Preamplifier Decision

[aKnyght]

Tier 3. I’ve owned more Mc than most folks here. Love it, for what it is.


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sounds about right...

how would you compare mcIntosh to the VAC renaissance mk-v being considered by the OP? for the purposes of an apples-to-apples comparison, let's say something like the Mc c22/c70 which is also a tubed pre-amp; however, it is ~half the price, so maybe not a true apples-to-apples comp).

 

[Mike]

sounds about right...

how would you compare mcIntosh to the VAC renaissance mk-v being considered by the OP? for the purposes of an apples-to-apples comparison, let's say something like the Mc c22/c70 which is also a tubed pre-amp; however, it is ~half the price, so maybe not a true apples-to-apples comp).

I don’t know those Mc pieces, so a little hard to comment. A 2500 is a better reference for me. I always found the 2500 veiled compared to say a VAC Ren V. We took a 2500 on trade for a VAC pre.

If I was shopping in that budget: Pass XP12 or XP22 for me.


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[Randy Myers]

I don’t know those Mc pieces, so a little hard to comment. A 2500 is a better reference for me. I always found the 2500 veiled compared to say a VAC Ren V. We took a 2500 on trade for a VAC pre.

If I was shopping in that budget: Pass XP12 or XP22 for me.


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True, however more of a comparison would be the C49 or C53 because the Pass is SS. McIntosh is either a love or a hate thing. People who love Mc won't even consider other. I grew up in Binghamton so I definitely am in the love McIntosh base .

Feature and usability wise they offer an awful lot versus others in their range. For my old ears I also believe they sound fantastic!