C47 and MC462 Combination
 

Would like to know what to expect when replacing my MC352 with a MC462. I will be pairing it with a C47 preamp and Focal Sopra 2's. Does anyone have a better idea for another preamp to match with the MC462?

Sounds like a GREAT combo! I’m big time jealous on the Sopras. I would love a pair in my set up.

Are you good with the limitations of a built-in DAC? Are you into vinyl? If you prefer a DAC of your own choosing and listen to vinyl then you might wish to consider McIntosh's MP1100 with fully balanced photo stage. Also, the C49 uses the DA1 DAC module, allowing one to take advantage of future upgrades, while the C47 does not. But, you are still limited to whatever McIntosh offers (not necessarily a bad thing).

Another big '+' on your Sopra 2s. :thumbsup:

If you can stretch the budget I would suggest a C2600 if you wish to try tubes. It sounds significantly better then the C47, not the the C47 sounds bad.

IfI were buying the MC462 amp, I would want a McIntosh preamp with the meter displays.

Preamp
 

I have owned the C47 then the C2600. If you are interested in a SS preamp
I think the D1100 or new C49 would be a good choice. I am very happy with
the tube sound of the C2600. Are there better DACs, well yes. But you will have
To spend as much as the entire preamp to hear a significant difference. Only my opinion of course. If I could do it all over I would get the D1100 because I have no analogue inputs. I have not heard a D1100 as of yet but I am sure the dual mono quad balanced construction would bring something to the table. All good choices and enjoy the journey.

I concur. I traded in my C47 after an opportunity to A/B the C2600 in my system. The tubes just ended up being my preference.

If you are going to tubes and looking at C2600 (a great idea!), I recommend also checking out a C22 paired with a Schiit Yggdrasil. YMMV, but I found the sound better, price lower, and upgrade path easier; though you would have to sacrifice DSD. Good luck!

Just to chime in a bit. I'm running Sopra 3's with a brand-new Mc462 I just got a week ago. I'm running it with my NAD M12 preamp with the built-in BlueOS card running Tidal. It sounds amazing. I demoed the amp with Sopra 2's it sold me on it.

After a brief stint with the McIntosh C52, I went back to a tube preamp (C2600) and I couldn’t be more pleased.