Price Paid:  $1000.00 from Used

Summary:
You just have to love the teal-colored backlit nomenclature that makes operating this fantastic sounding preamp in the dark a pleasure. Warm and detailed without a hint of harshness place this high end preamp in the true bargain category for the $1K to $2K range. Highly recommended, especially if you have an affinity for Mac to begin with.

Strengths:
Simplicity, elegance and great sound.

Weaknesses:
No switched outlets on back to turn on/off power amp automatically with preamp.

Similar Products Used:
Tandberg 3016A power amp, McIntosh MCD831 CD/DVD player, Nakamichi MR1 cassette deck, Snell EII speakers.

Price Paid:  $1350.00 from Pyramid (AK)

Summary:
Well, before buying this preamp my setup consisted of Paradigm Active/20 speakers, and a Sony ES CD player with variable volume output for the signal. Having added a Pioneer DV-09, I needed a preamp. I was wondering how an extra piece of gear in the line-up would affect the pure sound, and was surprised that it sounded better! More dynamic and powerful, and maintaining the neutrality. Buying a piece of McIntosh gear is like an investment, since it will probably last a very long time, and the simple design, neautrality of sound, and build quality will hold up through the years of the latest and greatest products to come and go.

Strengths:
Build quality, dynamic and neutral sound.

Weaknesses:
noneb

Price Paid:  $80000.00 from internet

Summary:
Absolutely beautiful piece of equipment. Before changing to the Mac I was using an Adcom GTP-600. The first thing I noticed when I changed to the Mcintosh was a more pronounced and tighter low frequency. Midrange is warm with great depth and space. Quiet background and just the features I needed for my two-channel system. Remote and Phono are a big plus. The remote isn't the best but as long as it turns up the volume thats all I care about. The build quality is excellent and overall I would say this is the best preamp I've heard in this price range.

Strengths:
Low frequecy control, liquid midrange, and great looks/build quality.......

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
Adcom/Carver/Audio Research

Price Paid:  $800.00

Summary:
This unit is currently discontinued by McIntosh. At the price I paid, it's a great performer. If you can find one, BUY it! It sounds better then a lot of high price pre-amps.

My System:
C15 (pre-amp)
Mc352 (power amp)
Scdc333ES (SACD/CD Player)
Electra 915 (main speakers)
MIT Terminator 2 Bi-wire (wires)
MIT T2 (interconnects)

Strengths:
Looks, Sounds, and price

Weaknesses:
higher grade isolators (feets)

Summary:
I have my C15 mated to a MC122 via Kimber Silver Streak and find the combination to provide an extraordinary presentation for the music---especially at its price. On listening to this combo makes it easy to question spending a whole lot more on this type of equipment. There are a lot of the "audiophile" darlings out there that can't hold a candle to the sound and overall quality of these Macs.
The C15 has a great built-in moving magnet phono preamp and provides good flexibility for a modest system. All inputs yield a very quiet background and the sound is clear, balanced and lively, with liquid highs; quick, tight and deep bass, and a killer midrange that brings female vocalists right into the room.
If you're in the market foa a new setup, check them out. It may be the last time you ever have to look!

Strengths:
Beautiful fit n' finish. Womderful sounding preamp.

Weaknesses:
None.