McIntosh C22 mkV Tube Analog Preamp Impressions

[SAM992]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Audiophile grade component traditionally have been the go-to parts such as Mundorf, Hovland, Clarity Cap, Vishay, Black Gate, Solen, etc.. Not going to find any of that under the hood of a McIntosh.

Pretty sure McIntosh does use Clarity Capacitors, I swear I've seen them inside various open Mc products... Or am I thinking of my dCS stuff??

[Cohibaman]

Not as far as I know; just descent quality electrolytics and Wima film caps.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by SAM992

Pretty sure McIntosh does use Clarity Capacitors, I swear I've seen them inside various open Mc products... Or am I thinking of my dCS stuff??

Not that I have seen but it is possible. You have already bumped into the situation that clearly shows why McIntosh does not want to rely on boutique parts. A simple part like the IEC socket. Now imagine the multitude of here today, gone tomorrow replacement part headaches?

[PHC1]

C22 and MC1502. Merry Christmas. https://youtu.be/gprCFS_B2rQ

[PHC1]

In case anyone is wondering who the singer in the video was..

[kevtn8]

Merry Christmas to everyone and happy listening!

I may not be the oldest one here but I've been through a lot of brands and components both solid states and all tubes over the past 20 years and I can say that when you factor in brand prestige, resale value, reliability /support, aesthetics , sound quality and objectivity , and overall functionality Mcintosh may be in a class by itself.

All of the other arguments are really irrelevant. At the end of the day ask yourself - with your hard earned money , are you truly satisfied and happy? If you answered yes , thats all that matters to Mcintosh.

[Sandor]

Dear all,
I have had the opportunity to compare this WE the C22mkV with higher-end products (including the C1100). I like it ! My feeling was that it was different but nor inferior. Maybe I was biased by the look but to me it sounded slightly "vintage" indeed. Very charming. Maybe not at the resolution level of the C1100 but possibly more on the emotional side.
Do you have similar/opposite experiences ?
Thanks.