Quote:
Originally Posted by Cohibaman
I wouldn’t write the C1100 off until you try it with a few different tubes. In this hobby, superior and inferior is a matter of opinion and sometimes splitting hairs. 
I’m not sure which tubes your running, but more than likely, they’re either Russian or Chinese McIntosh stock tubes. They are ok, but not great and there’s plenty of other choices out there.
I hope others will chime in with their experience with the C1100 and tube rolling. |
Quote:
Originally Posted by PHC1
I would not be surprised one bit if the phonostages are shared across multiple McIntosh products. Very unlikely they would spend the effort on separate designs. Of course the stand alone units offer separate power supplies and better protection from the nearby stages in one box integrated devices but overall I'd say anyone trying to pinpoint the actual difference would have to rely on the typical "audiophile imagination"  |
The C1100 is a great preamp. I agree with the others that McIntosh makes a very good phono preamp that is likely applied cross-platform.
While I have listened to the Zesto preamps (and they are very good), I strongly urge the OP to try a few NOS Telefunken or RCA tubes before spending a small fortune on a new phonostage. I have experienced time and again how tube rolling can make an enormous difference in how a component sounds. Anyway, JMHO.