General Asylum: REVIEW: McIntosh C200 Preamplifier (SS) by aston

Model:	C200
Category:	Preamplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$7,000.00
Description:	two box pre-amplifier
Manufacturer URL:	McIntosh
Manufacturer URL:	McIntosh

Review by aston ( A ) on June 26, 2002 at 03:23:43
IP Address: 194.154.172.130

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for the C200

Having auditioned the C200 with the new Mac C220 and other pre-amps in the same price bracket, and more, the decision to buy the C200 was easy, it is very transparent and communicative, it conveys the drive and rythm of the music as well as I have ever experienced.But what in my view sets it apart is it's ability to retain the purity of tone and timbre of an instrument, or voice right across the dynamic range. It throws a big, but realistic soundstage, with depth and breadth in abundance, placing the members of the band, orchestra etc in a discreet and proper place, and in relationship with each other. It's two big boxes and has more inputs and ou that even my sound engineer son could use, you need a lot of space.
I auditioned with an Audio Research valve amplifier, when I got it home and connected it to the MC2000's, that's when the fun started, highly recommended for something that surprisingly has such a low profile in the mags.

Product Weakness: Big and unwieldy
Product Strengths: Realistic and highly musical

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	2 x Mcintosh MC2000's
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	C 200
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Audio Research CD3
Speakers:	Wilson Maxx
Cables/Interconnects:	Goertz
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Opera/Jazz/ Rock etc
Room Size (LxWxH):	23' x 23' x 10'
Room Comments/Treatments:	room's too live
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PS300/ Russ Andrews
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Big and unwieldy
Product Strengths:	Realistic and highly musical