D1100 or C52

[Jdsmoke]

Personally, I would go with a C22 and Ivan’s deal on the PS Audio Dac. But you have to like tubes for this combo.

[Ruger2]

Originally Posted by j3brow

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

My thoughts were the same prior to the purchase of the C-52. Not on a campaign here (for the C-52) but I also love the built in EQ. I normally keep it in bypass but some of the older recordings have trouble reaching my hearing aids. To that end I have put my MEN-220 in a different system.

[btn2803]

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.

Thanks. Do you observe/hear improvement with each update to the PS Audio DAC? Also, did you do compare the DAC in PS Audio Direct Stream versus to the one in C52, and if so, what are your thoughts?

[btn2803]

Ivan has a special promo on the PS Audio Direct Stream tonight, and I cannot resist so put in the order of Direct Stream + Bridge II. Can’t wait to have it in my system. Thanks Ivan for the great promo!

[Ruger2]

Originally Posted by btn2803

Thanks. Do you observe/hear improvement with each update to the PS Audio DAC? Also, did you do compare the DAC in PS Audio Direct Stream versus to the one in C52, and if so, what are your thoughts?

To answer your first question, yes I have heard an improvement in TC from each update. Be advised the DAC requires about 400 hours break-in for full maturity.
I did test the DAC as a pre-amp the sound was a little harsh to my liking. I'm and old guy I prefer the knobs on the C52 as opposed to the remote functions. The C-52 does have a smoother more robust sound quality all around that sounds great to me.
Thx Sid

[btn2803]

Thanks Sid. How do you use the C52 and PS Audio in your system (connect to MCT450 or other music streamer) for music listening (SACD/CD, Streaming)? I currently have an Oppo 205 and plan to use it as transport connecting to the PS Audio via Coax, and then to the Marantz 8805A via XLR. Down the road, I may be interested in the C52 and/or a music server. Thanks.

[med_designer]

For what is is worth I went from a D150 to a C47 to a D1100. Considered the C52 during the D150 update but for one reason or another while it is perfectly fine - it was just that, perfectly fine. With the upgrade program I was able to upgrade the C47 to a D1100.

Without question the sound quality of the D1100 is nothing short of excellent and in many ways not subtle. Using an MCT450 for SACD/CD over the DIN connection I have been amazed how good well played and loved music sounds. The DAC chip and associated digital electronics is only part of the story. The analog stages are equally important and must be part of the secret sauce to make the D1100 sound as good as it does.

Unless you have a clear need for the 16 inputs and EQ on a C52 I would take a close look at the D1100. My next McIntosh purchase may be a MP1100 to feed the D1100 a digital signal. I am building custom Linn LP12 and since it will need a preamp this looks like to be a good way to go.


I have started a write up of the D1100 if anyone is interested. If you have an specific questions you may like answered let me know and I will do my best to chime in.

[btn2803]

The reason I am contemplating the C52 is because it has a hometheater passthrough and I want to integrate it with my existing surround processor. I do not believe the D1100 has a hometheater passthrough option.

[rottikid]

That is the same reason I chose the C52 for the Passthru to my Marantz Surround Processor. The C52 an Excellent Preamp and the DAC is really, really good. You won’t be disappointed with the C52.

[Ruger2]

Originally Posted by btn2803

Thanks Sid. How do you use the C52 and PS Audio in your system (connect to MCT450 or other music streamer) for music listening (SACD/CD, Streaming)? I currently have an Oppo 205 and plan to use it as transport connecting to the PS Audio via Coax, and then to the Marantz 8805A via XLR. Down the road, I may be interested in the C52 and/or a music server. Thanks.

I use a direct connection from the PS DAC to BAL 1 input on the C-52. RCA from the PS DAC XLR. The Bride II is connected via LAN cable for Tidal HiFi/Roon for streaming. The MCT450 is connected to the C-52 via the McIntosh factory cable for SACD/CD playback.

Happy for you taking the leap to the PS Audio product and there is no better person to do business with than Masterlu/Ivan