From a perspective of someone who used to own a C2200 (used to!!!), I would keep the AR. The Mc sounded thin and lean to me, and the phono stage was very noisy. Just my $.02.
Tim
Tim
McIntosh C2200 or Audio Research Reference phono
I have just purchased a Mac 2102 amplifier that I'm very happy with. I'm using it with my Audio Research SP9 MK2 and the set up works well. I was thinking of buying an Audio Research Reference Phono and plugging it into a line stage on my SP9 MK2 because I listen to alot of vinyl. My other option is to go with the Mac C2200 preamp but I'm not sure how good the phono section is on the Mac. Stereophile said it was "Good but not stellar". I don't want to make a lateral move in terms of phono stage. On the other hand the line stage on the Mac is supposed to be exceptional. So there you go. Buy the Mac or keep the SP9 MK2 and plug an Audio Research Reference Phono into it's line stage. Please help. Thank you.