Originally Posted by -E- (Post 579445)

C1000, by far. The 500 just can't compete. If you are sticking with the 601's, I'd probably go for the T. 1.2KW or a more tube-sounding amp, probably the P. I like them both, though, but I tended to lean more toward the P every time I heard them...

Must you have the McTurntable? It's a good piece of gear but in that price range I'd probably go a bit upstream to something like the AMG V12.

Originally Posted by -E- (Post 579512)

In just about every way. From the remote to the build quality to the overall sound impression it gave off. The 500 just feels hollow/flat compared to the 1000's deliciousness and spatial presence/dimensionality. Plus, with the 1000, you won't need to keep chasing upstream for McMagic - that is the pinnacle of McPre's and will likely remain so for a very long time. You can then focus upgrade $ to other parts (TT, going up-line on speakers, etc.).

Originally Posted by j3brow (Post 579553)

Well this opinion is polar opposite of my salesman at Audio Classics. I dare say those fine folks have heard 1000 and 500 a few times. They sell both and could of tried to up sale me but the no BS answer is they are for all intents and purposes sonically identical. They sure *look* identical in the nudie pics. Disclaimer is I have not heard the c1000 but the C500 will not sound hollow and flat against any preamp.

Originally Posted by j3brow (Post 579553)

Well this opinion is polar opposite of my salesman at Audio Classics. I dare say those fine folks have heard 1000 and 500 a few times. They sell both and could of tried to up sale me but the no BS answer is they are for all intents and purposes sonically identical. They sure *look* identical in the nudie pics. Disclaimer is I have not heard the c1000 but the C500 will not sound hollow and flat against any preamp.

Originally Posted by Volks (Post 579781)

I will have a chance to hear both side by side in a few days......should be interesting .

Originally Posted by -E- (Post 579811)

Well that just sounds dull and boring getting to compare the two McPres...


NOT!


:D

Originally Posted by -E- (Post 579764)

Unfortunately, the no BS answer is that: it does.

However, if you read carefully, I specifically stated "compared to..."

It's like comparing Dom vs. Krug. Both are superb, but one is certainly better than the other.