Quote:
Originally Posted by jrsub
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If this is correct, I hope all recognize the tremendous value this new model represents. Certainly it will be marginally superior to the C1100 but I would not do a trade-in myself. However, many (essentially all other manufacturers) when they come out with a new model tout the tremendous increase in sonics and of course charge about 50% more. It's nothing more than a ripoff for the most part. If I knew nothing about the high end and compared this new pre based on capability, looks, weight, dual mono, fully balanced, two piece thus isolating control from amplification, and simply the ease of operation in the way the switching and controls work, the unit has the look and quality of a 50K piece.
It's incredible, if this is correct, that the price increase would be only a grand. Along those lines, I think the MC3500 MK II at 15K, is ridiculously under valued. For example, you look at an amp like the Statement VAC 452 iQ Musicblock power amplifier at 450 watts per channel at 75K per amp. I've been around the block. I know all the arguments as to its superiority over the Mac. Sorry, don't buy it (no pun intended). I would much rather have the 3500 in my system unless I could sell the VAC and pocket the difference. Also note it replaces the 452 IQ a similar extremely expensive tube amp. How long was it the "Statement" before the new "Statement"? Small manufacturers absolutely must come out with new models and circuits and we assume they are better.
Mac has been designing power amps and pre's for 70 years. A 2301 or a 3500 MK II are the only tube amps I would trust with my XVX. If this price is correct, the C1200 is ridiculously underpriced following in the same vein as the 3500. For a little over 30 grand you can experience as good no, frankly much better "tubes" than exists anywhere.
Best
Charles
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Charles Updated System: Wilson McIntosh Audioquest
New gear on order: Plinth of X material built by Wilson with rubber cushions or cushions of V material to get my Thor off the floor. Plinth supported by Wilson Acoustic Diodes. McIntosh MC3500 MK II mono power amp, one per channel
Most recent updates: AQ Diamond USB replaces AQ Coffee; Wilson Audio Specialties Alexx replaced by Wilson Audio Specialties XVX Chronosonic; new subwoofer crossover; new Galaxy Grey Thors Hammer; Wilson Pedestals; heating and cooling completely reworked and reinsulated resulting in a much quieter, cooler, and more efficient room (cost about 10,000.00). McIntosh MCT 500 SACD/CD transport. Wilson Audio Acoustic Diode for XVX Chronosonic. WEL Signature digital Coaxial cable for MVP 881/D1100 digital connection replacing the optical connection.
Amps: McIntosh 1.25KW’s (3) set on floor on custom made cultured marble slabs
Preamp and DAC: McIntosh D1100
Sources: McIntosh MCT 500 SACD/CD Transport, MVP881 BR player, MVP851 DVD player, MR87 tuner, Marantz 510LV Laser Disc player, ASUS laptop USB (JRiver Media Center 23)
Speakers: Wilson Audio Specialties XVX Chronosonic
Sub-woofer: Wilson Audio Specialties Thor’s Hammer (1) horizontal lie and Wilson Watch Controller (abbr: WC)
Cables main system: Audioquest WEL Signature speaker cables and balanced IC (preamp to amps); WEL Signature AES/EBU balanced digital IC for CD playback; WEL Signature digital coaxial cable for MVP 881/D1100 digital connection; Audioquest Diamond optical (1) for tuner, (1) for MVP 851 DVD player, and (1) for LD player for total of (3); Audioquest Diamond USB cable; McIntosh MCT cable for SACD playback; Dragon power cords (5 HC cords and 3 source cords for total of 8); Thunder HC power cord for MR87 tuner
Cables subwoofer system: Audioquest Redwood speaker cable (1); Wolf balanced subwoofer IC from WC to amp; Wind balanced IC from preamp to WC; Hurricane HC (2) and Dragon HC (1) power cords
Power conditioners: Audioquest Niagara 7000 (1) and Niagara 5000 (3); (4) dedicated 20-amp lines with no. 10 wire straight out of fuse box
Isolation: Wilson Pedestals for D1100; MVP 881 BR player; MCT 500 transport; MVP 851 DVD player
Cabinet: Double Custom Woodwork & Design (CWD) solid walnut cabinet on large casters; holds all sources and preamp; also, Niagara 7000; 11 feet minimum distance from speakers
Acoustic Treatments: Room and Echo Tunes
AC: Dedicated to this room only, an ultra-high efficiency and quiet recently installed Ruud split system 3-ton heat pump.
Room (mancave): 40’L x 15.5’W A-frame; max ceiling height 8’ min 5’; wall within wall construction built of 2 x 6’s; built over garage with custom hardwood floor with gym seal with over 40 Lowes stiffened wooden I-beams supporting floor; complete isolation from rest of house.