Thanks for the great video, an honest and truthful account of what each one prefers and considers more important.

Really excellent and appreciated review. I really like your approach of comparing and contrasting two products--I think this approach is so useful in communicating the attributes of a product (as compared to a single product review). I am looking forward to more of your opinions and videos! Thanks guys!

One point to consider is that Jay is the younger of the group, certain music characteristics and frequencies may be more appealing and audible. As we age we want to slow down music let it linger and take it with a glass of wine. Great to hear different points of view from different age spectrums.

@bruce8429

3 жыл бұрын

Jay aged very fast. He is old man now.

Just subscribed. You guys are both amusing and knowledgable. You're the least pompous audiophiles I've seen in a long time. Keep up the good work.

I'm enjoying these comparison videos guys... thanks

Awesome video, keep up the great work guys. Subscribed after this video.

I’ve just found you on KZread and am working my way thru your videos. You bring incredible information and present it in a Very honest and thoughtful manner. I followed a few others but find that many channels try to be funny or entertaining in a less than mature fashion. The worst spends more time name dropping than delivering solid content. I wish you all possible success and so appreciate your charity matching of KZread. I wish you the best of growth!

I have a C70 paired with two MC275's and the soundstage is exceptional. Ideal for me, but I love tube gear and the space it creates in the soundstage

@cemarabdg

2 жыл бұрын

Hi, I was wondering how you set them up? As dual mono (1 amp for each left and right) or bi amping (1 amp for high and 1 amp for low freq)? Thanks.

One of the best hifi videos I have ever seen, I like how you guys have different opinions. Great video thanks guys.

Nice! More videos like these please!

Excellent review guys!

Just found your channel because of youtube. I will have to go through more video's. I used to work for Ken Simpson at Korbon doing repaires.

These comparisons are very good for those of us that aren’t able to listen to these components, although I believe both companies have reasonable return policies, but it’s still great to have an idea at first. Thanks, guys! 🎶🔊🙂

Nice video. Quality sound. Just subscribed.

McIntosh is beautiful , And great resale value

@wayneque2101

2 жыл бұрын

I have a MAC. System and I purchased it in 1980 and I still have it, the only thing I changed were the speakers 🔊. I am going to install blue tooth. I can’t wait till I do, and see what I can find on the world stage. I know people who have done this, and they say that it changes the scope all the music 🎶 you will be able to get. A beautiful system that I have, it will be amazing!!! 😀🍸🍺🎶🎶🎶🔊

Nice talk show!

Great review. Would be interesting to have the two reviewers Pareto Chart what they find most important in comparing audio equipment. Both reviews were good but the two heard differently. Love the channel and what you all bring to the table. I’ve been in the hobby since 74. Keep up the good work🙂

@bradc32

2 жыл бұрын

i find the time of day when you are listening will affect what you think you hear. enjoyed this too

Hi , i think its a great way to do this. And a Happy New Year to all.

The issue I have with such reviews is that the reviewers knew which unit they were listening to when making their assessment. That brings preconceived notions and expectations whether one wants to admit it or not. Better to have them not know what models or even brands that are being compared. They only know they are comparing 2 preamps. Just A and B. Everything else is revealed to them after the assessment is made.

great amplifier review

Great review guys. Thanks 🙏🏻

Well done !! :)

Great video

Another thing that appeals to me with the McIntosh C70 (which none of the three reviewers mentioned) is that it has tone controls with a by-pass switch. I know there are many that believe that any additional circuitry can only diminish the purity of the recorded signal and that is probably correct. However, there is nothing made by humans that is perfect to begin with, and to believe otherwise is a fallacy. All recordings are facsimiles of the actual recorded event or events for overdubbed recordings. Some come closer to the fabled 'absolute sound' than others and various reviewers write or speak of the rare occasion where they could close there eyes and believe that they are in the presence of the musicians. Emphasis on 'rare occasion' and 'believe'. Tone controls give in some areas and they take away in others. As long as the balance is to the positive side for the listening experience, and I find from personal experience this is often the case, I call that a win. And if you feel that a particular recording played through your speakers in you listening space is fine, there is always that by-pass switch. It is better to have and not need than to need and not have, as long as you don't get overly loaded down. That balance thing again.

@nostro1001

4 жыл бұрын

@ Stephen...well said...fear not the days of snooty manufacturers telling the consumer only a 'pure' sound is correct is utter bs. Poor recordings, room acoustics, music listening preference and so on says otherwise. Here, here man!!! 🎶🎶🎶

@Darrylizer1

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed.

@frankgeeraerts6243

10 ай бұрын

You are absolutely correct!

I really appreciate your comparison discussions. Everyone has their own biases. I enjoy the honest views front everyone.

Most high-end audio at same price point = different kinds of awesome.

@scottscottsdale7868

2 жыл бұрын

Different kinds of awesome is well put.

I remember watching one of Paul McGowan’s videos where he described McIntosh as being “your grandfather’s stereo” and “not high-end.” I’d love to hear the C70 sometime, however. Anyway, enjoying the videos on this (and Jay’s) channel. I own a PS Audio BHK Signature preamplifier, by the way. 😊

@Mrch33ky

2 жыл бұрын

Hilarious that a marketing guy tries to throw shade on a high end brand that was around before he was born and will be long after he and his so-called brand are no more. lol

@frankgeeraerts6243

10 ай бұрын

I don't like Paul's attitude .........he presents himself like a wise father but he tells a lot of unconsistant and un correct technical audio information ( bullshit. )......maybe he thinks we are unteached and childisch ( idiots ) ?

Love your acoustic treatments on the walls. Where did you get it from?

Great review! I have a C2600 and MC452 and admittedly I’ve always been intrigued by Paul’s BHK products and admired Paul’s videos. Had a McIntosh setup not been on my bucket list I certainly would have considered the BHK separates. Once again, great video!

@jeremyhughes6485

4 жыл бұрын

Chance I really like the C2600 with old RCA tubes from late 50’s. I have not heard BHK but I like their DSD Sr DAC

I love McIntosh gear and love Paul McGowen's KZread channel but I haven't heard his amps. I may buy a Sprite for my office setup, it's just perfect for my needs and the price is very right. Audio Excellence Canada keep up the good work!

@grimkillah666

Жыл бұрын

Sprout

@Darrylizer1

Жыл бұрын

@@grimkillah666 Oops yes the Sprout

Great concept not to get in front of the camera with a uniform opinion. It was interesting to hear what you guys had to say.

So much of audio gear does not come down to one better than the other, but more personal taste & system synergy between components

@beslemeto

3 жыл бұрын

These equipments are way too expensive.If you have a luck you can end up with a system for 2k which will give you better performance than these mad priced audio gears.7k for pream,8k for power amp,5k for speakers.WTF bro!!!

@ecstasy5317

3 жыл бұрын

J Dekong you hit it right on the head but even if a person spends thousands on reputable preamp brands, I still find it more amazing how interconnection cables of all kinds from USB's, RCA's, to power cables can be anywhere from free to thousands of dollars for less than 15 feet long. Even replacement cables for headphones can tip the scales, the higher the headphones cost the higher the aftermarket cables will surely cost.

@beslemeto

3 жыл бұрын

@@ecstasy5317 I will say again that you don't need to spend mad amounts of money to get amazing results.I believe that cables can make difference though.I have tried so many cables from cheap to very expensive and ended with not so expensive cables.They were destroying everything i put against them at least in my system..So money does not guarantee satisfaction!It is the synergy between materials in your system that transform the sound.You have to try until you get what you want and yes you can achieve that with cheap stuff!

@MrJason9142002

3 жыл бұрын

I think some are way better

@beslemeto

3 жыл бұрын

@@MrJason9142002 Some are way bettet when there is synergy!

Do you guys carry brands such as Prima Luna, Rogue, Modwright and Microzotl? Wd be great to compare their preamps too

Way back in the 70's David W. Berning patented a triode tube/FET series design that was embodied in the TF-10 pre-amp. The sound through a double pair KLH-1 via custom designed Futterman circuity amps was absolutely gorgeous! Shortly afterward, Audio Research proceded to infringe on the patent. Unfortunate, the cost for Berning to defend the patent was greater than any resultant benefit. Dabvid Berning, in any subsequent models gave up on the FET because too many audiophiles were so careless in changing inputs while powered up caused so many breadkdowns that he gave up on the design. What a shame. I have heard that David Berning developed a safe OTL tube design that did not require huge blcoking output capacitors! I would love to find out how the design worked out.

@puciohenzap891

9 ай бұрын

The "ZOTL"?

Nice review.Adrian,what is the make,model and specifications on that turntable behind you in this video? TY,Doc BC

You guys have so much experience on audio systems what will be your take macintosh with the infinity IRS V or BHK signature monoblocks.

The younger pup is trying to take the older pup's job and the shop owner is looking on approvingly....very transparent dynamic here....

I would have liked to have heard you describe the sound of these pre-amps connected to the appropriate amps within each company's line, in addition to the $38,000 (USD) D'Agostino "solid-state" monoblocks. I imagine that most people would buy these as matched sets, and they were likely designed to compliment their corresponding amplifiers, which also have tubes.

You guys are a joy to watch and learn from .. I just bought the C53 what are your thoughts on that pre amp

@666goats

2 жыл бұрын

dies it really matter what anyboby says regarding he C35 (for example) JUST remember it will require initial burn in (100 HRS)

@gordonshumway7465

Жыл бұрын

@@666goats burn in is audiophile nonsense. I've directly asked manufacturers what physically changes with "burn in" and they ignore me every time. I hope if I'm ever on life support in a hospital that all the machines have had 100 hours of burn in, otherwise I might die. What a joke.

While I think all 3 gentlemen express themselves very very well...I can totally jive with how and what Vilip said. I get it totally.

@666goats

2 жыл бұрын

i disagree , i like them but the older guy could maybe go it alone IMHO

Jay makes a great argument. For McIntosh.

I have a Bush linear hifi which sounds brilliant when I play Huey Lewis and the News...

The company you were trying to remember for B.H. King' s past is Constelation Audio.

@alext2933

4 жыл бұрын

Glad to help.

How was the room treated that you did the test in? Room acoustics plays a big part in how equipment sound.

There's No better just personal preference taste👍👍😆

i have a bryston 14b cubed amp matching with kef reference 5 speakers with copper audioquest power cables interoconnects. i currently have the preamp simaudio evolution 740P ( 9800$ can ) matching the bryston. I was even before watching this video considering doing a trial period with the BHK signature Preamp to maybe sell my simaudio. The 740P is ultra neutral transparent making more analitycal a bit. what do you guys think of matching the BHK tube with the Bryston SS. thanks

My fav preamp is the Mola Mola makua ...It is just dac to amp and volume in between nothing coloring and it is so resolving.

I know this is off topic, but did any of you play original Everquest back in the early Naugties? Tallon Zek server.

Have to agree with Jay on this one.

@22:00 I didn't see the equipment in the description.

Great job . There is a definite difference in how preamp’s sound. I have four preamp’s one is a Classé , Integra DRC-R1.1, Anthem and a Sony ES TA9000es. price wise “5000.00 Class’e” “3000.00 Integra” “6499.00 Anthem” 2800.00 Sony es”. They all have a Different sound stages ,tube like , and one is a little bright but it all depends on what type of music. I listen to one room one day and I listen to other rooms other days and the third room and Sundays I rest. I love what you guys are doing keep up the great job. “I want to wish you a Happy New Year’s”

Mcintosh tubes are the best, been a listener, of the equipment since 60s and 70s.

OFF TOPIC: Do some PS Audio BHK Signature Preamp tops (the enameled wood) have an autograph in gold marker, from Bascom H. King, on their front-right? I had seen some for sale (2nd hand) and was wondering if these were legitimate PS Audio units with a real autograph, Chinese knock-offs of the preamp, or forged autographs.

HiJay, This doesnt really fit here but anyway, I like your new years resolution. I would like to request what you think of the Tannoy xt8f or even the xt6f A review if you woud. I think for price they are fantastic. If you have already done this could you please leave me a link to that review . Happy new year.

It would be nice to list the tracks used by each reviewer. Jay seems to have used a more full range track with a lot of stuff going on.... where the solid state part of the Bhk was able to show off its “authority”.

How about comparing the PS Audio Bhk signature 250 or 300 vs McIntosh MC 452 or 601.

I have the C22 60th preamp. Love it.

@mattsmith2992

3 жыл бұрын

What Amp and speakers are you running?

In your opinion, how does Aesthetix CALYPSO compare to the PS Audio and McIntohsh?

The BHK will sound best cos everyone loves Uncle Paul :o)

@johnsimmons5056

4 жыл бұрын

@@adrianlow2114 Best tube pre-amp I have ever heard was a Linear Tube Audio Microzotl Reference Pre-Amp....but thats my ears in my system. The BHK is very very nice though.

@catsbyondrepair

4 жыл бұрын

Ps audio is cheap China junk

@FooBar89

4 жыл бұрын

YUKI JINJUJI PS Audio equipment has questionable design, it’s sort of hobbyist meets money making zealot, if Paul’s videos are any indication, they don’t know what they’re doing

@jameshamilton356

3 жыл бұрын

@@catsbyondrepair your stupid comment is muted

One of these is still proudly made in USA.

So I’m wondering if you had change the stock tubes on the BHK? If you go to some good 7DJ8 tubes from Upscale Audio the BHK sounds completely different and way better the sound is wider and taller and more liquidy!!!

@Darrylizer1

2 жыл бұрын

What you're just said is the beauty and downside of tube amps. I love tubes myself.

Adrian, what speakers did you listen to?

Awesome comparison. Love your videos, guys. I like both brands. I am planning to buy a dac and considering PS Audio direct stream and Mcintosh D1100 . Can you guys please do a comparison video between the two? Thanks for your informative videos!

@petersouthernboy6327

3 жыл бұрын

Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ in that price range. It streams and it’s supported with firmware updates and rated better and looks better than the PS Audio.

Excellent, add more b-roll of the product while they are talking

The problem I have with the BHK is that if you've been a tube guy for a long time, you think it's too direct. Never harsh. But, it's part of the subjective nature of these things that you find yourself wanting that softness once you've tried a solid state circuit. Having said as much and having had McIntosh products in the past I can indeed see where the company's new owners may want to consider upgrading their designs after Clarion's sale of it to suit the need for more punch.

hello, I own two phono one is Hegel V10 and McIntosh 2600 preamp with phono, in your opinion which is better???

What about the deepness of the soundstage? Which of the 2 had the scene more behind the speakers?

@mohandeva1

4 жыл бұрын

@@adrianlow2114 thx!

What was the track list?

can you review the C1100???

Musical vs audiophile?

Used BHK vs used ARC Ref3 which one would you take?

This is why I love McIntosh. Copious soundstage. Sounds like speakers are all around the room.

@moonlight-kh6uz

4 жыл бұрын

Where did you hear that? I heard two people talking

@dilbyjones

4 жыл бұрын

I’ve been to the store where I was able to hear the Macintosh.

@alb.1911

3 жыл бұрын

Do you had the opportunity to comprare the McIntosh tube version vs solid state? Which one provide a bigger, deep and precise soundstage?

@QQ-td9id

3 жыл бұрын

If for making sound you prefer, tube can be considered. If for hi FIDELITY, tube is out of my consideration, even it create some distortion that some people enjoy and think it sound "better" but that was not in the original music signal.

@asplmn

2 жыл бұрын

@@QQ-td9id this should all be for the sound one prefers, otherwise it sucks the fun out of the music. People end up caring more about objective specs and analysis of someone coughing in the 5th row, instead of just letting the music connect emotionally.

Is the mcintosh good on Techno, Trance, Acid and Reggae

Anyone know what track Jay is referencing, I don't see it in the description? I have a C70 that I'm considering swapping out for something else and looking for a good track to use.

@AudioExcellenceCanada

4 жыл бұрын

Hello. will put it in the descriptions but here it is: il divo - aquí esperándote

@paltomare

4 жыл бұрын

@@AudioExcellenceCanada Thank you!

@asplmn

2 жыл бұрын

Why are you deciding to swap out the C70? Seems like it should be a home run preamp.

affiliation was the word you were looking for

@omarfranco2077

3 жыл бұрын

Spot-on ..!

Adrian tells it like it is as a musical experience ...............Jay is a hifi nut ......but he evolves with the years....

Maybe I missed it but what was the source? where I come from that will make or break any gear down the line. I listen to 90% vinyl and don’t own a DAC other than what’s in my CD player. 😎

Listen to your elders. They have life experience. McIntosh! ;)

@Pollock1961

3 жыл бұрын

I been listening in 60scand 70s, equipment then sounded better

@Pollock1961

3 жыл бұрын

I surelly do have the experince

@cablebrain9691

3 жыл бұрын

@@Pollock1961 ​So are you saying that McIntosh has gone downhill since then?

I’m a fan of the C2700.

Thanks for your great reviews guys ! I have had the Mcintosh C2600 and the BHK preamps and been a Mcintosh fan for years But I found the BHK pre just better sounding myself. I sold the C2600 and still have the Bhk , I would love to hear the C70 in person (I love the way it looks) . Adrain , can you please tell me what Vicoustic panels are you using for your demo room ? Any bass traps? Looks like all diffusers panels on video? Thanks again for your review guys !

So my hypothesis is that the discrepancy in what was being heard between reviewers while comparing the 2 amps has nothing to do with sonic differences, it's an age difference, in other words, the C70 is a mans preamp while the BHK is a boys preamp, being 53, I will choose the McIntosh. I am joking of course. This was a good review and thanks for sharing it.

Brilliant Japanese guy

I have never personally heard the BHK - but my C70 is simply amazng. However, my class A Krell KCT is way better especially with a Krell KSA 300S or my FPB 350MCXs. I am yet to use the C70 with the Krells. I have also used a pair of Dynaco MK VIs converted to KT88s by Syd Beaumont which sound just as good as my MC 602.

Which preamp will retain its performance over time? As with anything that relies on the component's topography and manufacturing process, how well will these two preamp sound after 1000 hours or five years of operation? Hybrids are to me the best of both worlds and an all vacuum tube preamp most likely will start to degrade over time. I remember decades ago that McIntosh offered clinics, to keep their products at peak performance, to maintain specific specifications or performance criteria. Maybe some of your comment contributors can share their personal experiences.

@frankgeeraerts6243

10 ай бұрын

My RR has degraded over time.....

Great review fellas. I do love Mc...however, I've read and heard other reviews (from well known reviewers), that have said in recent times Mc lives on past reputation and are extremely overpriced. This suggestion goes as far as their so called warranty status also. Was rather disappointing to read & hear about from such an iconic brand. I'm unsure about this, but feel there is certainly some truth to this perspective. Thanks. *** Excellent Leonard Cohen track Jay....you need to be in tune with his lyrics and perhaps starting roots to typically get his music. Legend and sorely missed! 😢

@nostro1001

4 жыл бұрын

@@adrianlow2114 Hi Adrian, I don't view your response as biased at all. I've long loved their amps, hence my comments above were those of disappointment, if indeed they were not built to the same tank like standards of yesterday & have the sound to match. I think such doubt has been cast with numerous company ownership changes and the fact some of their products are now made in China. I wonder who now designs their new gear and looking inside the amp will there be clever topography with high quality components. No point buying into an iconic brand if through changes they are no longer what they used to be. Cheers!!!

@nostro1001

4 жыл бұрын

@Larry Niles thanks Larry good to cya in this thread 3 months later. 😎

@jeremyhughes6485

4 жыл бұрын

People love to bash Mcintosh almost as much as Bose. It comes with their iconic status like Rolex. The fact is they sound good and are superbly designed and built. If you aren’t chasing pure resolution but want a smooth intimate sound that can make the best of your music collection then give them a listen.

@nostro1001

4 жыл бұрын

@@jeremyhughes6485 No idea about people bashing Mac's like Bose - first I've heard that one! As for Rolex, that's an entirely different topic. For most people who don't know much about watches Rolex is just about the pinnacle. However, if you are into watches you will know a whole lot more about the brand, the specifics of each release and so on. And thus, may hold different views, especially by way of comparisons & armed with the knowledge they are far from the most historical (relatively young really), whilst some of their claimed 'firsts' in actual fact weren't. They make such claims as they certified some of these things first e.g. chronometer. Further, especially in recent times, they have deliberately withheld stock/under-produced to maintain a certain price tag (that's another story). However, I don't think many would argue they are the most known luxury watch brand!

although a very interesting comparison 85% of the time the talk was about soundstage, while for me there are quite a few other aspects I'm looking for when I listen to music. I also do like the impressive soundstage of tube(pre)amps but it comes after many other properties. IMO it should have been the other way around ( i.e. 85% about the other aspects of music reproduction). It's a good format but I'm sure there are more differences between the two preamps, they have to differentiate themselves in an audible way to find their own customers...

Don't forget that mcintosh holds its value better

The BHK has a big toroid transformer that you would usually find in an amp.

I think Vilip said he actually liked the C70 better than the c1100. Just wondering what Adrian & Jay feel about that? I have the c1100 but have been wanting to reduce some of my rack space.

Hands down Macintosh . Just the quality, the aesthetic s. The Mac just looks so much better and quality. In 30 years I could see me still using the Mac but B&K ? The Mac is time-less !

What was the track that you crackended up?

The spec for the C70 is similar to the C2300.

What about Schiit Freya Plus against these 😊

@AsociaciondeAudiofilos

3 жыл бұрын

@Lloyd Stout agreed with the worst customer service

I think the words you were looking 15:45 were "conflict of interest"

The Mcintosh C49 preamp has a built in DAC, cost thousands less than the C70. For me its a better option.

@edwinjenkins3166

2 жыл бұрын

What power amplifier(s) are you using with the C49?

Are you going to review Halcro?

@54tristin

4 жыл бұрын

Range End no

@54tristin

4 жыл бұрын

Range End No

@rangeend5773

4 жыл бұрын

That’s disappointing

I appreciate the subjective personal opinions. I understand the complications of such comparisons. But I wish you would ADD some blind testing. See if you can actually identify what you think you are hearing without the bias that would obviously happen when each is know as being listened to. Easy as to have one of you do the switchng and control with one only passive listening without knowing which. It would add another level of usable info for us viewers.

@nostro1001

4 жыл бұрын

@ Glenn....always a fair point of view, yet I've never known any reviewer to do so. Thus, all reviews are to be taken as subjective & hence demoing the gear at home if possibly preferable or otherwise demo in store and judge with ones own ears. It's just how industry people operate and you are entitled to your view as to why this is generally so. Sometimes I wonder, especially in relation to equally well measured dacs. In this instance I respect and trust those stating their opinions here. 😎 Happy listening. 🎶🎶🎶

Silly, i know, but the Mac' would bug me just for having that "70'th Anniversary 1929-2019" plastered on it's front, when "C70 Stereophonic Preamplifier" is already enough. Overdone labelling bugs me, it's like Vollume Controlls which tell you what direction to turn the knob for higher vollume along with the word 'Maximum' at the end-stop point ...& also which way to go from 'loud' when you want to turn the vollume down with the word 'Minimum' at a 270'degree turn away (not that anyone could ever listen to 90% THD at nearly all vollume control's 'Maximum' labelled position) & then it's the same again for ballance & tone if present ...is all this done for the deaf home-hi'fi purchaser? or that niche market of totally deaf D.J.s. ? I wouldn't base my choice on the fact tho, but ive always dissliked overdone logos & labels that points out the very obvious. Paul Magowan's 1'st pre was the 1970's, so he could very soon correctly put "50'yr Aniversary Model" on his pre-amps & a bit later his poweramps also but i bet he's not that stupid to do it, Did Tannoy's put "100'th year Aniversary Model 1909 - 2019" on their 2019 made D.C. Speakers? A bigger brag but i bet not! It's pointless & not as if you can't get all commercial hi-fi companies full history on the 'net instead of a part-history emblazened on faceplates to be aware of, every single time you're sitting in the room in front of it. Longevity doesnt ensure perfection.... (listen to any Biden speech!) ...except in the heads of hi-fi Marketing folk

One of them is Made in USA.

Term you were looking for was possibly, "conflict of interest"?

@michaelmityok1001

4 жыл бұрын

I guess you missed the part where they clearly say that they curate these preamps because they believe in them, and the purpose of the video is to provide context for potential buyers WHO MAY NOT BUY FROM THEM. Also there are no claims to pure objectivity, as that is almost impossible even in the best case scenarios. You are best served by looking for a measurements focused review.