Opinions on C31V?

[g_georgi]

Found somebody selling a mint C31V for ~ $1000, the only other price I have to go on is $1199 at Audioclassics.

How does this preamp stack up against some of the newer stuff? Should I wait and save?

[Laemmle]

Found somebody selling a mint C31V for ~ $1000, the only other price I have to go on is $1199 at Audioclassics.

How does this preamp stack up against some of the newer stuff? Should I wait and save?

Wait for either the 33 or 34:yes:

[Gregory]

Wait for either the 33 or 34:yes:

Not sure about the C31V.. but have a look at THIS color PDF:
http://www.berners.ch/McIntosh/Downloads/C33_bro.pdf

of which I have a hardcopy in the file cabinet.

This is a magnificent piece of gear, although the 30Hz EQ pot seems to have developed just a bit of a mechanical roughness. All the other controls are velvety smooth. You can often hear the `tink´ sound of those tiny relays inside. When I got it for just under half the retail price, it had a flawed internal signal path cable, which was home-diagnosed and repaired by a tech at work {the cable was removed for repair.} It has been beautiful for 20 years. :)

However if you want a C31V and have a use for its functions, then go ahead and procure. It does have a remote control and what looks like an electronic volume control.

http://www.berners.ch/McIntosh/en/C31V.htm


-Gregory

[RED1TOP]

mcintosh c-31v is a real gem unit will outperfrom the older units my a mile also has remote control there is one on audiogon now

[forzaroma]

Wait for either the 33 or 34:yes:

I have never heard a C31V, but I have a C34V in my second system and I love the way it sounds - as long as you don't expect it to be neutral. It's considerably warmer than my C220 but perfect for harsh, thin, recordings. I also love the 5 band EQ, variable loudness, built-in 20W monitor amp, headphone amp, etc.

The price you quote seems a bit high. I picked up my C34V from craigslist (local pickup) for $800 (with original box and manual).

It's the pre that started my infatuation with McIntosh....

Alberto

[g_georgi]

Hi based on the recommendations for going C34+ I did some searching and noted that for $300-600 more there are many more options to choose.

For example there's pending sale for a C41 for $1350.

In terms of diminishing returns and McIntosh products. Does ~$1500 buy you a preamp that's somewhere around 80-90% the equivalent of the newer entry level preamps?

[forzaroma]

Hi based on the recommendations for going C34+ I did some searching and noted that for $300-600 more there are many more options to choose.

For example there's pending sale for a C41 for $1350.

In terms of diminishing returns and McIntosh products. Does ~$1500 buy you a preamp that's somewhere around 80-90% the equivalent of the newer entry level preamps?

You should tell us something more about the rest of your system. A used mac pre-amp will keep 80-90% of the price you'll pay, so when you upgrade you will not be out a bunch of money. On the other hand, I find it's very hard to part with any McIntosh gear.

So, what's the rest of your system like?

Alberto

[g_georgi]

Rest of my system includes:

Slimdevices Squeezebox... The Transporter is on order :)

B&W 703 but I'm thinking of trading them for a pair of 805's bookshelves and a B&W sub.

NAD preamp/poweramp

I'm trying to keep my budget to something manageable but I can stretch it to ~$4500 with a bit of saving.

I'm considering:
1) C220 + NAD C272 (if upgrading to a Mac amp won't make a huge difference in sound I was thinking of keeping the NAD)

2) MA6900

3) Slightly older Mac Preamp/poweramp (may take a bit of time before I find the right components at the right price and in good condition)

[forzaroma]

Rest of my system includes:

Slimdevices Squeezebox... The Transporter is on order :)

B&W 703 but I'm thinking of trading them for a pair of 805's bookshelves and a B&W sub.

NAD preamp/poweramp

I'm trying to keep my budget to something manageable but I can stretch it to ~$4500 with a bit of saving.

I'm considering:
1) C220 + NAD C272 (if upgrading to a Mac amp won't make a huge difference in sound I was thinking of keeping the NAD)

2) MA6900

3) Slightly older Mac Preamp/poweramp (may take a bit of time before I find the right components at the right price and in good condition)

What's the $4500 budget for? The pre and power amp, or are you also trying to fit the speakers into it?

I would make sure you audition a C34 or other "older" Mc preamps before pulling the trigger. Some people might disagree, but in my opinion and experience, older Mc preamps like the C3_ series might be a bit too warm and colored for your tastes - it will definitely sound very different from the NADs.

If the $4500 is for the pre/power amp, I would seriously consider the 6900 (which you should be able to buy used for that price).

Another alternative is to upgrade the power-amp from NAD to McIntosh as your first step.

Alberto

[g_georgi]

The $4,500 budget is limit of what I feel comfortable spending but that doesn't mean I want to spend that much unless there is additional goodness which can be obtained.

1) A used C220 would cost me ~$2500 (I'd use my NAD C272 as an amp with this option)
2) A used MC252/353 would cost me ~$3000-3500 (I'd use my NAD T742 as a pre with this option)
3) A used MA6900 would cost me ~$4000

With options (1) and (2) I could add the missing Mac component down the road but it will be a while (~2 yrs) before I save up for the upgrade.

Option (3) costs the most up front but is the most cost effective option in terms of having only Mac equipment. I'm not sure if a C220+NAD would sound superior or at lease equivalent to the 6900.

You make a good point about the vintage equipment and I don't think I'll explore that option unless I can find some equipment locally.

[forzaroma]

The $4,500 budget is limit of what I feel comfortable spending but that doesn't mean I want to spend that much unless there is additional goodness which can be obtained.

1) A used C220 would cost me ~$2500
2) A used MC252/353 would cost me ~$3000-3500
3) A used MA6900 would cost me ~$4000

You make a good point about the vintage equipment and I don't think I'll explore that option unless I can find some equipment locally.

Based on what you've shared, I think that an MA6900 might be your best bet. You stay within your budget, don't have to mix NAD with McIntosh, get the McIntosh autoformers, McIntosh blue meters, plenty of watts, and you know it will hold its price very well.

Alberto