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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
bmw540isport's avatar
bmw540isport
1 posts
 

Definitely a lot of opinions on the post.  I think you go with a tube preamp in the first place to be able to tune the sound you want with different tubes (tube rolling).  I have a C8 and while the sound profile for me (different for everyone) was good, it was easily improved with a simple tube upgrade.  I had a phone conversation with Brent at Audiotubes.com https://www.audiotubes.com/12ax7.htm about the sound profile I was looking for and he delivered with matched tubes.  Now the sound with both my SS (VTV Class D with Purifi setup) and Tube Amps (Quicksilver) is rich with great imaging, great bass control and balanced highs and mids.  The C8 supports the dual amp setup with two pairs of speakers as well as phono stage and an optional DAC module.  Tone control is nice when needed (some primas dont have that) and easily turned off via the menus when not needed.  Everyone’s connection needs are different so pay close attention to what fits your rig the best.

lloyd1969
40 posts
 

I really like my PL Evo 400 (the same as the 300 but with XLRs). It really added warmth to my system centered on a Bryston 4b3 SS amp.

retiredaudioguy OP
285 posts
 

Many thanks to all who have contributed ideas.  I've investigated (I think) all of the suggestions and I am now leaning towards the Cary SLP-98 with updated caps.

Its form factor and features match my needs.

There are very few Cary dealers, and none anywhere near me so it is a bit of a leap of faith, without upgrades the amps can be returned, but not with the better coupling caps.

Is it ethical to get one in base form and, even if I like it, return it and buy a unit with an upgrade?  It doesn't feel right.

 

wyoboy
328 posts
 

Honestly, with Rockport Atria !! speakers IMO you need to spend more than the budget you've set out to get what those speakers deserve--you should be looking at Aesthetix (no Phono though) or MBL (i've heard the MBL with a pair of Rockport Cygnus and never wanted to leave that room) or even the Mac 12000--any of those if getting warmer while maintaining crystal clear clarity is your desire/criteria.  Just my 2

retiredaudioguy OP
285 posts
 

I don't think I can spend much more than I've budgeted - and I am limited in what I can lift!

Unfortunately.

 

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