If you are using McCormack amps, skip the McIntosh preamps and go straight to a modded SMC audio unit. The ALD-1 with Gold+ upgrades is much more transparent, extended, clear, yet musical when compared to the C220: you won't equal it unless you step up to, say a C200 at least, and might not even find it as good a match with McCormack even with the extra cash outlay. I have had a lot of preamps tried out in my system, and would say that this ALD-1 has the sound of a $7000 retail unit. Of course, only if you don't mind the mid-90's look of the chassis.
