[McMan]

I have never compared the C22 directly against the C8. However, I did hear the C8 & MC830 at my local dealer, and the sound captured my attention and brought me into the music. I felt I could listen for hours.

The MC275vi & Sonus Faber Cremona combination completely changed my listening. How? I feel a complete connection to music now, and I have no desire to improve anything when I am listening in the sweet spot. I think the sound is complete, and I am totally satisfied. But I will continue to tweak the system because I love this hobby, so why not.

Bass: I love the cabinet construction of the Cremona & your Guarneri Homage, which are fine instruments. The bass generated by the cabinet construction and the extra mid-bass bump that the MC275 provides is perfect for my musical taste. The bass notes by this combination are satisfying, and I find no desire to add a subwoofer. But, I always could place this speaker in the proper spot in my rooms.

Voices: The important presentation aspect for me is how the artist's voice sound. The MC275vi draws me into the music, and I prefer the fullest of the artist's voice and the smooth presentation that I hear when they are singing when I compare it to my other amp, which is the MC452.

Timing: The tempo & timing of the music draws me into the performance, and the sound stage is lovely, where I can locate and hear individual instruments clearly through the soundstage.

MC275vi is Stereophile rated class A, and I agree after living with this amplifier for many years. In addition, the Guarneri Homage is an incredible instrument/speaker, so I believe this combination will make you extremely happy.

I will never sell this MC275vi & C22, which will be handed down to my son, who also loves this amplifier.

I am currently listening to the C48 & MC275, and I love the sound. However, I imagine that any of McIntosh's semi-current preamplifiers combined with MC275vi will draw you into the music. The C8 or C22, MC275vi, and Guarneri Homage will sound wonderful together.

What are you using for power, sources, wires, & dacs?