My d100 to c2600 experience to contribute a viewpoint (warning, I am language challenged, and apologize for trying to sound like an audio review — vodka will do that to you). The differences are not as large as I make them out below (I’m exaggerating to draw out minor points).
The sound bubble got bigger with the c2600. I was always surprised how instruments could move beyond the speakers through the d100 -- they scooched over further and the room got bigger with the c2600 (bounce/echo). This made me happiest and was what I had hoped. The bass seemed a bit deeper/authoritative (counter to a review I’d read); but different (more id than the d100’s super-ego).
Immediacy is the term others used to describe the c4700. I'd have to agree for the d100 also (probably to a lesser degree but stores are different than your home system/room). Synthesizers taste different -- and that is what comes down to me where someone might really prefer a c4700. For electric drum like sounds and other pops/sproings/tinks, the d100 is fast and like a fresh raw snow pea, the c2600 has stir fried it (still crisp/fresh, a little oil, a little bitter gone). Slide your finger on d100 paper, you bleed (it can hurt). When mostly electronic fast instrumental, I sometimes miss the d100 aseptic, but that takes its toll and I don’t listen to as much of that music anymore. Not to say electronics are sloppy on a c2600. Moog-type sounds/echoes on the c2600 were expansive and hauntingly superior (Numan wanted this). The c2600 seemed to make some sounds that are not natural sound a bit more like they might be natural (the sound didn’t pop out of a mold with bits flying around, but grew). Manufactured food versus traditional. Mix in some mid-career Depeche Mode, and its better on the c2600. Fast beat house music does not do as well on the c2600.
Classic rock— just seems more real on the c2600. I can feel the stick hit the drum skin with just the slightest detent (not on the d100; stick meet metal no echo). And the guitar, that has to be where the c2600 shines; reverb is familiar. I know the reviews say this about strings, but your have to experience it. When listening to Chicago— the brass is played by flesh, not machine. Soul, R&B feels warmer, sweatier, smoother on the c2600 (I can taste a hint of body oder). Jazz depends on the type. Voices, the reviews talk about hearing distortion, I don’t know, I almost always connect more with the C2600 voice than the d100. Classical— the flute is reproduced by the d100, but is played on the c2600 (I could believe a little detail is missing).
The recording flickered into my room as a “live performance" a little more often on the d100 (hey!), but the c2600 always seemed genuine whether or not the performance was in my room. My speakers/system just aren’t good enough for in-room performances.
The d100 was such a leap from the 30-year old Yamaha (CX1000, original owner) I was using. I think the MC452 from MX1000 was a much bigger change. d100 to c2600 was not a leap, but a step. I think I may like some characteristics of the R2R DAC in the Yamaha (should tell you something about my preferences). I like the c2600 DAC over the d100. Perhaps I’ll explore different DACs if I don’t end up living under a freeway from this purchase (so you see I needed to convince myself the c2600 was preferred by me). Still get fatigue from sessions.
I listened by connecting the d100 as a DAC on the c2600 and solo into the amp (but through, gasp, a men220). This was hard to switch. I tried an RCA switcher instead of balanced connectors I normally use, but the el-cheapo one I had didn’t work properly. So most of this is long term memory listening which really isn’t objective. I’ve listened without the men220 in line on the c2600, but am unsure what I was hearing because the room gets muddy, where I’m not sure what I’m listening to in terms of differences (perhaps room treatment some day). Surprisingly, I did hear differences with the men220 in the path, like Dan said I would, but didn’t expect to. Don’t know if its real or the power of $uggestion, but I’m happy, so get Aristotle points. Yes, I have Mcintosh speakers, which I suppose makes me an uber-fanboy. I was going for synergy with them to get the closer to that house sound I didn’t like in my youth, but associate with now. To quote the Telosians,”May you find your way as pleasant."
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