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Best upgrade: amp or pre-amp?

Of course, it depends...

So here is my setup:

  • Amp: McIntosh MC7100
  • Pre-amp: McIntosh C712
  • Others: Focal Sopra 1 and Bluesound Node

I was thinking to upgrade to an integrated (McIntosh, Hegel or Pass Labs are on top of my list), but I might decide to go for the long game: get the best amp/pre-amp for the same budget as the integrated (max 10k CAD) and update the other half later, in 5 years-ish..

So I'm open to suggestion! But remember a suggested a pre-amp, must match the MC7100 and an amp must match the C712 as I plan you have them together for a little while.

Thanks for the hive mind. I realize this is a tricky question!

papyneau
ditusa's avatar
ditusa
2,435 posts
 

@fiesta75 +2

 

ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 

Speakers

soix
11,233 posts
 

I would never in a million years use those terms. Listen for yourself.

@erik_squires BIG +2. I don’t know who fed you those impressions of Luxman amps, but it makes no sense whatsoever, and I think a Luxman integrated is an excellent recommendation. Luxman will likely give you more detail yet still retain much of the tonal richness and musicality of the Mac gear. To me, Mac gear sounds overly warm and almost mushy. I think Luxman could be a revelation to you. I also agree with earlier post that Hegel, while excellent, may be too much of a shift and may not be to your liking. Anyway, hope this helps, and best of luck.

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
2,435 posts
 

Speakers

  Focal Sopra 1

tweak1
3,766 posts
 

No simple answer, but;

While I agree integrateds are a compromise, the Technics SU R 1000 COULD be the one to own

I do not own your kit, but my Audio Alchemy DDP-1 + PS 5 is a pretty good preamp/dac. Last 2 years I tried a lot of power amps, and they all sounded different. The one that stood out from the crowd is my LSA Voyager GaN 350 (MSRP $3000 (same tech as in the Technics)

hth

 

 

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