I love the McIntosh Labs C46 Audio Control Center; it sounds great!

[Steve Hoffman]

It's the companion to the Mac MC402 stereo power amp. A solid state audio center (in the old fashioned 1950's sense of the word) with endless possibilities for tonal balance, tape looping, headphone listening, phono section, mono switch, remote control and everything else you would expect with a McIntosh preamplifier.

I was told by many that: "It's veiled, it's too bright, it's too dull, it's too forward, it's too recessed, it's too this, too that, etc." Hooey.

Mated with the beautiful sounding McIntosh MC402 it sounds truly wonderful. Neither veiled nor bright, it's just right, with the correct blend of punch, bass control and ambiance retrieval that makes it yummy like tubes yet it runs so nice and cool it's a pleasure.

This puppy is big. Uses up the entire are of my top rack.

I know this duo is not cheap (I guess around 8k retail for both pieces) but heck, in the Audiophile world it is a bargain!

[Stax Fan]

The Absolute Sound loved it with the 402 as well. Have you had a chance to mess around with the EQ yet? Enjoy. :cool:

[Steve Hoffman]

No, really don't need it right now but when I play back some non-RIAA LP's and 78's I'll try it out.

A great sounding preamp all the way around.

http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/mcprod/shopdisplayproducts.asp?hid=1&id=18&cat=Audio+Control+Centers&prodid=1053&product=C46

[albertoderoma]

"I know this duo is not cheap (I guess around 8k retail for both pieces)
but heck, in the Audiophile world it is a bargain!"

I don't have a C46/MC402 (I have a more modest C220/MC252) but I agree with you that, when you consider $20K pre/power combos from other manufacturers, McIntosh *is* quite a bargain. When you add the Mc resale value to the equation, you come up even further ahead.

Alberto

[Steve Hoffman]

Alberto,

I'll bet the vacuum tubed C220 and SS MC252 is a nice sounding duo!

[Joe Nino-Hernes]

Thats a really nice sounding solid state preamp! Enjoy it.

I am really enjoying the C220. I love how flexible McIntosh preamps are. They are great sounding preamps with tons of inputs and outputs, and they look really swell!

[Steve Hoffman]

What tubes are you using in the C220, Joe?

I had Telefunkens in there when I had it.

[Joe Nino-Hernes]

What tubes are you using in the C220, Joe?

I had Telefunkens in there when I had it.

I ran it with the stock tubes for a while, but I have Telefunkens in there now. The Tele's really give it a nice lush 3D midrange!

[Scott J]

It's the companion to the Mac MC402 stereo power amp. A solid state audio center (in the old fashioned 1950's sense of the word) with endless possibilities for tonal balance, tape looping, headphone listening, phono section, mono switch, remote control and everything else you would expect with a McIntosh preamplifier.

I was told by many that: "It's veiled, it's too bright, it's too dull, it's too forward, it's too recessed, this, that, etc. Mated with the beautiful sounding McIntosh MC402 it sounds truly wonderful. Neither veiled nor bright, it's just right, with the correct blend of punch, bass control and ambiance retrieval that makes it yummy like tubes yet it runs so nice and cool it's a pleasure.

This puppy is big. Uses up the entire are of my top rack.

I know this duo is not cheap (I guess around 8k retail for both pieces) but heck, in the Audiophile world it is a bargain!

I got to hear this setup when I was at Brooks Berdan a couple of weeks ago. It sounded beautiful. Unfortunately 8K is not a bargain for me at the moment. :cry:

[Gary Freed]

I was going to get a preowned MC220 to match with my recently purchased MC275 MK V. But the distributor didn't have any available at the time so after a bit of indecision I bought the C41 new old stock. I'm pleased with the combination of the SS preamp and tube amp. It seems to work well with my speakers.

[motorcitydave]

I figured that preamp would be great...thanks Steve for the review.

[Steve Hoffman]

I was going to get a preowned MC220 to match with my recently purchased MC275 MK V. But the distributor didn't have any available at the time so after a bit of indecision I bought the C41 new old stock. I'm pleased with the combination of the SS preamp and tube amp. It seems to work well with my speakers.

I would expect the old C41 to have basically the same sonic signature as the current C46.

Enjoy your duo.

[Stax Fan]

My understanding is the C-42 circuit is basically the same as the C-46, just with a different layout on the face. I wouldn't expect the C-41 to be dramatically different. Definitely the same house sound.

[LesPaul666]

As I glance at these photos, and look over at my lowly Adcom GFP-750....;)

[motorcitydave]

Bah, I'm still proud of my Bryston. I think. lol. :cool:

[antonkk]

Steve, how would you compare it with C2200? I got mine and love every note of it!:)

[Steve Hoffman]

I have not heard the C2200 in a home setting, only at CES. Couldn't tell a thing there! Sorry.

[SamS]

Steve, are you using single ended connections between the amp/pre?

I know McIntosh often recommends balanced, but I've never tried it myself.

[Steve Hoffman]

RCA, yes.

[LeeS]

Steve,

How do the tone controls work on the McIntosh? Are they less sonically degrading than those found elsewhere?

I would imagine they are.

[LeeS]

Upon further research, it looks like a full blown equalizer...that could be valuable. :)

[ZenArcher]

Steve, I really appreciate your views on various pieces of equipment at all price points. I hope you'll continue to share your impressions from time to time.

[Casino]

My understanding is the C-42 circuit is basically the same as the C-46, just with a different layout on the face.

I've had the C-42 for almost 5 years and it's great unit with lots of flexibility.

[Todd Fredericks]

This thread has got me thinking off maybe going for a C-46 (or C-42)) from my tube pre-amp. I've been happy with my YS pre-amp but I do like the additional features these have. Any major differences in "sound" quality between the 46 and 42?

Todd

[Casino]

I don't have first-hand experience with the C-46 but if what Stax Fan says about the circuitry is true (and it probably is - and all the controls look identical, though the illuminated display is a bit different), there should not be any appreciable difference.