C-47 vs. C2600

[Timobi]

Originally Posted by akitared

So I had the opportunity to compare the C2600 with a C52 powered by a MC452 today.

I listened to the C2600 first, it was ordered in just for me and had approximately 20 hours on the tubes, then I switched to the C52 which, I was informed had a good 200 hours or so on it.

I was amazed by the liquidity of the C2600, all sources were via USB with and Aries server and Tidal Streams.

The C2600 gave me a real sense of organic sound, highly musical and very enjoyable.

I then switched to the C52, the sound was immediate, a great deal more impact and dynamism yet ever so slightly etched, in the best possible sense but still not as fluid as the C2600.

I paid for the MC452 &C2600 combo and await delivery later this month.

I truly believe I would be happy with either preamp, but I have a desire to play with tubes and it was such small margins that ultimately became the deciding factor. [emoji4]

This post kind of nails my initial findings. Disclaimer: The new c2600 was just plugged in...so zero warm up. Well I did leave it on for about 15 minutes before playing. Another disclaimer. I also switched from several happy years of Audioquest King Cobras RCA to Audioquest Water XLRs. Those have DBS thus in theory not really needing the break in like normal cables? Not sure. King Cobras have that reputation for being very balanced. Water is a reasonably new line for AQ so just not sure what their 'sound' is.

I lived with my c47 for about 6 months or so. My immediate thoughts on the c2600 were I lost some of the big slam I had with the c47-MC452. But it was also a little bit in your face too and at times fatiguing. But I found myself wanting to turn up the volume on the tube preamp.

I can tell already the smoother top end is there. I like that. But when you go from all kinds of detail or LOL what you tell yourself is detail to a bit more laid back sound for me it was like "hmm was this worth the $3000 upgrade? "

But I played some more vinyl. Liking it...and knowing this will keep breaking in and warming up.

I have a new console for the gear so I unplugged the SACD and the Sony HAP so I can't play digital until I get it back assembled.

Very quick impressions: Pros Warmer yes; pleasant yes:
What I found myself missing? Was the sheer immediacy that I got accustomed too.

Time will tell.

Lets face it. Like many here have said. The c47 and c52 are awesome. Wow. Like awesome. The best of their SS preamps. So the differences are not going to be huge. And the other factor is expectations. We expect to be blown away with upgrades. When in reality just about all of these McIntosh components are first rate.

Going to keep listening and playing great music. I'll post some more impressions in a few days of more intense listening.

[Sea music]

Timobi, I felt the same way when I borrowed a C22 for three days. They did not have the C2600 in yet and I wanted to hear the tubes. As soon as I plugged the
C47 back in I realized how much I liked the tube sound. I then ordered the C2600 because I wanted and needed the DAC. I think you will find the more you
use it the better it will sound. Congratulations and I agree they are all great preamps just different.

[krustycat]

Also remember, the tubes need about 200 hrs to reach the full potential.

[Timobi]

Very true ^

Thanks guys for the tips. I agree. Already in day 3 of limited use I am liking. Hooked up the Sony HAP and letting it rip

[Timobi]

Ok question. The top glass area above the tubes is pretty warm. I'm assuming thats ok!

Tube Virgin here.

[rjryan]

Originally Posted by Timobi

Ok question. The top glass area above the tubes is pretty warm. I'm assuming thats ok!

Tube Virgin here.

As long as you've got decent ventilation, you'll be fine. My C2600 also runs quite a bit warmer than
my C47 did. No worries! Nature of the beast.

[rjryan]

Originally Posted by Timobi

Very true ^

Thanks guys for the tips. I agree. Already in day 3 of limited use I am liking. Hooked up the Sony HAP and letting it rip

[emoji16]

[Timobi]

Maybe its just the Tubes but the Phono Stage in the C2600 does indeed seem like its fuller and larger than the one in the C47.

[rjryan]

Originally Posted by Timobi

Maybe its just the Tubes but the Phono Stage in the C2600 does indeed seem like its fuller and larger than the one in the C47.

I can confirm that, based on my impressions. I wasn't able to A/B, but I did play my C47 for an hour or so on am sources before swapping in the C2600. My observation was the same as yours. Just way more spacious all the way around, in my system.

[rjryan]

Quick update:

After putting nearly 150 hours on my C2600 I feel like I'm starting to get a glimpse of its full potential. It has undergone quite a change in the last 8 hours in terms of clarity, depth and space around instruments and voices. I'm still a REALLY happy owner. This was absolutely the right call for my system.