Hopefully a new McIntosh owner

[rjinaz86323]

Well now that I have finally reached 10 posts I can start a thread and outline my journey so far. I have been looking for a preamp to get me started. My options, as I see them, are a C28, a MX130, or a MX132.

I thought I had a deal on the MX130 for $1100, but the seller backed out at the last minute saying he decided to keep it.

I am waiting to hear from the MX132 (also $1100) owner about shipping, as he is the only one that is not local.

Lastly a very nice C28 that is local for $1250.

I will have a Thorens TT hooked up as well as my Mac Mini, which contains 1000's of songs and will be used to stream music.

I know the Mx132 does not have a phono amp, but I have a Schiit Mani laying around that I can use.

Anyone got any others I should look at that are in that price range.

Thx
Rick

[nikto34]

Are you at all interested in a tube preamp? Do you need a DAC or are you OK with using an external DAC?
If you have an interest in tubes, you could look at a C2200 or C2300 if you don't need a DAC built in. If you want a DAC a C2500. These all hold their value so won't find one for $1100 range but they are great tube preamps and for most are end game level.

The phono in the C2200 sometimes gets a bad wrap but if you are not a vinyl buff and only listen occasionally, it will be better than most. If you want a better phono, look to the C2300.

If you want to get a good unit that is checked out, take a look at Audioclassics. Great group and very helpful. They have a great return/trial policy as well.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by rjinaz86323

Well now that I have finally reached 10 posts I can start a thread and outline my journey so far. I have been looking for a preamp to get me started. My options, as I see them, are a C28, a MX130, or a MX132.

I thought I had a deal on the MX130 for $1100, but the seller backed out at the last minute saying he decided to keep it.

I am waiting to hear from the MX132 (also $1100) owner about shipping, as he is the only one that is not local.

Lastly a very nice C29 that is local for $1250.

I will have a Thorens TT hooked up as well as my Mac Mini, which contains 1000's of songs and will be used to stream music.

I know the Mx132 does not have a phono amp, but I have a Schiit Mani laying around that I can use.

Anyone got any others I should look at that are in that price range.

Thx
Rick

I owned a C29. It was the best and quietest of all the preamps that used FET switching. Highly recommended.

Best

Charles

[nikto34]

Originally Posted by Charles

I owned a C29. It was the best and quietest of all the preamps that used FET switching. Highly recommended.



Best



Charles

The C29 is a hidden gem. [emoji106]

[Formerly YB-2]

In the first line you state C28 and then later a C29. Big difference between the two. If it is a C29 then that is the one I would pick and is, IMHO, the best of the vintage McIntosh preamps as has much better/more reliable pots than the C28 and considerably less complex than the later, follow-on models like the C32, etc. Plus, one can upgrade with new, modern audio-grade ICs in the C29.
The MX models are quite complex and there is a reason they sell for the lower price. Unless you want/need the complexity of the MX-units, you are better off in all ways with a straight preamp, like the C29.
Your Thorens, if you are using an MM cartridge, will connect direct to the phono-input of the C29. Am guessing you will need a DAC of some sort to connect your Mac-Mini, but I'm not very knowledgeable on the digital end of things.

[rjinaz86323]

I have a DAC that I am using to connect my Mac to my current Linn system so if needed I am set for now. My only concern with the C28/29 is the age and the possibility of needing to recap or other repairs in the near future. I am stretching my funds as is to buy a unit, and would not have funds (fixed income) readily available if I need to have much work done.

Thx
Rick

[nikto34]

Originally Posted by rjinaz86323

I have a DAC that I am using to connect my Mac to my current Linn system so if needed I am set for now. My only concern with the C29/29 is the age and the possibility of needing to recap or other repairs in the near future. I am stretching my funds as is to buy a unit, and would not have funds (fixed income) readily available if I need to have much work done.

Thx
Rick

Check with audioclassics. They may have a C29 available and if so they can check it out and let you know the history. They also provide an 11 day trial and 30 day warranty so gives you some reassurance when buying an older unit. Also takes the guess work out of buying something that you do not know the history on. You might save a few bucks upfront buying without a checkup and may end up fine (I have been ok on some items this way) but you could end up buying a headache, especially if you don't have the funds for a repair or can do the work yourself.

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by rjinaz86323

I have a DAC that I am using to connect my Mac to my current Linn system so if needed I am set for now. My only concern with the C29/29 is the age and the possibility of needing to recap or other repairs in the near future. I am stretching my funds as is to buy a unit, and would not have funds (fixed income) readily available if I need to have much work done.
Thx
Rick

The MX130/132 is no 'spring chicken', either. When adding the cost to that of the amps you mentioned, to say nothing of decent cables between them, you might be better off saving a bit longer and purchasing something closer to new, like an MA6600 or other McIntosh integrated amp. Or an even newer model with the built-in DAC module.

[rjinaz86323]

I just talked to the owner of the C28 (who is local) and he texted me a copy of a service order on the unit. It was just gone through a month and a half ago. Fully dis-assembled and cleaned. Any parts not meeting spec were replaced. Given this I am feeling much better about buying an older unit. I will pick it up in the morning.

Thx
Rick

[nikto34]

Enjoy! [emoji106]