New C55 and C2800 preamps

[miner]

$9K is what I paid for my open box, never used C1100 last Aug. inflation has smacked high-end audio hard.

[Maks]

The C2700 had a $8,000 MSRP when it came out in 2019 so from that comparison, not too horrible I suppose. 9k for an unused C1100 is a very nice deal.

[McMan]

Originally Posted by Maks

The C2700 had a $8,000 MSRP when it came out in 2019 so from that comparison, not too horrible I suppose. 9k for an unused C1100 is a very nice deal.

Awesome Deal! Congrats!

[audiogear]

Gorgeous classics!

[McMan]

I am interested in the new innovative outputs. The following is from Mc.

INNOVATIVE OUTPUTS FOR PERSONALIZED LISTENING
Offering advanced connection flexibility, there are 3 stereo sets of variable balanced and unbalanced outputs to connect the C2800 to your power amplifier(s). All sets of outputs can be active simultaneously, and each can send the audio signal from the source component to 3 separate audio systems.

Bi-amping a single speaker system can be accomplished using the Main output and Output 1 and their built-in adjustable High Pass and Low Pass filters. In this configuration, the High Pass outputs could be connected to a vacuum tube amplifier, and the Low Pass outputs could be connected to a solid-state amplifier. Then the adjustable crossover would let you optimize the performance of your amplifiers to your speaker’s specifications and to your listening preferences. Output 1 offers trim level control, which allows two different amplifiers to be volume balanced when bi-amping.
Additionally, Output 2 can be configured as either mono or stereo to allow it to send audio signal to a stereo audio system in another room, to a single mono subwoofer, or to 2 separate stereo subwoofers

[piolaxo]

Originally Posted by McMan

I am interested in the new innovative outputs. The following is from Mc.

INNOVATIVE OUTPUTS FOR PERSONALIZED LISTENING
Offering advanced connection flexibility, there are 3 stereo sets of variable balanced and unbalanced outputs to connect the C2800 to your power amplifier(s). All sets of outputs can be active simultaneously, and each can send the audio signal from the source component to 3 separate audio systems.

Bi-amping a single speaker system can be accomplished using the Main output and Output 1 and their built-in adjustable High Pass and Low Pass filters. In this configuration, the High Pass outputs could be connected to a vacuum tube amplifier, and the Low Pass outputs could be connected to a solid-state amplifier. Then the adjustable crossover would let you optimize the performance of your amplifiers to your speaker’s specifications and to your listening preferences. Output 1 offers trim level control, which allows two different amplifiers to be volume balanced when bi-amping.
Additionally, Output 2 can be configured as either mono or stereo to allow it to send audio signal to a stereo audio system in another room, to a single mono subwoofer, or to 2 separate stereo subwoofers

This is a cool feature rarely seen in other products/brands, if at all.
It gives more flexibility and options when connecting gear to customize
settings.

[McMan]

McIntosh offers some incredibly powerful stereo amplifiers. I wondered about the improvements that might be had with a setup with dual MC1502.

An MC1502 for each speaker with highs on one channel and lows on another, and subs on output 2.

Another thought is replacing the Mc1502 with the Mc462 and having even more power on hand.

I wonder what one would hear with this kind of setup rather than just sending the entire frequency to the amp and letting the speakers crossover figure it out.

[Barsur]

I am dissapointed. It is the same like in the last 15 years. And I am not buying anymore preamps without build in streamer.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by McMan

Awesome Deal! Congrats!

I think the new gear is great and very reasonably priced. The current C-53 is going for $8,500. I would not be trading in my C-53 if I owned one for the sonics of the new preamps. But there are many other reasons to trade. Mac can hold prices down because they sell at larger scale by an order of magnitude than smaller manufacturers. I think these prices truly excellent and I think the new preamps will sound superb. They are beautiful. I think it's the implementation around the DAC that is most important to the sonics. I don't think a new DA3 module upgrade is necessary at this time. We need to be thankful that we are not yet seeing massive price increases as there have been with other manufacturers. The new preamps are stunning if you are in the market for a new preamp.: yes:

Best

Charles

[aclearspot]

Anybody know when these will start to ship ?