Need advice on pre-amp for mc452 amp

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Benson

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I am looking for a pre-amp to match up with my MC452. I had a c2300 but recently sold it just wanting to try something different. I am looking to stay under $3k used. The two that I have been looking at is the Aesthetix Calypso and the Conrad Johnson ET-3 SE. Have anyone heard either of these with mcintosh amps? The rest of my system is 802diamonds and I am thing I am going to order a Bryston bda-2 dac. Any advice would be appreciated!
 
Benson said:
I am looking for a pre-amp to match up with my MC452. I had a c2300 but recently sold it just wanting to try something different. I am looking to stay under $3k used. The two that I have been looking at is the Aesthetix Calypso and the Conrad Johnson ET-3 SE. Have anyone heard either of these with mcintosh amps? The rest of my system is 802diamonds and I am thing I am going to order a Bryston bda-2 dac. Any advice would be appreciated!
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Hi Benson - CJ would be good BUT not sure if they match from an impedance standpoint.

Classe CP800 perhaps or do you only want tubes? :)

What about an older ARC?
 
Hi Mike, I do like tubes but would be open to solid state. I did like like the c2300 but just didn't think that it was fantastic for how much it cost. I probably should have tried more tubes in the line stage but just stuck with the gold lions. A nice deal came along for me to let it go and I'm am curious about what else is out there.
 
Benson said:
Hi Mike, I do like tubes but would be open to solid state. I did like like the c2300 but just didn't think that it was fantastic for how much it cost. I probably should have tried more tubes in the line stage but just stuck with the gold lions. A nice deal came along for me to let it go and I'm am curious about what else is out there.
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Take a peek at the Classe CP800, If you want one, PM me.
 
Ever look into BAT. Can get a great used vk51se for under $3k
I had a 50 se and a vk3i pre both were real nice and great value
When bought used.
There is a ARC ls5 mk2 for sale right now on Agon for$2100 my friend had one
Few of years ago and it was really realy nice!
Tons of nice pre's for sale used right now . Going to be a hard choice
 
I would recommend a Shindo Aurièges in your budget.
They come out from time to time on Agon or you can ask Shindo dealers because they receive them in trade in when Shindo owners upgrade.
If tou can stretch your budget a bit, then the Monbrison is fabulous.
 
Will do Joe. I remember reading somewhere you used a Conrad Johnson pre with McIntosh amps? Did you have impedance issues?
Thanks
 
Benson said:
Will do Joe. I remember reading somewhere you used a Conrad Johnson pre with McIntosh amps? Did you have impedance issues?
Thanks
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I've used the ET-5 and the GAT with MC601 amps. It was glorious, especially the GAT. I had no impedance issues because the ET-5 is under about 125 ohms and the GAT under 100 ohms. We can look up what the output impedance numbers of the preamps you are looking at.
 
I was looking at the ET-3 to stay in my price range. Looks like that is 100 ohms also.
 
I think the McIntosh preamps are under 225 to 250 ohms so you should be fine. Just remember break in times tend to be long on the CJ preamps. Let it play and enjoy.
 
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I always thought the Audio Research LS25 & LS26 complimented the MC402 very well, can't imagine it not being better with the MC452. The ARC is a little more refined than the C2300 and has a larger sound stage.
 
Another recommendation is to check out the ModWright LS100. It is sounding excellent with my McIntosh MC501s... :happy:
 
That's what I'm talking about. The depth, width and layering of the sound stage on Conrad Johnson preamps is just outstanding. GAT + MC601's is a combo I miss very much. All the CJ gear is wonderful.


AudioSalon said:
I also just remembered I installed a CJ ET3 with a MC452 here in Boca using Magnepan 1.7s, the results were spectacular.
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I second Jerome's notion about the Shindo Aurieges.....they can be had for $2500 used and they mate extremely well with McIntosh amps. They are spectacular together. I went from a C220 McPreamp to the Aurieges, teaming it with an MC 275, an MC225 and an MC250...all were wonderful combos. Don't miss the C220 at all.....

You may have to pop for Shindo ICs or Auditorium 23 ICs to get the best out of the Shindo unit.
 
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