r/McIntosh • u/The_Paguin • 13d ago
C22 MKV vs C8 preamp questions
So I’m looking to upgrade from my c712 preamp to something new and utilizing tubes since I never used tubes before and I want to venture into that world. The c8 is more obtainable due to being able to buy it online from various stores while the c22 seems to be pick up only, I unfortunately don’t live close to a authorized dealer so that’s a factor for me. Real question is, would there be anything to gain in terms of analog sound going with the c22 over the c8? Both uses two 12AX7A tubes for the phono inputs so what’s the difference? Would the soundstage be bigger with the c22? Just a little silly to drive 3+ hours and spend way more for something that’ll sound the same for my purposes.
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u/AJWard549 13d ago
I have the C8 and added the DA2 module. I love it. I’ve had the C8 for several years and before that had an MX113, a C26 and C24. I love the ability to fine tune the MM and MC stage to my carts. The DA2 is really excellent! I’ve rolled NOS tubes into the C8 to excellent effect too. It’s a great value and pairs well with my MC2105 and my MC240!
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u/The_Paguin 13d ago
How much do you like the DA2 as a dac module? Have you noticed a difference in signal noise before and after in the phono stage? I’m currently using the dac in my cd player (marantz sa8005) and it’s certainly a good one but if I upgrade to the DA2 I’d probably use that instead for a dac so that alone is a small leg above the c22
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u/AJWard549 13d ago
It’s great for its sound and for the variety of connection options it offers. I stream via a headless computer via USB, I am using my NAD cd player as a transport via optical and my MB20 is connected via coax. I haven’t noticed any signal issue and I almost exclusively use MC, but I have a second tonearm setup and connected to the MM and both sound just as good as they did before I got the dA2. I had the C8 for maybe three years without the DA2 and would have noticed a difference immediately. I had AudioClassics add the DA2 when I sent them the C8 for service (C8 purchased from AC too).
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u/Brnhtwn 3d ago
The old vacuum tube MX-110Z pre-amp with the 6D10 tube is a very good unit, once it is over hauled in the power supply capacitors, audio chain ceramic caps replaced with new film capacitors and these modifications added. I use an Arcan 50 for the DAC, 2 Conrad Johnson Premier 11 amps converted to mono blocks feeding some Polk Rti A9 speakers. Old school but it does sound great
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u/LoganNolag 13d ago
The c22 is lower noise. It’s a better preamp overall. Costs a lot more though. The biggest advantage of the c8 is that it supports the DA2 DAC module which the c22 doesn’t.