Amplifier to go with a Mcintosh c2300

Actually the 402 is just a bigger version of the 352 per Tech support at McIntosh. The only differnces are the LED lighting, metal connectors and 50 watts. The 252 does utilize the dual differential/double balanced circuitry of the 352/402 respectively. McIntosh gave the dual differntial a new name when they came out with the 402.
Without that circuitry the 352/402 willhave a quieter noise floor than the 252. This has all been told to me by Mcintosh Tech support when I was trading my 352 in on the 402. I wanted the LED lighting and got a deal I couldn't pass up.

No Brainer.
McIntosh MC402 is the perfect match for the C2300. The MC252 is smaller version of the MC402.

The MC352 was released several years earlier and is not the same design technology verse the MC402 & MC252

What speakers do you own?

If you like SS go with a MC402 like mentioned.

If you prefer tubes, a s/h MC2102 and then save for another to monoblock

I think you should send the 2300 to me.

I would get a MC402 in a heart beat. An incredible combo.

Arthur

If you want to spend 5K or less I would find a used MC402 or MC352 ussually selling for 4K or 3K respectively. I have heard this pre with the 402 and it sounded great.