Adding a C500 (or C1000) to a MX-122

[ChicagoDog]

Someone made the comment on a different posting of mine that they noticed I had an excellent system...except for the fact that I didn't have a 2 channel pre-amp. I originally had ideas to acquire an all "1000" system...but since I just bought this MX-122 and I have an MDA1000 as well....does anyone see any sonic advantage by adding a c500 or c1000? I think it would be redundant right? I don't plan on adding any more sources that either the mda or the mx-122 couldn't handle. I think adding either of those would just be a waste of money? Thoughts??

[leftside]

Redundant. I sold an excellent C2300 as I only had one source in that room (and no turntable). Your MDA1000 and MX122 will be fine.

[W9TR]

The MX 122 digitizes every input with its internal DAC. You can't bypass them. Adding an analog preamp allows you to eliminate this A/D and D/A conversion process. That in my view is a good thing.

But you'll have to decide if it makes enough of a sonic difference to justify the cost.

Tom

[Msegal]

The improvement provided by a C500, C1000 or C1100 will be significant with two channel audio. Especially with phono, outboard DAC or other analog sources.

The HT pre/pro are not nearly as quiet as the dedicated two channel preamps. Additionally the tubes will provide a richer sound (if that is what you desire).
Finally, the two box McIntosh preamps are balanced with separation of the power supply and noisy digital bits. They are a clear step above and he C2300,2500 or 2600.

[ChicagoDog]

Originally Posted by W9TR

The MX 122 digitizes every input with its internal DAC. You can't bypass them. Adding an analog preamp allows you to eliminate this A/D and D/A conversion process. That in my view is a good thing.

But you'll have to decide if it makes enough of a sonic difference to justify the cost.

Tom

I was assured by McIntosh that the MX 122 has a feature to allow for the ability to completely bypass its internal dac.

[edward3132]

The MX122 does have a dedicated pure audio mode that bypasses internal processing.

With that said, a MX122 will not be even close to the sound you would get from a dedicated stereo pre-amp, no matter which one you choose.

It all comes down to how important is 2 channel music to you.

[W9TR]

The MX 122 has a feature to bypass the internal signal processing, correct, but the internal A/D and D/A are still in circuit. That is what I was able to research. If that is truly incorrect then I'll stand corrected. McIntosh has been pretty cagey about the difference.
Tom

[ChicagoDog]

Originally Posted by edward3132

The MX122 does have a dedicated pure audio mode that bypasses internal processing.

With that said, a MX122 will not be even close to the sound you would get from a dedicated stereo pre-amp, no matter which one you choose.

It all comes down to how important is 2 channel music to you.

I guess for now, my dedicated stereo pre-amp is my MDA1000 going into the mx122.... I don't have any cables yet and this is still all a work in progress It's all unboxed and in a cabinet at least...but still messing with that too. Wife is getting pissed. Oh well! LOL

[Msegal]

Originally Posted by ChicagoDog

I guess for now, my dedicated stereo pre-amp is my MDA1000 going into the mx122.... I don't have any cables yet and this is still all a work in progress It's all unboxed and in a cabinet at least...but still messing with that too. Wife is getting pissed. Oh well! LOL

A stereo preamp would need to go after the MX-122.

[leftside]

Big difference when using Pure Audio vs going thru the internal DAC on the MX121 so I presume the same with the MX122. I tried Pure Audio vs also going thru my C2300 and C500 and could hear hardly any differnce. Changing the source - I.e external DAC - made much more of a difference.