C2300 MC phono stage - what's better

[miner]

C2300 MC phono stage with Psvane tubes. Rega P9 with Lyra Delos MC. For $1500 can I better the Mc phono stage? Only other stage I have used in the past is a Graham Slee Era Gold with a Dynavecotr DV20XH into a Rotel RC-1082 phono stage (which, BTW, was not too bad). The McIntosh onboard was better than the GS to me so I sold it. Just wondering what I may be missing by not using a stand-alone MC stage.

[f1 fan]

miner...I would venture to say your gonna have to spend some cash to get a better phono stage than the 2300 has. Unless your into swapping cartridges and their loadings, another set of interconnects and power cord (unless it's battery powered) can get pricey. The 2300 is a great pre with a wonderful phono stage. You've got a great system, I'd save the cash and buy more vinyl. Keep us posted.

Dave

[1KW]

I am very happy with the MC phono stage in the C2300. Spend the money on a good MC cartridge.

[f1 fan]

+1

Dave

[RoadDawgWest]

When I don't listen using a flat phono stage & Pure Vinyl RIAA Equalization. I usually fall back on the MC2300 phono stage versus some of my expensive separate phono stages. I agree with the other posts that I would put that money into a cartridge or more vinyl.

[miner]

Originally Posted by 1KW

I am very happy with the MC phono stage in the C2300. Spend the money on a good MC cartridge.

I have to say i believe the Lyra Delos is a pretty $amn good MC cartridge - I venture to say tough to beat for the $1500 range. That is my limit for something that will wear out after some use.

[JDCheek]

So I recently was finally able to combine several of my systems into one that I am getting great pleasure from. But I do have a problem with space, and now have all digital components in a cabinet and the Analog in another. My question is this, Would the phono stage in an C-2300 excel over my Fosgate signature tube phono stage through the C-2200?
I tried the Sota TT directly into the C-2200. Good, but not as good as the Fosgate. Thoughts?

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by JDCheek

So I recently was finally able to combine several of my systems into one that I am getting great pleasure from. But I do have a problem with space, and now have all digital components in a cabinet and the Analog in another. My question is this, Would the phono stage in an C-2300 excel over my Fosgate signature tube phono stage through the C-2200?
I tried the Sota TT directly into the C-2200. Good, but not as good as the Fosgate. Thoughts?

Jim.......I hear the gears whirring from here. A C2300 is a step up over the C2200 in my opinion. I have owned them both at the same time, and put them head to head. For me, the C2300 delivered more resolution, and improved dynamics. I did not audition the MC phono stage of the C2300 because I didn't have a MC cartridge, but comparing the MM phono stages put the C2300 on top.

If you want someone to talk you out of upgrading to the C2300 you are talking to the wrong guy. I think the C2300 is the best single box tube preamp McIntosh has ever manufactured. I have recommended the C2300 to a number of people who purchased one. No one has been disappointed.

[j3brow]

Originally Posted by miner

I have to say i believe the Lyra Delos is a pretty $amn good MC cartridge - I venture to say tough to beat for the $1500 range. That is my limit for something that will wear out after some use.

Absolutely. The Lyra Delos has recieved many positive reviews. I agree that it would be hard to beat it at an excellent price point with the latest technology from Lyra. Me, I have been itching to hear a Lyra Kleos on my table after a 'industry' friend installed one on a customers table - same configuration as mine - and he was blown away with the results. VPI and Lyra supposed to have great synergy together, yin n yang balance type of thing.

Back to the original question, I agree with the others. I think you would have to spend a lot more than $1500 to improve on the phonostage inside the C2300. Before the C2300, I was listening to the Simaudio LP5.3 phonostage. This unit sold for $1400. The C2300 was the clear winner in my shootout. Jettisoned the Sim piece to Agon. My experience is MM only.

I wouldn't be concerned running a high end MC cartridge thru the C2300 phono either. Harry Pearson's TAS review of the C2300 including listening to VPI Classic with a $6000 MC cartridge thru the C2300 phono - HP had a minor quibble - but otherwise spoke well of the capabilities of the phono, certainly didn't embarrass itself.

When you consider out board phono, interconnect, and power cord, I wage you could easily spend $5000 to improve the sound of your analog rig. I recommend sticking with the C2300, buying more vinyl, and if you want to improve the sound move up the Lyra line. Titan would deserve a better stage, but anything else is fair game for the C2300. IMO.

[j3brow]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Jim.......I hear the gears whirring from here. A C2300 is a step up over the C2200 in my opinion. I have owned them both at the same time, and put them head to head. For me, the C2300 delivered more resolution, and improved dynamics. I did not audition the MC phono stage of the C2300 because I didn't have a MC cartridge, but comparing the MM phono stages put the C2300 on top.

If you want someone to talk you out of upgrading to the C2300 you are talking to the wrong guy. I think the C2300 is the best single box tube preamp McIntosh has ever manufactured. I have recommended the C2300 to a number of people who purchased one. No one has been disappointed.

Truth.