New C55 and C2800 preamps

[benmoree]

Right on schedule

https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/brand/n...-preamplifiers

[FreddieFerric]

New models that are still using the last models DAC. I'm scratching my head on that one. They'll probably introduce a DA3 in six months for an upgrade price of ~ $2,500.

[Maks]

I have to say now that they've brought back the processor loop I am strongly considering one of these to replace my C2300 + DAC. I wish it wasn't hidden in the trim menu, but at least it's there.

[Maks]

Originally Posted by FreddieFerric

New models that are still using the last models DAC. I'm scratching my head on that one. They'll probably introduce a DA3 in six months for an upgrade price of ~ $2,500.

I don't use my DAC for much beyond the basics, are there common digital formats that the DA2 doesn't support that would require a DA3?

[UFTE]

Curious to see the Connect App, and if it will work on the C2700, other components, etc....

NETWORK CONNECTED FOR CONTROL AND UPDATES

In addition to using the included remote control or the front panel controls, the C2800 can be connected to your network which will unlock control options offered through our complimentary Connect app (scheduled to be available April 2024). Designed for both Android and Apple devices, the Connect app can be used to control key functions of the C2800 including Volume control as well as Input and Output selection

[Maks]

Originally Posted by UFTE

Curious to see the Connect App, and if it will work on the C2700, other components, etc....

NETWORK CONNECTED FOR CONTROL AND UPDATES

In addition to using the included remote control or the front panel controls, the C2800 can be connected to your network which will unlock control options offered through our complimentary Connect app (scheduled to be available April 2024). Designed for both Android and Apple devices, the Connect app can be used to control key functions of the C2800 including Volume control as well as Input and Output selection

I don't see how it would work on the C2700 or any other Mc device that doesn't have an ethernet port.

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by Maks

I don't use my DAC for much beyond the basics, are there common digital formats that the DA2 doesn't support that would require a DA3?

I doubt that's the case. To me it's the belief that the one area where audio is evolving at an ever acceleration pace is in the digital domain. Chip sets improve constantly. Certainly they have to be a lot better today than just 5 years ago.

I would also envision a DA3 module to offer built in bluetooth or wireless streaming capability since that is the direction the digital world seems to be gravitating toward.

It just strikes me odd that Mc brings out "New" preamps that didn't offer a significant upgrade to the digital section of the unit. Weird.

[Maks]

Yeah, I don't disagree w/the digital improvement, but at the same time, the analog section is important as well. At the end of the day, 16/44 decoding has to be at its zenith after decades of DACs. Without getting into a major DAC debate here, I have/had over the years the D100, 2 W4S DACs, used the built-in MCD500 DAC and probably others, I wouldn't say I've found massive differences in those for 16/44 content. Some people here even prefer the much older MDA1000.

[jfray]

I like the subwoofer function with cross over which my MEN220 is doing now. If C55 had room correction that would be awesome.

[McMan]

Originally Posted by Maks

Yeah, I don't disagree w/the digital improvement, but at the same time, the analog section is important as well. At the end of the day, 16/44 decoding has to be at its zenith after decades of DACs. Without getting into a major DAC debate here, I have/had over the years the D100, 2 W4S DACs, used the built-in MCD500 DAC and probably others, I wouldn't say I've found massive differences in those for 16/44 content. Some people here even prefer the much older MDA1000.

I was surprised when I finally compared the C48 DAC to the Schitt. I preferred the C48. Given all the reviews, I assumed the Schiit Audio Yggdrasil would be better, but I ultimately prefer the DAC in the C48.

I was happy to see the updated model.