I'd agree with Stanwal and if you're going to stay with a McIntosh pre-amp, find a more recent C15 or C712. For a price range of around $800 or so, these are very nice sounding pre-amps for the money. Member Aball recommended these two and I've owned both over the years. Very nice sound.
McIntosh Vintage Preamps
What are the great-sounding vintage McIntosh preamps? I know the tube units are highly collectible, but I am especially interested in the solid state for my son's starter system. Thanks.