Which is more of a factor in sound quality
 

Will be starting fresh with new stereo system...

What would make more of a difference in sound too system... more expensive preamplifier or more expensive power amplifier?

choice number one - McIntosh C1100 preamplifier + MC302 power amplifier
or

McIntosh C2600 preamplifier + McIntosh MC462 power amplifier

in both cases , speakers will be Martin Logan Classic ESL 9

Dan

If you are not philosophically opposed, there are some really exceptional integrated amps out there to consider like the Luxman L-509x, PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP if you’re into tubes, and several choices from Accuphase that will make you drool all over your ipad. You won’t have to worry about compatibility between Pre and amp and will save on cabling.

My vote is for the preamp.

I have just recently upgraded amp and preamp.
I am very happy with the improvement in soundstage and clarity/ detail gained by these components.
Without a doubt for me in my system the preamp was the biggest improvement.

The proper way to approach this is to give some thought as to what amplifier would be a good match for your speakers. Will the amplifier meet the demands of the speaker and if so, will the synergy be a favorable one?

Preamplifier should then be installed in the audio chain so that the differences will be more easily appreciated and evaluated for the characteristics you desire. More transparency, detail, soundstage width and depth, more focus with increased palpability factor, liquid, smooth and musical presentation, etc.... Throwing money at one or the other and approaching it that way may or may not put you in the ballpark since a great preamplifer will be masked by an amplifier that is either not synergistic with your speakers or does not properly drive the speakers.

Having said that, your ML speakers are of fairly sensitive 90dB efficiency and although the impedance does drop rather low and especially at the upper end, where it falls below 1 ohm, any of the McIntosh amps you have mentioned will get the job done. The synergy is a different question and it is mostly a personal preference as long as the amplifier is handling the speakers properly.


Having lived with ML electrostatic speakers in the past for quite some time and experimenting with various gear, given ML's revealing and rather non-forgiving nature of anything upstream that is not up to par, I'd shoot for an amplifier that does not have a tendency of sounding lean as the presentation can be relentless and fatiguing. Once again McIntosh should be a wise choice here as typically and if anything, McIntosh amps will tend to err on the weightier and meatier if not ultimately resolving presentation which would be a plus in my book.

I'd be tempted to try a top notch McIntosh integrated with those speakers if I was in your position. Tubes in a preamplifier can be a hit or a miss when it comes to very revealing speakers and unless you are willing to tube roll to find that balance, the integrated should be a good pairing in my mind. :scratch2:

Good luck with your quest.

Just this week I changed my preamp from a Mac D150 to a C52 (with no break in time) it made a world of difference in sound quality. Amps are PS Audio M700 driving ML Classic ESL 9.


I chose the C52 because of the built in EQ my hearing needs the help.:music:

If you are in the Ontario/Quebec part of Canada, make a trip to the McIntosh plant in Binghamton, NY and take their tour. The new MA8900 integrated amp with the plug-in DAC module looks pretty tasty. But, your original choice of the C1100/MC302 looks nice, as well, though if going that far think I would try to stretch it to the quad-balanced MC452 (easily found on the used market) or MC462.

Dan,
I like your thinking around the MC 302 and C1100 combo. I think this will give you the best SQ overall compared to the other setup you mention.

Another option you might consider is to find a nice used MC 452 - for all practical purposes identical to the 462 at a fraction of the new price.

Then you get the best of both systems you mentioned.

Enjoy the hunt!

Tom

A wise man once said " the preamp is the heart of your system."

Ill take pre-amp any day.
having said that i heard the C1100+M302 recently = awesome awesome combo. I also heard the C2600+mc302 recently, also very good but C110 0 isfantastic, another level of performace.