Looking for an amp (or 2) to match with my new McIntosh C220 -

T

tcmalibu

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So after getting the 2 channel audio bug again after too many years of Home Theater, I have been buying, upgrading, and enjoying my system. Bought a little Chinese Tube amp, which really sounds great, stepped up to a Rogue Audio integrated, and have now just purchased a McIntosh C220.
I'm looking for anyones experience here with this preamp and good matches with amplification. Of course I would love to step into a McIntosh amp, but that may require a little time unless I go with a small SS version like the MC7100 ?

I have a brand new Parasound 2250, and might loo at buying a pair of Emotiva 1L's.....oh, and I'm listening to the gear on a pair of B&W 804D's.

As you can see, I need input - and this looks like the place to get it....any and all thoughts and ideas will be greatly appreciated!
 
tcmalibu said:
So after getting the 2 channel audio bug again after too many years of Home Theater, I have been buying, upgrading, and enjoying my system. Bought a little Chinese Tube amp, which really sounds great, stepped up to a Rogue Audio integrated, and have now just purchased a McIntosh C220.
I'm looking for anyones experience here with this preamp and good matches with amplification. Of course I would love to step into a McIntosh amp, but that may require a little time unless I go with a small SS version like the MC7100 ?

I have a brand new Parasound 2250, and might loo at buying a pair of Emotiva 1L's.....oh, and I'm listening to the gear on a pair of B&W 804D's.

As you can see, I need input - and this looks like the place to get it....any and all thoughts and ideas will be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...

:hey:tcmalibu
Welcome to Audioshark:congrats:

Now to your question. If you've got the $$$$, get the Mcintosh MC275VI. I have that exact combination and it is pure magic. If you want solid state and can stretch your budget further, get the MC452.

I settled on the MC275VI because I love tubes, but if I were to ever get a SS amp, it would be the MC452.

Good luck on whatever you decide and please let us know:audiophile::audiophile:
 
Welcome tcmalibu!

Excellent advice Bob. I totally agree!

Toobs said:
:hey:tcmalibu
Welcome to Audioshark:congrats:

Now to your question. If you've got the $$$$, get the Mcintosh MC275VI. I have that exact combination and it is pure magic. If you want solid state and can stretch your budget further, get the MC452.

I settled on the MC275VI because I love tubes, but if I were to ever get a SS amp, it would be the MC452.

Good luck on whatever you decide and please let us know:audiophile::audiophile:
Click to expand...
 
Ok, so there is no doubt in my mind that this is good advice (Thank You) and I really want to go with tubes - but my budget says no way right now, hence my need to likely go SS for the short to mid-term. The MC275VI's I see for sale are in the $4 to $5k range, so the question is what do you suggest I do while I'm saving for a MC275?
 
Even though im a huge fan of tubes. Unless you save some money for 275 on mono I would go with the SS on B&W 804D

Purchase the little old MC SS or if you want to use for a while until your saving. Look for the Rotel as well.
 
tcmalibu said:
Thanks Paul - any thoughts on the Emotiva - using a pair of 1L's?
Click to expand...
I heard the Emotiva is really good value but never had a chance to hear them. So cant comment. The Rotel with B&W I heard several times and I thought it was pretty good. How about some used Bryston ?? What is your budget though ?
 
Budget - good question! So my thoughts are see how the Parasound amp sounds in the mix. If its not cutting it, then I am thinking I will spend around $1000 - $1200 for either a pair of Emotiva 1L's ($998 delivered) or I switch up and go with something used - as i mentioned possibly a McIntosh 7100 used?
 
Another amp to try is Wyred 4 Sound. Note that I am a dealer; however, I can honestly say that I have not heard a better amplifier for anywhere near the money. The new mAMP monos and ST mk11 stereo amps are under $2,000, have gobs of power, yet refined. I believe you can buy them for home trial so that might be the way to go.
 
With those B&W's, I'd go with a SS monoblock or 2-channel, such as the MC452.

The Emotiva amps are great value, definitely have the power and I'm pretty happy with my XPA-1's on the front end. In fact, I have 6 of their amps.

However, I'm working on stepping up to either a MC352 or MC452 and swapping the XPA-1's out of the system. Not because there is anything wrong with the Emotiva amps...it's just because I am upgrading my main system for the last time and have decided I want to go all McIntosh for this iteration.

Good luck with the upgrade!
 
The MC252 is right in line with the C220 as far as price goes and they make a darn good combo together. Like Yamaki said above a 452 would be even nicer if you wanted to splurge and spend a little bit more.

Haven't heard any of the latest Rotel amps but have had very good experiences with some of the higher powered ones from years ago. A good value. I'd have to imagine a Bryston would be a viable option as well.

I wouldn't touch the Emotiva amps with a 10 foot pole though. Very poor amplifiers and would not do the C220 nor the B&W's justice. Cheap and adequate for a garage setup but that about it.
 
You should consider the Vincent SP-331. It is a hybrid with tubes in the front end and 150 watts of solid state output. The good news is that it retails for $1500.00 but could probably be had for $1200.00-$1300.00. It is the best of both worlds. It would drive your speakers very well with power, dynamics, control and great bass but also have the beauty, richness, sweetness and smoothness of tubes. It is a great amp for very little money. Best of all it actually answers your question about a great amp within your budget.
 
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