Mcintosh C2500/C2600, Audio Research Reference 3 and Luxman CL-38uV


I'm looking to get into the tube preamp game and current budget allows for Mcintosh C2500/2600, Audio Research Reference 3 or Luxman CL-38uC.  I've only heard the C2500 would be interested in hearing others thoughts.  

Running Krells amps to the preamp and Totem Forest Signature Speakers for primarily vinyl listening. Thanks folks!
pilots89

Showing 1 response by stereo5

I have a McIntosh C2500 and it is my end game preamp.  Before that, I had a Audible Illusions Modulus 3, Modulus 3A, Modulus 3B and a Rogue RP-5 preamps, all tubes.  The Mac preamp is dead quiet at any level, has a very generous amount of inputs and outputs and is built to last probably a hundred years.   I bought mine used from Audio Classics in 2018 for $4200.00.  It looked brand new and sounded it.