McIntosh C33 or Adcom GFP565 For Vintage Mac Amp?

Hi,
I currently have a McIntosh MC 2105 amp that I am very pleased with. In order to have a preamp when I bought it I got a used Adcom GFP 565. This model is generally well regarded and I think the phono section, in particular, has been praised here. It sounds fine to me but I have nothing to compare it to. I was thinking of getting a McIntosh preamp to go with the amp. Either a C28 or C33. I am pretty sure the C33 would be the better of the two but the C28 could be purchased cheaper.
Would either of these be an upgrade to the Adcom or more of a lateral move? I have been listening to a lot of vinyl lately so the phono section is important. I would probably need to sell my Brian Jones era set of Rolling Stones autographs to help finance the Mac purchase so I would like to make an educated decision. Thanks for any input!!

Alan

 

How about a matched pair of THESE in "B1" condition for $800 USD?

 

I had the Adcom 565. It's a good pre. Designed by Nelson Pass. Not sure how it stacks up against the Mac piece.

 

Does anyone else have any comments? Thanks!!

Alan

 

The C33 is an outstanding preamp and if you're into vinyl, has one of the best phono stage's ever.

 

I realize this is an old thread, but I am having the same exact preamp decision to make as the original poster. I can't decide between the Adcom gfp-555 or 565 preamps vs an older McIntosh C26, C28, or C33. The Adcom preamps can be purchased for much cheaper than these vintage Macs. The amplifier used is a McIntosh 2105. If anyone has any insight on these preamps please share. I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

 

I am using a C 32 Preamp and really like it.

 

Keep it all McIntosh for best McIntosh synergy and sonics. C33 is very nice and will serve you very well.

 

Thanks for the replies so far. Anyone else have input?

 

McIntosh mates best with McIntosh and you'll have more useful features with the C33.

 

It's not even close. I frankly can't believe the Adcom has so many fans. It's sterile and crunchy sounding. By comparison, the Mac pres sound huge and warm. Maybe too much so for my taste but it's a definite that it's the better mate and overall I'd take one over the Adcom in any system.
-Bill

 

just for aesthetics, I would pick the Mac preamp.

I'll second KT88s opinion on Adcom gear - one of my least-favorite systems used a H-K Citation V amp with an Adcom 565 preamp. With the Snell JIII speakers, I really hated the sound - very bright, unpleasant and flat. Adcom, however, is a step up from your usual mid-fi dreck and I still recommend their gear for people just starting in the hobby.

 

My first mac amp/pre system was the 2105 and C28. They do match well and sound great when in good shape.
The C33 is supposed to be a step up from the C32. I have a C32 and like it very much.

Good luck with whatever you end up with.



Steve

 

I want to pick up a Mc 2105 and eventually a C26, 27 or 28. However, in the mean time, I'm curious how my Stereotech 1200 (Japanese Mc) would work as a pre-map with the 2105.

 

I have a stupid question. Can a McIntosh preamp be used as an amp? I assume that I cannot, but I am a newbie in this area. I was looking at C-24 the other day and was wondering if I could use it to replace my Pioneer receiver? I currently run a Rega fono mini as my premap.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

I don;t know about the C24 but the C33 had what was called a Monitor Amp in it. It was about 20WPC as I recall. The back had speaker connections so you could use it as a low powered amp. Hope this helps a little.

Alan

 

Attempting to use separate mono preamps for stereo is a guaranteed disaster. No two will be level matched and you are likely to have ground loop problems.

The C20 and C22 are by far the best of the vintage Mac pre's especially if you want to use the phono section. The C28 is probably the best of the older solid state ones. I have no experience with the C24 and C26 but there are such things.

 

Yes, I think some even had Power Guard and everything. But it was primarily intended for headphones as far as I know.

 

completely right

 

McIntosh all the way.