[brk36]

I am considering taking the 2, 000 dollar trip to audio Nirvana and wanted to hear some thoughts about this preamp, no one likes being disappointed after spending that kind of money.

If you have owned one, heard one, own a C22 or a C11 and could compare I would be delighted to hear how the C20 stacks up against those other legends.

If you think McIntosh is not the best way to spend that kind of money I would also like to hear other options that you consider to be better or just different.

Thanks!

Benjamin

[Carlman]

I owned a C220 around 2008 and compared it to a 2007 C2200.  I got the C220 modified to be in the ballpark of the C2200 kind of resolution but in the end, it was never as open and transparent as I wanted.  The guy that had the 2200 got a 2300 and loved it.
If the C22 or C11 you're looking at leans towards the sound of the C2200 or C2300 from the 2009+ era, then I think you're getting a great preamp for 2,k.  If you're talking about the vintage stuff, IDK.  I've only had a '65 tuner from McIntosh.

I prefer my Belles 21a modified by a local hifi guy to the McIntosh preamps I've heard. 

If I ever get the money saved to buy what I think is the all-time best-ever preamp, I'd get the Cary Audio SLP-05.  I don't know what's out there now to compare, but that's what I know... probably antiquated wisdom around here.

I'm using an MC402 amp powering Piega C8 Limiteds with custom external crossovers... JPS labs wiring.

-Carl

[Mark Korda]

Ben, as a kid growing up I was always attracted to the beauty, build,glowing lights, of the McIntosh gear. But what I mentioned has nothing to do with the sound. Remember the less bells and whistles, controls really not needed today, the better the original signal.
   I'm trying to rebuild a pair of 1955 Dyna-PAS mono preamps and everybody is trying to talk me out of it. It's the beauty and build that attracts me and I seem to ignore people that try to tell me ; this one will sound way better.
   I love Mac stuff, don't get me wrong, but if you couldn't see and could only hear that Cary Audio job mentioned would probably win hands down....Mark Korda

[brk36]

Ben, as a kid growing up I was always attracted to the beauty, build,glowing lights, of the McIntosh gear. But what I mentioned has nothing to do with the sound. Remember the less bells and whistles, controls really not needed today, the better the original signal.
   I'm trying to rebuild a pair of 1955 Dyna-PAS mono preamps and everybody is trying to talk me out of it. It's the beauty and build that attracts me and I seem to ignore people that try to tell me ; this one will sound way better.
   I love Mac stuff, don't get me wrong, but if you couldn't see and could only hear that Cary Audio job mentioned would probably win hands down....Mark Korda

I totally get what you're saying about the fewer bells and whistles and I don't need it to look pretty, I want some stellar audio quality. That being said the Cary Audio Preamp although awesome is well outside of my price range weighing in at nearly 6.5 grand. Is there any other preamp you would suggest ahead of a C20 that is still within the 2, 000 dollar range, a little more is fine but 3X is more than I can afford! Thanks for the advice though. Also, I am referencing the vintage Mac C20, not the newer C2200 series. Thanks!

Benjamin

[Minn Mark]

Well within your budget and you can get an enthusiastically reviewed phono pre (see most recent TAS) as an option, I'd check out AVA:

http://www.avahifi.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=265&Itemid=226


Also, 30 day money back guarantee so there's no risk.  Call the number and you can speak to Mr Van Alstine  directly.

Regards,

Mark

[dB Cooper]

Made pretty much the same suggestion in another thread so of course I second that recommendation. For that matter, a used Super PAS3i/T7/T8/T9 might be worth a look too. Call Frank and he can not only advise you but keep an eye out for trade-ins; you'd get a factory-checked unit that way. I continue to think that you'll make out better with a separate power amp than running it into a receiver even if the receiver has a pre-in. Good idea to talk to him about that too. Post when you get it sorted out!

[Mark Korda]

Ben, Minn Mark was right on. AVA has always had the best sound for the money and is the most helpful person and crew that will always talk to you and help even with components they don't even sell. Ask Frank about the McIntosh 20 and you'll get a historic, scientific, practical, an economical explanation.
   Ben, Frank was on the side of ; Don't rebuild the Dyna PAM-1's, but might of forgot that he helped me also with a way to eliminate the bells and whistles I mentioned before. He's in it for the love of Hi-fi not the money, my opinion.
   Something tells me your going to get that Mac anyway and I'm going to rebuild the Dynas. I have too,I spent my paycheck on its innards! If you get it Ben, send a picture to the forum...take care....Mark K.

[dB Cooper]

There is one very good reason to rebuild the PAM-1's: For fun!  Operating a 50-60yo tube component is like running an antique car- you gotta be prepared to spend some time under the hood (or pay somebody else to). Since the Dyna stuff was designed for kit builders, it accommodates DIY, more so than the much more complicated Macintosh designs.

Sure, you can probably get more for the money going another route but WTF. A $2K investment in a C20 is a whole 'nother animal.

[Mark Korda]

 Hey, DB summed it up perfectly! ..Bingo.
    Ben, I have an older vintage ad that says; Dynaco, the poor mans McIntosh.
I think there are 3 main types of audiophiles
1. The cost no object type. These are the people that read Stereophile
2. The frugal type. These are the people that would rebuild a garage sale old tube amp and make it sound as good as the cost no object crowd, the type DB mentioned. They read AudioXpress, but it got cancelled( paper version).
3. The trans-hifi crowd. They try to do both above. They read both magizines!
    Back to the Packer game,,,,take care...Mark K.

[brk36]

I will totally call and talk to Frank and get some more expert advice on my system. God this shit is complex, I just want to be totally sure I am putting my money in the right place. Thanks again guys

[Carlman]

I just want to be totally sure I am putting my money in the right place. Thanks again guys

That kind of assurance requires some soul searching.

I've compared a dozen preamps fairly scientifically and out of 12, there are 12 people who would like one more than the other somewhere.  I think there are 3 anyone could live with but no one would 'love'... and it would all depend on that persons system, tastes, and room at that moment. 

Everything changes over time.  Income, house, your ears, your opinion, and your preferences about everything.  So, I like to get to the core of why I'm listening and find the solution to that problem.  What brings me closer to being satisfied in some way?  If an AVA does that compared to a C20, then that's your answer.  If it doesn't, that's also your answer... and both answers will satisfy your question: that you money is indeed in the right place; especially for your budget/comfortable spending limit.

-C