2. amps-preamps
  3. 125863-85386

Replace C28 with... ?

In my previous thread regarding a power amp, some of you commented that replacing the McIntosh C28 preamp would make a huge difference. However, what was missing was any elaboration how why you made the recommendation, and with what to replace it.

So, let’s get down to it.
McIntosh C28
HiFiBerry DAC+ Pro (Yes, I know... sacrilege, but it’s all I’ve got for now)
Bryston 4BST
Dahlquist DQ10
Polk PSW650 sub

Need guidance from you guys on whether I ought to be looking at SS, Tube or even a Passive unit. Since I have some skill with a soldering iron, I'm not above entertaining the idea of a kit.

I’ve seen the Tortuga LDRx and that concept looks pretty interesting. My worry is that the DQ10s can be a bit aggressive on the high end with that ribbon tweeter, so I’d like to hear your thoughts.

Thanks again in advance!
parabolic
parabolic OP
99 posts
 
Hmmm...

So, then if anything high-end that I could afford will be older and would need a $300-ish recap job, there’s some question about whether or not I should be looking at tube units so I could (theoretically) replace them more easily and even experiment with different tubes to change the characteristics to ’tweak’ the unit.

Still on the fence. Cripes.

Maybe I’ll just keep the C28 and buy some good Scotch instead.

Let me re-frame the question.

Given the preamps I listed above (there's also a very nice Threshold FET1 available...), what sort of improvements do you guys think could I expect over the current C28? I have an idea of what I *hope* to hear, but would like to hear your opinions on what changes I can look forward to.
mhztweaker
9 posts
 
I did something similar a few months ago.

I purchased a KRC-3 from eBay in March for roughly $1100 and spent less than $100 for 4 new Neutrik XLRs, 54 Nichicon Muse and ES Audio capacitors from Mouser. The Nichicons are actually an upgrade for this already fine line stage preamp. The orginal KRC-3 cost was $3,000 at introduction and had climbed to $4k by the time it was discontinued. The best way I can describe the "sound" of it is that it has little sound of its own. If the source material has gobs of depth then that is what I hear. The KRC-3 is feeding a McIntosh MC352 amp which powers Martin Logan Prodigy speakers.
A lot of my stuff is used because I want a certain quality but honestly I cannot afford these items new. I built my own PH-16 tube phono stage from Tube4Hifi.com and heavily upgraded it while building it. The PH tube sound is liquid and GLORIOUS!!! It sounds like music.

The BAT VK3 preamp was on my short list as well.

I run Balanced connects from my DAC  (Gustard X20u + Xingster SU-1 DCC). I also am cabled with XLRs to the amp as well.

I really wanted a McIntosh C2300 or C2500 but once again...budget.
I also looked into passive preamps but few ever showed up used and the cost new for a good one in the $2k-$4k range.

http://i988.photobucket.com/albums/af10/MHzTweaker/KRC-3%20Recap.jpghttp://

http://i988.photobucket.com/albums/af10/MHzTweaker/June%2020%20%202016.jpg
parabolic OP
99 posts
 
I was just about to click in here when mhztweaker posted the above.  Like him, I want a certain experience, but can't afford it new, so I have to look at (very) pre-owned equipment.

Just pulled the trigger on a KRC-3.  It's the earlier style with the more 'industrial' less streamlined faceplate, but the innards ought to be the same.

After all of this, I can only hope that a near 40 year-old C28 will be outperformed by a 20 year-old KRC-3.

Per the suggestion by auxinput, I might try to recap the unit, though that will have to wait until I can afford to do so.

Thanks to all for the very insightful input, it's been quite helpful!
timlub
1,649 posts
 
The difference it tight bass, detail and top end extension will be dramatic,  you will loose your bloom.  They will definitely sound different,  you'll figure out your taste very quickly.  Purchasing used,  no matter what, you shouldn't get hurt and should be able to move one preamp without issue. 
Enjoy
auxinput
1,538 posts
 

You'll have to let us know how the KRC-3 sounds. 

I agree with mhztweaker on the caps.  I have spent the last several years modifying audio circuits and have gone through a great selection of capacitors.  The Nichicon Muse KZ are the absolute best, in my opinion.  They are extremely fast and very neutral (and provide very detailed sound).  Otherwise, if the KZ do not come in the proper rating or physical size, choose other Nichicon caps (like KW or ES, etc.).  Do not use any of the 105 degree and above caps.  The 85 degree actually sound the best.  I had several people at DIYAudio tell me to use 105 degree caps.  However, they really sounded bad - had some bigtime electrical resonance happening.  The 85 degree caps, and especially the Muse KG, are built to reduce electrical resonance as much as possible.  This is extremely important in audio circuits.  The 105 degree (and up) caps are built to operate in a higher temp situation (like in a car or industrial machines) and do not focus on electrical resonance.

I did not like the Nichicon Fine Gold FG series - they pushed the upper midrange too much for me.

The re-capping with Muse and other Nichicon will make a significant difference in your preamp.  Don't be afraid to increase the capacitance of the two main power supply caps (if you can).  However, the smaller pre-regulator caps should not be larger than about 330uf.  The small caps around the audio circuits themselves should not be larger than 47-68uf.  Putting large caps here will make the sound more laid back with less midrange.  Even 100uf is too large and too slow to respond to the upper midrange transients (you'll even lose some midbass because it's just not fast enough).

More to discover