2. amps-preamps
  3. 159795-13968

What tube preamp to go with McIntosh MC275?

Hi,
I currently connect my DAC directly into my power amps.  Both my power amps has volume controls.  They are McIntosh MC275 and a customer built 300B.  Actully, I think they sound good, but I am wondering if it can be improved further by adding a preamp.  My speaker is Harbeth 40.1.  I don't need louder volume, so, I am purely looking for something to improve the sound.  If you ask me what I am looking for, I think bigger soundstage, more life-like, and more slam in the bass, I guess.

Any suggestions?  I can see many preamps use 6SN7 tubes, but my custom built 300B already have 4 6SN7s, I am not sure if it will make much difference by adding more 6SN7.  Would 45 make a good preamp tube?
gte357s
gte357s OP
281 posts
 
I am considering these three, which one is the best among the three?

1) Luxman Luxkit A3300
I read that this is based on the McIntosh C20, then Luxman do some improvement or changes on it to beat the C20.  This one has recently been serviced with all new caps.  This is the cheapest of the three.  I hope it has better synergy with my MC275.  I like the look of it.

2) Audio Research SP6
I read good reviews on this.  Service history is unknown, the seller hasn’t responded yet.  More expensive than A3300, similar price as the CL34.
3) Luxman CL34
This technically is a higher model than the Luxkit A3300.  Also recently serviced.  I can’t find much information on it.  Similar price as the SP6.

gte357s OP
281 posts
 
I am getting confused now. I borrow the A3300 from a friend and I don’t like the sound. It seems it filter out something. Music is not as engaging, and got fatigue after a while. I prefer to have my DAC directly goes into the amp, for both MC275 and the custom built 300B. It seems buying a preamp is trial and error?

or could it be the cable?  I only have two pairs of RCA.  One of them gives me that fatigue when I used it to connect my DAC and power amp.  
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oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
oldhvymec1.... So your telling the OP to get rid of his $15,000 speakers!? I think hes asking for advice on a Pre amp?

Not at all, I'm saying a 90% speaker with a 275 Mac and a C20 will have all the Umph you'll need.  I have a C2500, very close to the C22 (re)
BUT my C20, will just whip the pants off of the new stuff, just no remote.
MX110, MX120, MX121, C22 (early) 2 C20s, a C11, pair of C8s. I have a few pieces.
The C20 is the BOMB.. When it's right... FEW get even close. 60 years old. Cary, AR, VTL, I've had them all and still do have a few. That Mac, and something about the "Samra touch". (Red sock green sock guy)

Wonderful a Wonderful!!

Regards
gte357s OP
281 posts
 
Just an update, I found out the problem is one of the ICs.  I change it and the A3300 sounds very good with the 275.  I decided to go with it for now, and maybe upgrade later.  
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