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McIntoish C8 or PrimaLuna EVO 300

Both of the McIntoish C8 and PrimaLuna EVO 300 preamps seem to check the boxes in terms of inputs, outputs and features, and I can lift them.  Does anyone have experience of either or both of these preamps?

I think my system is in need of a bit of warmth, I have noticed recently that the very highest violin notes are a bit aggressive - in the recent past I've been listening to mainly choral works and had not noticed this.

I was playing the Hilary Hahn sonatas and partitas, (I have the disks and digital) and noticed the problem.  I dug up my 40 year old (!) C-J PV6 and the sound was sweet to the top, but that pre-amp  lost the air and space of the choral recordings; everything was warm and cuddly but the sense of the recording space was lost.

My interconnects are Cardas Clear Reflection and I have the issue on both analog and digital - and with SS or tubed Power amps.

My current preamp is the Benchmark LA4 which is, perhaps, a bit on the analytical side of neutral.

Changing from my Rockport Atria II speakers is NOT an option. 

So, I am looking for warmth but not losing the sense of the space, Am I asking too much in the $5k price bracket?

 

retiredaudioguy
elliottbnewcombjr
7,711 posts
 

 

Cary Shows and Tells you NOTHING about their Remote

"Remote Control: See Remote Control insert included in original box"

I cannot tell you how many companies do not show a photo of their remote.

...............

Their balance is split, two manual controls, not remote controlled. I don't know if the remote has MUTE?

They do combine MM Phono with Line in one unit, and have both Tape In and a Tape Loop (tape out/monitor), I like that a lot. 

There is no Stereo/Mono mode switch

I would use the tape in for my Reel to Reel

and the Tape Out/Monitor In for optional use of my Chase RLC-1 Remote Line Controller with Remote Volume and Balance and Mute on the same control.

That lets you use the Chase Optionally, that's when you realize you cannot detect any degradation. 

......................

 

 

elliottbnewcombjr
7,711 posts
 

Aric

https://aricaudio.com/select-my-preamp/

No Balance of any kind. No Stereo/Mono. No Tape Loop

"All of my line-stages use the same basic circuit, feature a Khozmo remote volume system, 4 sets of stereo inputs and 2 sets of stereo outputs. 5 step selectable output level is incorporated on all of them as well to gain match to virtually any amp.

For those looking for the best 6SN7 linestages- please see my Super 6SN7, ML II and ML XL. For those seeking to experiment with more sonic flavors, this preamp is The Jackpot. Available in balanced and RCA only versions." 

I see MUTE in the photo of the Volume Remote, and you can turn the display on/off

Phono is always separate from the Line Preamp

"gain control on the phono stage can be used as a volume (although it’s on the rear of the unit). It can be placed on the front panel or top plate upon request."

retiredaudioguy OP
285 posts
 

@elliottbnewcombjr Does anyone have balance on their pre-amp remote?  I need it for a few LPs - some skew left others right so I don't think it is my cartridge setup.

I don't need the phono - I have the Sutherland Dos Locos - unlikely to be beaten by an "option".

I wonder if the Chase unit would act as a passive pre?  Input/output impedance might be an issue.

I am now leaning towards the Aric.

 

elliottbnewcombjr
7,711 posts
 

Your system must be very revealing, congrats.

McIntosh has remote balance via it’s remote.

The Chase Unit is indispensable to me just because of it’s Remote Balance.

Here’s a new open box, under $100. delivered

https://www.ebay.com/itm/397503797979?mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=65fa5958-17de-11f1-baca-303661623362
My system is very revealing. Proper Imaging is very important to me,

Centered single listener: a few quick tweaks on it’s Remote Balance (could be track to track on compilation albums, like Best of Sade the other night), can be CDs/LPs/Tapes, any source can be slightly off (engineers don't always get it right), or, your system might be very slightly off for any number of reasons, or your hearing l/r might be off, temporarily or permanently, some frequencies, or all.

I alter toe-in for two off-center listeners, and both get decent imaging. My friend’s homes, spikes, no easy movement, sit off center, goodbye decent imaging.

https://www.audiogon.com/systems/11516

None of my friends, experienced listeners, can detect it. Optional use via a tape loop is best for purists, but I always want it in-line.

It’s mostly done in a single Philips Processor, and virtually noise free.

 

 

soix
11,233 posts
 

I’d highly recommend looking at the Backert Rhumba.  Excellent air/3D soundstage capabilities with just a touch of tube warmth.  Has a balance control but unfortunately not on the remote, but they do offer a 14-day return period, which is pretty huge IMO.  Aric does not offer a return option BTW but also great preamps, but you may wanna check if preamps are fully balanced from input to output because some aren’t if that matters to you.  I believe you have the option to upgrade the Rhumba to the Extreme version in the future if you might want even more, which is nice.

https://backertlabs.com/rhumba-1-3-tube-preamplifier/

If you can stretch to $6395 you should strongly consider the Spatial Audio Raven that’s a true end-game preamp IMHO.  That one I believe does offer balance control on the remote, and they offer a generous 45-day return period.  Personally I’d take the Rhumba, Aric, or Raven over the Mac or PrimaLuna, but that’s me.  Just some other options FWIW, and best of luck. 

https://www.spatialaudiolab.com/raven-preamplifier

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