Which is more of a factor in sound quality

[keef]

In my experience the preamp makes the biggest difference.

[Macuser]

How about starting with #1...... live with it for a while and then upgrade to a pair of MC611's or better yet MC1.25K's?

[njcardave]

The most important link in the chain is room acoustics. Try adding some sound panels at primary and secondary reflection points and some corner bass traps. Later add some diffusor panels. You will definitely think that you have purchased a whole new system. Spending money without treating the sound space is not a good idea. 🎶🎶🎶

[Charles]

Definitely go for the C-1100 preamp. You will never have to buy another preamp. Enjoy the 302 until you can upgrade. It's good to buy a component that you can build the rest of your system around for years to come.

[miketuason]

Tube preamp with a good set of tubes like Telefunken smooth plate or the Gold Lion Cryogenic treated with gold pins should make quite a difference.

[miatadan]

Originally Posted by soundslikemusic

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.

I had the McIntosh MC302 with the Martin Logan Spires in the past , just preamplifiers I have hard time with, also like the C22

[McNikontosh]

Originally Posted by miatadan

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

My vote is C1100 + MC302 for now and upgrade the amp later on

[Charles]

Miatadan, I think you have the answer to your question.

[BuffaloBill]

Originally Posted by miatadan

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

Dan

Neither, the quality and design of the mid-range driver.

[ejr1953]

I have enjoyed an MC452 for about three years now, compared it to the MC302 and the MAC6700 I used to own and there's something about the "quad balanced" design that to me, just sounds more musical.

I'd second the recommendation for snagging a pre-owned MC452.

I'd also think about having a tube preamp. I changed out a C50 for a C2500 and found acoustic instruments and voices (to me) sounded more "musical".