not sure your budget, Levinson just came out with the 5105 which streams and plays SACD for around $5k. Somewhere on the forum there is a thread about who still makes a SACD player, you can get some more ideas there.
Or, maybe just adding a DAC if the Oppo can output the SACD higher resolution.Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
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February 13, 2020, 10:55 PM #4
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Re: Am I Doing my new MC462 a great disservice?
wow. I very much appreciate your and other replies. Unfortunately, your questions are beyond my ken.
when you say which DAC am I using, I don’t know the answer. I have my Oppo connected to the Marantz with hdmi and I just put the disc in and hit play.
as for my budget, I just busted it with the purchase of the 462. I will be back looking for a preamp though when I replenish my coffers.
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February 13, 2020, 11:14 PM #5
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Re: Am I Doing my new MC462 a great disservice?
If the Oppo is outputting audio via HDMI then chances are you are using the Marantz's DAC. If you want to use the Oppo's DAC then output the audio from the SE or XLR outputs of the Oppo to an Audio input on the Marantz and turn audio via HDMI off in the Oppo.
Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack
Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810
Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.
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February 13, 2020, 11:27 PM #6
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Re: Am I Doing my new MC462 a great disservice?
*> I'm not very familiar with the operation of the Oppo but I believe it has variable outputs, meaning if using them the Oppo has a volume control. If you know how to use this, it may be fun to hook the Oppo directly to the Mac to see how that set up sounds. You'd be bypassing a preamp and using the Oppo's volume control.
Iff the rack and area are cramped this all may be a pain. However, it could be a way to see if any improvement in sound could be had with what you already have.
Of course if still watching movies this could also cause some decision making
Feel free if I need to clarify anything, we all had to start at the beginning and I don't mind helping when I can.Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
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March 14, 2020, 09:30 AM #7
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- Feb 2020
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- Carlsbad
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Re: Am I Doing my new MC462 a great disservice?
I have the McIntosh MC452. I recently added a McIntosh C2600 Tube Preamp and I cannot believe the improvement in sound in music collection!!!!! It's like I have a whole new collection of music to listen to. I love the warmer sound. It's the best change I have ever made to my 2 channel system. (Plus I now have twice the blue lights! ).
hikerneil
McIntosh C2600 Preamp
McIntosh MC452 Amp
Martin Logan Montis Speakers
Sony HAZ Z1ES Music Server
Technics SL-1200G Turntable
Analysis Plus Oval 9 Cables
Personally Made Room Treatments
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March 14, 2020, 10:31 AM #8
Re: Am I Doing my new MC462 a great disservice?
I have C302 and C2600 tube preamp and I feel the sane... Think it is the tubes preamp that give it's magic on warm..
Enviado desde mi SM-G950F mediante TapatalkMcIntosh C302 + C2600 - Lumin A1 - Lenco L75 - Marantz SR6007 - Paradigm S6 - Gaia II - Chord Epic Twin Speaker Cable + Jumpers - Bada LB5500
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March 14, 2020, 11:16 AM #9
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Re: Am I Doing my new MC462 a great disservice?
I know this is treasonous but I can actually through good headphones hear the warmth you speak of from tubes on YouTube channels that demo high end with quality mics, in spite of it being down res’d.
I was wondering, however, if having a solid state amp a tube preamp would be of benefit. And I don’t know, but why am I hesitant to buy tubes, something I’m surprised are even still manufactured. Are they reliable or do they blow out or wear out? Easily replaceable?
I did recently pick up a Moon Mind Neo 2 for streaming and it sounds great.
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March 14, 2020, 03:45 PM #10
Re: Am I Doing my new MC462 a great disservice?
McIntosh, especially, is very easy on tubes. Preamp tubes can last 8-10K hours. Their power amp tubes can last 4-8K hours or even more depending on the amp. McIntosh has probably some of the easiest tube gear to maintain.
Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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March 14, 2020, 03:53 PM #11
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AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
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Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
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