MP1100 vs phonos in C500T and C1100
 

I've been upgrading my analog system this year. First it was the cart and now a new turntable has been ordered. Next will be the phono. As much as I love the Audia Flight phono, I have my eye on the MP1100 simply because of the features and because it will match the rest of the Mac gear.

Before I make the purchase, has anyone compared the MP1100 to the phonos in the C500T or C1100?

I haven't compared the MP1100 to my C1100. I have compared the my Audia Flight to my C1100. I thought I could use the phono stage of my C1100 instead of my AF but the AF sounded significantly better to me so I only used the AF. I have recently gotten out of analog, not because I didn't like the sound but because I am a klutz and am tiered of breaking expensive stylus's.

leftside...I believe MisterBritt has the C1100 and MP1100. He had several posts on his MP1100 purchase. You might want to check with him.

I too prefer the Audia Flight to the C500T phono, but strangely with my new cart - a Benz Micro LP-S - I'm not finding as much difference as before with my Dynavector 20x2L.

I'd just need the MP1100 to equal (or better ideally) the Audia Flight.

I checked out the thread from MisterBritt. There were some great posts, but I've yet to see a comparison to the C500 or C1100 (unless I've missed something, which I well could have done...)

There are a couple nice reviews of the MP1100 by Jeff Dorgay (ToneAudio) and by a Mcintosh enthusiast in Asia. Jeff was so impressed with the MP1100 that he bought the review model for himself and will also use it as a benchmark against other phono preamps.

Suggest, if you haven't already, look for those 2 reviews.

Of course, the MP1100 has so many cool features (along with the DAC) like scratch and rumble filters and the 5 phono equalization settings. My only wish is -- separate power supply; but, by the looks of it, it appears to be well isolated from the main board.

I never took the cover off my C1100; but I'd imagine with very minor differences, the phono stage is similar to the C500 & C1000 series (with a few more tubes though).

The MP1100 is another Ron Evans masterpiece.

Best Sir,

Bob

C500 phono stages -- far rear (2 little black boxes along with the 4 tubes -- 2 each MM & MC
https://i.imgur.com/zvVQ8AM.png

C1000 phono stages - far rear (basically identical to the C500)
https://i.imgur.com/MvZSft8.jpg

MP1100
https://i.imgur.com/2i1QO7t.jpg

MP1100 Underneath
https://i.imgur.com/BbERgGs.jpg

Thanks for posting the pic Bob. It is indeed different in the MP1100. I have checked out those reviews - they got me even closer to pulling out my check book :)

Looks like I'll have to purchase a MP1100, and then I'll be the first one posting my thoughts on the C500T phono stage vs the MP1100. Though some local amps have appeared for sale that might take priority for the time being.

Wondering if I should trade in my C2300 for the MP1100 and run through the D1100 and rca analog out to the amps. and balanced out from the D1100 to the amps. , any thoughts ?

Not without hearing if you like the change (if any).

Am I missing something? Does the MP1100 have a preamp to run direct to the amps? The D1100 is digital only unless you are planning on using the digital out of the MP1100?

David,

MP1100 —> hi res digital out —-> D1100 —-> amps is an interesting thought. I agree with Craig, would be best to try out the MP1100 first. No doubt, the MP1100 will do a better job than the phono in your C2300 but will converting that analog signal into 24/96 or 192 lose the analog “sound”? Only a home audition can answer that question. I do seem to recall Ron C somewhere talking about this very scenario, MP1100 + D1100. Maybe send him an email and get his take. Betcha he has listened to this combination.