Bottom line: Does the C52 bring its own coloration or sound to the party? Does McIntosh have its “own” sound and if so, did I hear that signature sound with all 3 amps? Ya know what, maybe it’s placebo but I believe I do hear something special here… Big, bold, rich and powerful all come to mind and I’ll tell you folks, when using other preamps with the same amplifiers we just walked through, I don’t get this tone which lands me on this conclusion. If there is a sound that should be noted in the history books of what American hifi is supposed to sound like… this should be first in line.