Pre-amp combo for new 802 diamond and mcintosh 452

[bzr]

Tripp, where abouts are you in NZ. I know someone that could get you an M8 Plinius preamp, owned one myself & they are really good

 

[Steve]

Tripp...The C500T or C500P is quite a step up from the C2300 and current C2500. The C500 is a fully balanced pre-amp, each channel has discrete isolated electronics. The power supply and controller circuitry is in a seperate chassis.

A preference for tubes is a matter of taste. Tube rolling allows you to alter/tweek expression and inject a little listening magic into the presentation. For me, tubes can bring me closer to the musical reality. Others argue that they can raise the noise floor in a negative way. That is true too, but most will agree that having tubes somewhere in the chain is generally more musically satisfying!

Just last week, I unboxed a C2300 and a pair of MC600s for a friend. The combination did sound great! If you can find a used C2300 or ex-demo, I'm sure you will be happy with it for quite some time. IMO, the C2300 will be more desirable on the used market than the C2500 longer term also.

 

[bzr]

3-4K.....

 

[Tripp]

Tripp, there are excellent SS preamps and quite a few that I would not mind owning but I am sold on tubes. Give some thought to that Conrad Johnson ET-3se that I posted. I would take it over the Cary any day of the week, its that good. When shopping locally for a preamp, consider bringing in your Mc amp to your local shop and trying it out with different preamps if they don't have good return policy's.

Conrad Johnson ET3SE Preamplifier ? Reviews | TONEAudio MAGAZINE

Conrad-johnson ET3SE (£4920) - Pre/power amplifiers

Living in NZ consider looking for a used Plinius Preamp if going SS. I really like their gear although I have only heard their amps.

Thank you, I have found someone locally selling Conrad Johnson, Cary Audio does not have the local support…I am waiting for them to come back to me re-price…re-plinius, they suggested may not be the best match with mcintosh..
Cheers

 

[Tripp]

Tripp, where abouts are you in NZ. I know someone that could get you an M8 Plinius preamp, owned one myself & they are really good

I am at Auckland thank you. Plinius are good with their power amps, I am unsure if it will work nice as a preamp with mcintosh though..cheers

 

[Tripp]

If you can do an in home demo of a Classe' pre with your 452, I would highly recommend that you give it a try.

Thanks Mark, it actually sounds like a good idea. Classe dealer is lot more approachable with this option..i will check it out

 

[bzr]

I am at Auckland thank you. Plinius are good with their power amps, I am unsure if it will work nice as a preamp with mcintosh though..cheers

No probs, Peter would have been onto such things when he was an owner of the company. Hope it works out for you & you find great synergy & all. You can't go wrong with CJ.

 

[MDP]

Thanks Mark, it actually sounds like a good idea. Classe dealer is lot more approachable with this option..i will check it out

I have tried it with Mc amps, it works great. It also offers you the flexibility your looking for for the rest of your system, plus it's a world class preamp at a bargain price.