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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
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.

 

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,420 posts
 

I’m an old guy with a sensitive back. I use leverage, hand truck, rolling and other people to deal with heavy equipment.

I just bought two 85 pound subwoofers. I had the delivery people bring them in. I rolled the boxes to unpack the subs and roll onto furniture sliders and used those to position... then a furniture fulcrum to remove the sliders. No heavy lifting... just some thinking. 

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