Tube Preamp for Mcintosh MC501 Monoblock

Any recommendation on best matching tube Preamp for my new Mcintosh MC501 monoblock. Thanks in advance.

darell07-02-2005 10:47pm

spacekadet Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 63 posts 07-03-2005 at 02:40am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete McIntosh's own C2200 tube preamp will match it perfectly.
aldog Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 17 posts 07-03-2005 at 06:36pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I have the 501's and have been using them with an older ARC LS2. I have since purchased a Mark Levinson 390s with a direction balanced connection into the amp with incredible results (makes me want to bypass using a preamp altogether). However, I do plan to upgrade my preamp as I am incorporating HT with my 2-channel (swapping IC's gets old after a while). So far I've have been considering the BAT VK-51SE and Aesthetix Calypso. The 501's are wonderful sounding amps, and having heard them without a preamp (depending upon what your goals are) I would look to find the most neutral and transparent preamp that you can afford.
downunder Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,328 posts 07-06-2005 at 12:24pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete If you want the best, try the VTL 7.5. sounds devine with the MC 501's.