[1KW]

I was hoping when I went to the new Mcintosh dealer near me I would want to run out and replace my C220 with a C500; I wanted to be impressed but instead I am thinking not so fast. I understand when pre amps were first built it was with the need to amplify tunners as well as the phono output from a cartridge. Since most of my listening is digital and many Mcintosh cdp have variable outputs with enough power to drive amplifiers directly a pre amp is optional. I have played my MCD500 direct to the MC501's fully balanced I can attest that the sound is very good. What I missed most was not having tone controls. I put the C220 back in the system and have since added a sub. so now the tone controls are flat except on the rare occasion that I play a little vinyl. I am looking forward to hearing the MEN220 in my system as I am contemplating possibly going MCD500 to MEN220 to MC501's and not having a pre amp. I realize I will lose my TT but my music server is better than 90 % of my listening.