С2300 vs C47

[Eisener Bart]

Gents, I need your advice.

I have opportunity to buy C2300 or C47. Both PreAmps are in mint condition.
As I understood - both model can control 4 channels (I want to organize vertical bi-amping).

Question: is it big difference in transparency between these 2 models?

Thank you in advance.

[eedork]

But I just purchased a C52 and can confirm that the DAC is very, very nice. If you are planning to use digital sources, I would go with the C47 because it has the same excellent on-board DAC as the C52 whereas the C2300 has none. To get the same capabilities in the C2300 you'd have to purchase a D150 to go with it, which would end up costing significantly more than a C47.

-Matt

[Eisener Bart]

Originally Posted by eedork

But I just purchased a C52 and can confirm that the DAC is very, very nice. If you are planning to use digital sources, I would go with the C47 because it has the same excellent on-board DAC as the C52 whereas the C2300 has none. To get the same capabilities in the C2300 you'd have to purchase a D1150 to go with it, which would end up costing significantly more than a C47.

-Matt

Yes, Matt, you're right. Despite I have AMR DP-777 (excellent DAC, but it doesn't work with DSD files) there is good reason to add McIntosh CD/SACD Transport later.

But the question was about transparency. I don't believe that nobody on AA never make direct comparing.

[rjryan]

Originally Posted by Eisener Bart

Yes, Matt, you're right. Despite I have AMR DP-777 (excellent DAC, but it doesn't work with DSD files) there is good reason to add McIntosh CD/SACD Transport later.



But the question was about transparency. I don't believe that nobody on AA never make direct comparing.

I've not heard the C2300, but have recently upgraded to the C2600. The 2600 is based on both the C 2300 and 2500. To me, it is equally transparent as the C47 with a better soundstage, sweeter mids and more defined low end.

If the C2300 is even close, I'd go that direction and, perhaps, add a D150. It really depends on what source (s) you prefer. This setup is easy for me to advocate for, since my system is weighted to the vinyl side [emoji846]

[audioguy3107]

Dan may want to chime in here since he's such a big advocate of the C2300, but I can tell you it's the best preamp I've ever had in my system, it's been the perfect combination of smooth and detailed, absolutely no complaints from this owner! I believe Dan considers it the best single box preamp McIntosh has ever produced. I haven't had any experience with their newer models with the integrated DACs, so if that is a consideration, that could sway you in one direction or another, but for an analog guy like myself, it's fantastic.

- Buck

[jdandy]

Sergio.......The McIntosh C2300 is a wonderfully transparent tube preamplifier. It is revealing without being aggressive, responds beautifully to tube rolling, provides a wide array of analog inputs and outputs, as well as a long list of user conveniences. I have used my C2300 with various McIntosh power amplifiers that included the MC275, MC352, MC501's, MC601's, and now use it to drive an MC452. In all cases the C2300 delivers a perfectly clear, resolving, believable performance. With the right tubes the moving coil phono stage is quiet, resolving, and accurate.

I have not had an opportunity to compare the C2300 to the solid state C47 preamplifier. By all accounts that I have read, the C47 is also a remarkable performer with the convenience on an onboard DAC. It is positioned as the new entry level solid state preamplifier in the McIntosh catalog. My preference is for a preamplifier to be strictly an analog component so the C2300 fits that requirement perfectly for me.

If you want an analog tube preamplifier, you cannot go wrong with the C2300. If you want a solid state preamplifier that includes a decent DAC that includes DSD, the C47 will most likely make you happy.

Would I sell my C2300 for a C47? No way.

[GeAllan70]

"If you want an analog tube preamplifier, you cannot go wrong with the C2300. If you want a solid state preamplifier that includes a decent DAC that includes DSD, the C47 will most likely make you happy."

I concur

Would I sell my C22 for a C47?

[Eisener Bart]

Tubey guys as usually. )))

[scapa]

I'd go with the C2300 here. I enjoyed my audition of the C47 but you've already got a very find DAC, and the C2300 is a fabulous preamp. Dan's characterization above is spot-on. It's a rare combination of hear-through transparency and tonal beauty that provides for a musical experience that is intoxicating, even long-term (I have the C22, which is either a re-boxed or re-boxed and tweaked 2300). Go with the tubes, say I.

[Grasshopper]

I love my c2300 paired with my new/used d100.

I see no need for the d150 as I don't have interest in dsd.

I appreciate the savings, and I can upgrade the dac later if needed.

I also think having a classic tube preamp helps smooth out digital music for less than perfect recordings.