D1100 or C52

[brownbear]

McIntosh told me the C47 and C52 are the same except for the meters and EQ, so I think I can comment here. I had the C47 and upgraded to the D1100 and the difference is not subtle. Much bigger soundstage and a lot more detail in the sounds of the instruments. Methinks it's more than just the DAC that differentiates the two.

[rottikid]

I had the C47 and upgraded to the C52. There is a big difference in sound quality. The C52 is much better. I suggest you listen to both. If you need Passthru for Home Theater I highly recommend the C52. Good Luck

[akitared]

Originally Posted by rottikid

I had the C47 and upgraded to the C52. There is a big difference in sound quality. The C52 is much better. I suggest you listen to both. If you need Passthru for Home Theater I highly recommend the C52. Good Luck

I also needed a 2 channel preamp with HT bypass. I auditioned both the C52 and the C2600 with a MC452, both had their own distinct personalities, in the end the tubes won me over but I know for sure that I could happily live with either.

I have subsequently added an external dac, Mytek Brooklyn DAC+, this is not to say that the C2600 DAC was deficient, moreso my primary driver was full MQA decoding and DSD playback. The Mytek still runs through the C2600 and all it’s Tube glory 🤪

[Piatnik]

I am looking to correctly feed my MC452. I actually have a Naim DAC V1. I am looking for the "best" McIntosh Solid State Preamp. I only have digital source at the the moment. Would the D1100 be the best thing to feed my amp or should it be in DAC only mode through a C52 or C47?

Any advice?

Thanks!

[Jdsmoke]

Originally Posted by mati1979

C52 + External DAC

Dacs change quickly. I would do this

[ps7256]

I agree, C52 although it has a decent DAC, I would consider a PS Audio Direct Stream DAC.

[krustycat]

Dan posted his review for a DAC that he is in love with considering the price.

[btn2803]

Originally Posted by ps7256

I agree, C52 although it has a decent DAC, I would consider a PS Audio Direct Stream DAC.

Hi,

I am also in the process of looking for a pre-amp with a good DAC, and considering C52 and PS Audio Direct Stream. I am mostly digital so am more leaning toward the PS Audio Direct Stream which has good reviews from AA forum and HiFi mags. My understanding is that the PS Audio DS DAC is software upgrade-able so I think it would have a "new" DAC each time you upgrade/upload the software.

I currently use the Marantz 8805A as pre-amp/surround processor, and I am thinking to add the PS Audio DS as DAC and connect it to the Oppo 205 via its digital Coax, and then XLR from PS Audio DS to XLR of the 8805A for 2 channel music. I also have the Oppo connected via HDMI to the Marantz for movies. Eventually, I would like to add a music server (Aurender?) to the mix and connect it to the PS Audio DS.

What do you guys think and/or have recommendation about this set up for both 2-channel music, and movies?

Thanks.

[Ruger2]

I currently utilize a C-52 and PS Audio Direct Stream DAC w/Bridge II. I love this configuration and the continued support from PS Audio is beyond compare.
Within the next week or so there is a new update called "Snowmass" available to us.
Previously I was utilizing a D150 and I heard a dramatic improved from my MCT450 SACD library playing through the C-52. Just my .02 worth.

[j3brow]

Originally Posted by Ruger2

I currently utilize a C-52 and PS Audio Direct Stream DAC w/Bridge II. I love this configuration and the continued support from PS Audio is beyond compare.

Within the next week or so there is a new update called "Snowmass" available to us.

Previously I was utilizing a D150 and I heard a dramatic improved from my MCT450 SACD library playing through the C-52. Just my .02 worth.

That is interesting. I don’t have any experience with either C52 or D150 .... I guess I assumed the two dacs would be similar.