Moderators dtel Posted November 4, 2006 Moderators Share Posted November 4, 2006 I don't have one but I am wondering what would be a good preamp for that amp. What would be the least expensive way to go and upgrade later? Just looking at options for after the holidays to drive the Clll's. I had thought about tubes but that's a little to much $ right now being I would want around 20 to 30 wpc if tubes. And from all that I read the Mc 2505 or an old HK 630 or 930 would probably make me happy. I do like McIntosh and it would cost more that the HK but it sounds like general opinion is the Mc sounds better. I also took in to consideration I know 0 about tube amps and their prices. I thought the McIntosh would be much more expensive and was not considering one until I ran across one for $525 in good condition, made me think. If that is a ballpark price on one I may go that route, although when I am ready they will probably much more ? Just thinking about what to do after the 1st of the year....Opinions................No 2 or 3 wpc please Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators dtel Posted November 4, 2006 Author Moderators Share Posted November 4, 2006 Almost forgot I am not looking to buy now so if anyone is interested in that mc ? http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1167588141 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick Bell Posted November 4, 2006 Share Posted November 4, 2006 A McIntosh C-28 would match the MC2505 and is a nice pre-amp. One thing I like about the C-28 is that it has two main outputs, each with a center channel output. I have a very nice C-28 and love it. In fact, though I've order a tube pre-amp and really should sell my C-28, I just can't bring myself to part with it right now. Mick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Klappenberger Posted November 4, 2006 Share Posted November 4, 2006 dtel, The Mac preamps of that era are the C26, C27 and C28. But the C26 and 28 match the front panl "style". I personally would suggest the C26 myself as it's identical to the C27 internally. I had a C27 for a long time and liked it a lot but later traded to the C34V I use now to get better tape recording facilities. AL K. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators dtel Posted November 4, 2006 Author Moderators Share Posted November 4, 2006 Thanks that helps alot, had no idea. The price on that mc2505 is $525 is that about a ballpark average price or is that cheap ? Just planing ahead. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rcarlton Posted November 4, 2006 Share Posted November 4, 2006 I would not recommend the C-28. They come with a volume control that "were junk and so are the new replacements. These were used on C28, C26, and MPI-4. Slight variation in ohm-age but all the same construction by CTS. Marantz used these also and suffer the same problems." (ron-c from McIntosh). Here is a link to the volume control discussion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt1stcav Posted November 4, 2006 Share Posted November 4, 2006 How 'bout the McIntosh C36? I know it's an '80s vintage pre so the styling is newer, but from what I've heard it's still a top-notch pre (to match newer Mac amps like their MC2155 and MC7270 et al). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators dtel Posted November 5, 2006 Author Moderators Share Posted November 5, 2006 Thanks, I don't care what it looks like if it sounds good, they don't have to match. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Klappenberger Posted November 5, 2006 Share Posted November 5, 2006 Ron, That's interesting news about the C28 volume control. The C27 I had used a "steped" volume control that worked perfecty. I also had a MA6100 integrated amp for a while. That had an analog volume control with ganged sections to control the level at several places in the amp simultaneoulsy. It got noisy after a few years. The C27 wasn't very popular for some reason and they are hard to find on eBay. I can definitly recommend the C34V that I have. It's very civilized in every way. It even has a built on 20W stero amp complete with overdrive protection. It was inteneded for headphones but it will drive Klipsch speakers with no trouble. AL K. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stringmun1 Posted November 14, 2006 Share Posted November 14, 2006 I have an IMMACULATE McIntosh C-28 for sale. I've been using it in conjunction with a Mac 2505 (among several other Macs) for several years. Just switched to Quicksilver electronics and am therefore desiring to sell some Mac (I own 13 pieces). Lemme know if interested...I'd take $500. Located in Warren, AR. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mungkiman Posted November 14, 2006 Share Posted November 14, 2006 I also like the C28, and haven't had any trouble with the volume knob. Having the center channel output is a bonus. If you don't "need" the blue meters of the 2505, a 250 can usually be found for less. My prices are a little out of date (2 years), but I paid $300 for each 250 and $400 each for the C28 and 2505. $.02 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boomac Posted November 15, 2006 Share Posted November 15, 2006 I have an MC2155 and a C29 that I use with Cornwalls and I really enjoy that set-up. If you buy vintage McIntosh make sure you deal with a reputable source. I bought mine from Audio Classics and have been very pleased. Their product description and service are first class. Youll probably pay more but youll get great equipment. I would agree that the C28 would be the match for a MC2505. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Robin Posted November 15, 2006 Share Posted November 15, 2006 I have always wanted some Mac gear after hearing it at Custom Audio back in the mid 70's. It may be time to make a move. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audible Nectar Posted November 15, 2006 Share Posted November 15, 2006 A Mac 2505 in good condition for $525 is a STEAL. BUY IT. Klipsch + Mac = YUMMY[] It's one of the most worry free decisions you can make. If you don't like it, or want to go tubes later, you'll get at least $525 for it. You might save a hundred getting a 250 - but I would buy the 2505 that is offered to you and forgeddaboudit. Preamp: Here's where you can "play" a bit. The Mac SS units are an OK recommendation, and the synergy will be good. But consider also a Merlin (especially if you do not need the phono). That will open the doors to an all tube system later, but if not, it would sweeten the system well just using it with the SS Mac amp. Another option would be a nice condition MX-110, which gives you a better than expected linestage and very good phono and tuner, and will sound very good with the 2505 on da Corns. Any of the above listed systems/options are kits you could live with for years, but yet you could upgrade those while retaining the resale value of those components if you decide to change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptnBob Posted November 15, 2006 Share Posted November 15, 2006 Thought about one of the tuner-preamps of that era - like MX 112 or MX 113? I had a 112 with volume control problems. It wouldn't track worth a darn - I was always having to fiddle with the balance control. At the time, there weren't any replacements available either - putting the on-off switch on the volume was a good idea at the time, I guess, but it sure made a hassle down the road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators dtel Posted November 15, 2006 Author Moderators Share Posted November 15, 2006 Sorry double post Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators dtel Posted November 15, 2006 Author Moderators Share Posted November 15, 2006 Sorry triple post, one day I will figure out how to operate this thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tidmack Posted November 15, 2006 Share Posted November 15, 2006 Sort of a general question since we're talking Macs. I run a 2105 and 113 preamp/tuner. They're my first pieces of McIntosh and I am completely satisified with their sound and build quality. But, one of the pieces is noisy and I'm not 100% sure which one it is. I keep my gains half way on the 2105. If I have the system on, but music off, I get a noticeable amount of hiss from my LaScalas when the volume on the 113 is from 10:00 on up. I've always written it off as normal because I read somewhere that the 113 is noisy, so I figured that the 113 was the noise/hiss maker. Can anyone else running these pieces confirm what I've experienced? Or do I possibly have a problem that should be fixed? Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funkyhambone Posted November 15, 2006 Share Posted November 15, 2006 i recommend the ma5100 integrated. it is the best sounding ss amp i have ever heard on my khorns. that includes several other mac amps seperates and integrated. i was stunned. i got mine for $500. it is immaculate and came with the wood case. i like it so much, i just bought another on ebay for $382 that also is clean and came with the wood case and original owner's manual. in my opinion it sounds better than amps that are several thousand dollars. i couldn't believe it. i ain't complaining, but my neighbors might be! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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