Spend my money and some silly questions...

[Thebenz]

Originally Posted by eziggy

If you have a DAC that you like you could just get a streamer like a Bluesound Node. No need to use Roon they have a decent app I hear. The Bluenode has its own DAC too as well as digital outs. There are higher end alternatives as well.

Roon may be overkill unless you want to centralize access to all your music. You would need a Roon server running (local computer or dedicated device) and a compatible streamer endpoint (which could also be a computer + dac) connected to your audio system. You then use a mobile or desktop app to control that endpoint and others you have around the house centrally.

Why do you want to sell the MC300? Anything specific you don’t like about it? May help you figure what’s next. You could get a preamp and other gear then see how it works with the MC300 before changing. If you are currently using the Pioneer receiver as your preamp then getting a dedicated 2ch preamp will probably change things noticeably. Maybe start there and see how the MC300 works for you.

This is probably what I will do initially, since like you said i already have a decent amp. I just wanted a more modern amp with modern inputs etc. One thing the wife always complains about is that its too difficult to turn on the stereo and listen to what she wants; therefore, she never listens to the system. Granted I do not have any triggers setup right now but, ease of use is something else.

The C47 is the way I am leaning, just looking for someone to convince me to get the C50; however, the C2500 might meet what I'm looking for as well.

[damacman]

A C2500 or C2600 paired with your MC300 may be all you'll ever need ... And yeah, plug in the trigger cord to make it easy on the misses.

[Thebenz]

I noticed a bunch of issues that the C2500 had a few years back. Did all of that get resolved with the unit or is it still lingering around?

[W9TR]

If I recall correctly the issues were around the onboard DAC and have been resolved with firmware updates.

[Thebenz]

I've seen some arguments on here between the C50 and C2500. Neither seem to win over the other; however, it seems the 2500 gets the most attention in sound quality. Does anyone know if a side by side comparison of these 2 exists? Not just a list of specs but also a user comparison?

[Bob Bubeck]

Originally Posted by Thebenz

I've seen some arguments on here between the C50 and C2500. Neither seem to win over the other; however, it seems the 2500 gets the most attention in sound quality. Does anyone know if a side by side comparison of these 2 exists? Not just a list of specs but also a user comparison?

Back when I made the controlled comparison roughly four years ago, the C2500 sounded 'more musical' to me with a decidedly richer midrange and sweeter upper midrange compared to the C50 (e.g., massed strings). The deep base is a bit better with the C50 when using the phono stages. The v1.03 firmware update successfully dealt with any minor issues I had. Verify that the update (version may be viewed in the digital display) has been done or will be done, if you are purchasing from a McIntosh dealer. My sample of the C2500 has been great and is currently mated with an MC462.

Hope this helps. YMMV.

Bob

[John Jordan]

As a previous owner of a C 2500, I concur with Bob.
The 2500 had a smoother, more pleasing sound (to my ears) than its solid state equivalent.
The difference stood right out after switching from one to the other.
Version 1.03 did resolve lock up issues in the USB section of its DAC.

[krustycat]

I love my c2500.

[Thebenz]

Looks like I need to begin the search for a C2500!

[torxx]

Your mc300 is well reviewed and looks to be around 20 years old. I replaced my older MC 2150 from the 80’s with an MC 452 and then added a C2500 shortly after. The 2150 had the old tiny speaker connector screws and a fixed lamp cord size power cord. The new amp was night and day improvement in holographic type sound. Better in every possible way. the difference probably would not be that pronounced for you, but, would be a good step up in sound if I had to guess? I didn’t get to compare pre amps and took a leap of faith with the c2500 with no regret. Currently waiting for mb50 streamer to replace a bluesound node 2i and hoping for some streaming sq improvements.