Anyone here have the McIntosh C47

[miatadan]

I originally planned on purchasing the McIntosh C22 but changing financial situation means I could only afford the McIntosh C47.

Considering that it is the least expensive preamplifier from McIntosh, how is the sound quality? I noticed the rca jacks not same quality as on the C52 but besides turntable all my sources are digital.

Will sell my current Rega dac to help cover cost of this preamplifier.

What can I expect on how this piece will sound compared to other solid state preamplifiers from last few years. Yes I know it will sound different than the McIntosh C2300 I had last.

Dan

[BuffaloBill]

According to McIntosh, same quality as C50/52 less a few features. High value.

[miatadan]

Originally Posted by BuffaloBill

According to McIntosh, same quality as C50/52 less a few features. High value.

Good to know that it is close to C50/52

I thought it was better choice than the D150 being used as a preamplifier as I need decent phono section as well.

Maybe it is considered heresy, but I do like using the tone controls as well.

Dan

[Timobi]

I owned the C47...for about 2 months or so. GREAT. I only 'updgraded' to the C2600 Tube Pre to achieve an overall smoother sound. The speakers I had then were a tad harsh at high volumes.

The C47 is wonderful.

[Msegal]

I guess it depends upon your expectations. I have heard the C47 and been very impressed. However, being used to my C500 I would not be able to have long extended listening sessions using a C47.
The C47 is a very "honest " unit. I would not say it's harsh but it is very revealing of associated equipment.
Given your experience with a C2600 I am not sure it will be a satisfactory interim preamp.
An extended audition would be in order.

[miatadan]

Originally Posted by Msegal

I guess it depends upon your expectations. I have heard the C47 and been very impressed. However, being used to my C500 I would not be able to have long extended listening sessions using a C47.
The C47 is a very "honest " unit. I would not say it's harsh but it is very revealing of associated equipment.
Given your experience with a C2600 I am not sure it will be a satisfactory interim preamp.
An extended audition would be in order.

Before I had the C2300 preamp, I was using a Bel Canto Dac 1.5 as the preamp, so hoping sound quality will still be smooth, not harsh and using Cardas interconnects I find helps in this regard as well. The split chassis is good engineering as well. Would have been great if all the preamps with dacs from McIntosh used the DA1 Digital Audio Module.

[Sea music]

I had a C47 preamp and it sounded excellent. It in fact was slightly quieter then
the C2600 I traded it for. I beleave it is the same Dac which is also very good.
It took me a whole weekend of listening to want the "tube" sound of the C2600.
If I had to do a blind test the first day I doubt I would have been able to pick either one reliably, they are that close. Today I am sure I could but that does not
make the C2600 better just tube over solid state. I am sure there are plenty of
C52 owners that would concour. It is relatively affordable by Mcintosh standards
and easily traded down the road if you decide to change. No losers here.

[miatadan]

Originally Posted by Sea music

I had a C47 preamp and it sounded excellent. It in fact was slightly quieter then
the C2600 I traded it for. I beleave it is the same Dac which is also very good.
It took me a whole weekend of listening to want the "tube" sound of the C2600.
If I had to do a blind test the first day I doubt I would have been able to pick either one reliably, they are that close. Today I am sure I could but that does not
make the C2600 better just tube over solid state. I am sure there are plenty of
C52 owners that would concour. It is relatively affordable by Mcintosh standards
and easily traded down the road if you decide to change. No losers here.

I am comfortable with my decision to order the C47. Right now using passive preamp that I am not happy with the sound at all. Really wanted to have a McIntosh piece still in the system. Will arrive some time in late August.

[brownbear]

Great choice! I have the C47 and love it, it sounded great out of box. I added an HRS Damping Plate on top (thanks Ivan), and it sounds even better!

[Sea music]

Originally Posted by miatadan

I am comfortable with my decision to order the C47. Right now using passive preamp that I am not happy with the sound at all. Really wanted to have a McIntosh piece still in the system. Will arrive some time in late August.

Give us an update when you have it up and running. Congratulations.