C48/50 vs C2300

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Mike.......I don't see how you could go wrong with the C2300/MC601 combination, then add the Wyred 4 Sound DAC2. That would put you right there.

+1

[Kalle Klovn]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Mike.......I am certain the new McIntosh C48 and C50 preamplifiers are spectacular performers, but I have reservations about the DAC's being install in a non-modular way that inhibits future DAC upgrades. This is the biggest benefit afforded by outboard DACs. They can be replaced without having to also part with an otherwise premium preamplifier. I like the concept of a preamp and DAC combination, I just wish McIntosh had designed the DAC as a modular board that would have allowed owners greater longevity with future advances in digital technology.

I was also initially put off by the onboard dac. After thinking about it for a while i changed my mind. I guess McIntosh is - like everybody else - forced to produce better value for money products in this "post financial crisis market". I believe the cost of including a dac in the pre is significantly less than building it on a stand alone basis - with a separate box. Also as more people is using more digital souces - the input selection needs to be done by the dac in any case. Hence one could either see the inclusion of a dac as a cheap ad on or that the c48/50 is a dac with volume control and a cost efficient inclusion of a mm/mc stage. either way it looks good value for money to me.

If the pre-amp is "better" than the dac - and therefore has a longer audiophile life (before and upgrade is meaningful), then just add a separate dac later. Then the initial small extra price paid for the onboard dacs have probably been good value for money. I am also becoming less worried about paying a few bucks for the dac as there has already been a significant improvement in this area over the last few years. I would guess that the law of diminishing marginal returns is coming more into effect also in this area.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by Ritmo

Karl -

I have been very interested in the new c48/50 for the same reason - good pre with good DAC built in. At this point; however, I don't want to compromise. Want the best possible line stage and will add a separate DAC.

By the way, welcome to AA!

Mike

I don't understand why you say going to the C50 would be a compromise versus the C2300?

Jim

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by Still-One

I don't understand why you say going to the C50 would be a compromise versus the C2300?

Jim

+1

I am already impressed with my C2300. She's breaking in nicely and getting smoother with a hint of tube bloom. I like it. I imagine the C50 would also be a stellar performer with more functionality. I wish I had multiple systems to set one up in .

[Ritmo]

Jim and Joe,

Interestingly, in retrospect, I probably shouldn't have use the word "compromise". I do consider the C48/50 to be really nice units. McIntosh is breaking new ground with these units and others are following - again, case in point is the Classe CP 800.

I did listen to the C48 a few weeks back and generally liked it. I then listened to the ARC LS27 in the same system and preferred the ARC. Others in AA then recommended I try the C2300 since it appears to have a "better" line stage architecture than the 48/50. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find a dealer in my part of the country with a 2300 ready for audition.

Thanks,
Mike

[1KW]

I am happy with my C2300 with a halide bridge to my MCD500 . A tube pre amp with the solid state 501's is very pleasing to the ear

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by 1KW

I am happy with my C2300 with a halide bridge to my MCD500 . A tube pre amp with the solid state 501's is very pleasing to the ear

David
How do you use a Halide Bridge from the MCD500 to the C2300? For the Bridge to "work" it requires a USB connection to get power.

JIm

[skunark]

Hello all, Sorry to piggy back on this thread, I don't have the powers to start a new one yet .

For a reference could someone describe how the C48/50 sound compares to the Bryston BP26? Also a reference to the C46 would be useful for me.

Sadly out of the two dealers I have access to in town, getting to audition a C48/50 will require me in purchasing it.. One dealer hasn't received it's demo or is always selling it ... and the other only sells the tube pre-amps.

There's so much going for the C48/50 that it intrigues me.

[jdandy]

skunark.......Welcome to Audio Aficionado.

[1KW]

Originally Posted by Still-One

David
How do you use a Halide Bridge from the MCD500 to the C2300? For the Bridge to "work" it requires a USB connection to get power.

JIm

The usb plugs into my computer then the coax connector plugs into my MCD500. I am using my computer with Pure Music software to listen to upscaled redbook and HD music downloads.